Bibliophiles rejoice! Renowned New Yorker reporter Susan Orlean has written something just for us! The Library Book is the perfect choice for all those who love books about books.It is probable that many people have never even heard of the Los Angeles Public Library fire of 1986. This was a fire that had disastrous consequences, with hundreds of thousands of books destroyed and several more thousand damaged. Arson was immediately suspected, and Orlean spends a fair amount of time diving into the background of the prime suspect, along with his trial. However, this is just one part The Library Book. Along with the investigation, Orlean also effortlessly weaves chapters about the history of the library itself with the institution in modern day. If you've ever wanted to know what it's like to take on such a monumental undertaking as the Los Angelic Public Library system, it's all in here.
Orlean goes to great lengths to explain that a library is so much more than just books. All people are welcomed to take advantage of everything it has to offer, from computer access to just getting out of the cold. This is a wonderful love letter to libraries everywhere.
MY RATING - 4
