The Library book
Susan Orlean
Simon and Schuster,2018
310 Pages(paperr back)
350 Pages(harrdcover)
Review
`Compelling” “thrilling ” “mesmerizing” and “unique” are just a few of the words used to describe the Library Book by Susan Orlean . Based on these descriptions, I was excited about reading a crime mystery that put me on the edge of my seat. Unfortunately that did not happen-in fact,I found myself bored at times while reading this book.
This book has many story lines all centered around the Los Angeles Public Library.These include the history of the library, staff profiles, social issues, and a fire investigation. The author Susan Orlean, often switches back and forth between these issues making this book hard to follow in sports.
That being said it is not really a bad book. For one thing it is well researched and you can learn a lot about the diverse directors of the Los Angeles Public Library over the years. As a former library staff member. I will also give the author, Susan Orlean, credit for giving what seems like an accurate description of the inner workings of an urban public library system. The book also includes many interviews with current staff members,providing a first hand account of what it is like to work in a library.
The book does include some moving and humorous stories . Orlean writes about her exciting childhood visits to her hometown library with her mom. As I read these pages, I was filled with a warm feeling as I thought about my own similar childhood library visits. Her vivid descriptions of the fire itself helped fill me with a deep sense of sadness as I thought about thousands of treasured books going up in smoke. She did a good job of portraying the emotions of the library staff as they watched the library fire.. I laughed out loud as a I read about some of the unique patrons that visited the library.
Despite the good points, the book really did not live up to my expectations.For one thing, I thought the book would include more information about the investigation into the library fire.
Reading this book also became a very tedious experience for me,especially at the end. Orlean shared a lot of information about what it is like to work in the library-but as a former library staff member this was not new information to me. As I got further and further into the book, I kept wanting to learn something new about library life-but I never did. Her account of investigation into the fire isn't really thrilling as the publisher's description promises. Instead it includes a lot of rehashing of testimony, depositions and legal facts.
Many experienced reviewers have called this a great book. As much as I would like to agree with them, I simply can't share this view. It was just an average book for me. That being said, those that have not worked in a library or enjoy reading a bit of history may still enjoy it..
About the Author
To learn mmore about Susan Orlean, the author of this book, please check out her website at http://www.susanorlean.com/author/.
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