Review - 'The Library Book'

It’s kind of fitting to be writing a review of ‘The Library Book’ by Susan Orlean today, Valentine’s Day, as it is basically a love letter to all things library related.

Centring on the Los Angeles Public Library, and the devastating fire that destroyed hundreds of thousands of books in the collection in 1986, this book includes so much more. Alternating chapters between the history of the library itself and a look into the life of the main suspect Harry Peak, Susan Orlean also provides information on other major factors surrounding the growth of libraries and the characters that are drawn to them.

Segments of this book are beautifully written, with the description of the fire and it’s affect on the staff almost moving me to tears. Then there are times where I would read a chapter and had the distinct impression that it was there as a filler. If the story concentrated on the library and the hunt for whoever started the fire, the book would be half the length that it is. But, the additional chapters serve to add a more complete picture of the library and it’s place in society, providing so much more colour and interest that the book would definitely be poorer without them.

It’s a solid four star read for me, with some thought provoking points that will keep me pondering for a while to come.

Have you read ‘The Library Book’? I would love to know your thoughts on it.

Until next time, happy reading!