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scuba888's review against another edition
5.0
Really loved this one! As a book lover, library dweller, and non fiction junkie, I wanted it to last.
jenmangler's review against another edition
4.0
I got this book as a birthday present, and what a terrific present it was! I loved reading this book and enjoyed every single minute of it. If you love books, if you hear the word "library" and think of all the wonderful hours you've spent there throughout your life, you're going to really enjoy this book.
walinchus's review against another edition
5.0
This is a great book about the power of libraries, and how one library got over the biggest tragedy in its history.
In the end, the author is frustrated that she can never know what started the fire. But I think it's kind of poetic and goes with the theme. Like libraries, we can never know everything. It's all about the search for knowledge.
There's also a long discussion on how libraries have grown and changed over the years. And how they are more popular than ever even with the internet. And I agree with all the author's sentiments. But I think she also misses the psychological effect that libraries have on us. They encourage the free exchange of ideas, which is a core American value.
In the end, the author is frustrated that she can never know what started the fire. But I think it's kind of poetic and goes with the theme. Like libraries, we can never know everything. It's all about the search for knowledge.
There's also a long discussion on how libraries have grown and changed over the years. And how they are more popular than ever even with the internet. And I agree with all the author's sentiments. But I think she also misses the psychological effect that libraries have on us. They encourage the free exchange of ideas, which is a core American value.
wendywbooksareawesome's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.75
elaineb_reads's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
I enjoyed reading this book. There was a lot of interesting information about libraries and the fire that burned down the Los Angeles Central Library. I was interested in this book because of my interest in libraries and was not disappointed. It did take a long time for me to finish because I started reading this book in the middle of my finals and struggled to pick it back up after finals were over.
mdevlin923's review against another edition
3.0
The Los Angeles Public Library caught on fire on April 29, 1986, which resulted in huge amounts of damage. In addition to chronicling the events of the fire and subsequent arson investigations, Orlean includes historical information about the Los Angeles Public Library system (its inception, various library directors, construction, etc.) as well as services that the library currently provides.
vlreid's review against another edition
5.0
An absolutely delightful book which weaves information about all aspects of libraries, while focusing intermittently on telling the story of the Los Angeles Central Library fire. A love letter to all libraries.