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The Library Book

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About this listen

A New York Times Book of the Year.

A Reese Witherspoon X Hello Sunshine Book Club Pick.

A dazzling love letter to a beloved institution—our libraries.

After moving to Los Angeles, Susan Orlean became fascinated by a mysterious local crime that has gone unsolved since it was carried out on the morning of 29th April 1986: who set fire to the Los Angeles Public Library, ultimately destroying more than 400,000 books, and perhaps even more perplexing, why?

With her characteristic humour, insight and compassion, Orlean uses this terrible event as a lens through which to tell the story of all libraries—their history, their meaning and their uncertain future as they adapt and redefine themselves in a digital world.

Filled with heart, passion and extraordinary characters, The Library Book discusses the larger crucial role that libraries play in our lives.

©2018 Susan Orlean (P)2018 Simon & Schuster Art & Literature Journalists, Editors & Publishers Social Sciences True Crime

Critic reviews

“Exquisitely written, consistently entertaining.” (New York Times)
All stars
Most relevant
An enjoyable and fascinating look into the history of how public libraries came to existence, what materials were stored in libraries and how local, public libraries can become a part of your family’s memories and community through the author’s personal experience. The author starts the book by discussing the fire that burnt the LosAngeles public library in the 80s and weaves the fascinating history and the case of the fire throughout the book. I only wish I had read the book and not listened to it as I really struggled with the monospaced narration of the book! X

Thoroughly engrossing!

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I adored listening to this hymn to libraries. This is a fantastically researched deep dive into the story of book sharing. For anyone remotely interested in a mystery bound up with books, choose The Library Book.

Absolutely wonderful book about books

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