This is a story to listen quietly. It is plenty of data about the goal a library has in the soul of a city. The plot is an excuse to examine the rol that this ordinary institution plays in a democratic country far more than lending books to people and giving the students room to study for exams. It made me think a lot about some aspects that I hadn't even imagined, for instance the ideas of community, free interchange and shelter for the disfavored people. Awesome narrative, slow pacing trying not miss anything and prominent data treatment.

This was a fantastic book and fascinating story capturing the historical events of the library but also conveying all the various roles all our libraries provide to modern society. I highly recommend this book!!

Since I work in a library perhaps I liked this more than most, but it is a really good book about libraries in general and the LA library in particular.

Good story and well read. I found it interesting how she used the library fire as the hub of the wheel and the spokes as histories that were related to the library. It is a good read well worth the time.

I tried to get into this book. After listening for over two hours, I just could not do it. very boring subject matter and bland narration.

It’s so interesting to see the divide on the book and the author on this one! I guess it’s a love it or hate it and I happened to love everything. The tale had me hooked from the start. Learning about the current library and the great fire was fascinating.

very long with lots of background buildups

Drawn out and plodding. Would make a better magazine article than book.

Reader was horrible.

I’m a librarian and I thought this book was extremely tedious. I gave up with four hours to go.

Very slow beginning but well worth the patience! I love non-fiction ! This specific one has beautiful language. I love the weave of a detective mindset! My husband and I both recommend this great book!

This book was like a love story to your local library. Susan Orlean begins her book discussing a tragic fire that decimated the LA Central Library. What follows is a prolific history of the library and its role in the diverse and changing LA landscape.

My first book from Reese Witherspoon’s book club. This was so far less dull than I imagined! Really enjoyed it. I miss it!! I carried me through quite a few plane rides.

Interesting history of librarians.

The 3 minute sample is a waste of 2-1/2 minutes. It was only helpful to know that the author should not have narrated her own book...

This book was a bit of a slog. The reader/authors voice is a little droning, but ultimately I found the topic interesting. I almost stopped & debating not finishing, but I’m glad I did. I feel as though I learned a lot & renewed my appreciation for our public libraries & librarians.

Value of libeays is sometime