Investigation into the 1986 Los Angeles public library fire unravels a decades-old mystery for readers interested in true crime and history
Richly detailed accounts of library departments and staff provide unique insights into the inner workings of libraries
Reflects on the broader significance of libraries as institutions that shape culture, identity, and community
Engaging prose and vivid storytelling make the book accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience
Summarized by Shop
Susan Orlean’s bestseller, New York Times Notable Book, and Reese’s Book Club Pick is “a sheer delight…as rich in insight and as varied as the treasures contained on the shelves in any local library” (USA TODAY)—a dazzling love letter to a beloved institution and an investigation into one of its greatest mysteries. “Everybody who loves bo