I'm torn as to how to rate this book. So, I'll give it a noncommittal, average 3. I may reduce that upon further reflection (I'm quite sure I won't increase). The parts I liked, I liked very much; I just didn't love the overall effect.

If you know me, you know how very much in love with reading, books, and libraries I am. If you don't know me, I don't remember a time that I didn't read and visit a library at least once a week. I'm always reading. I'm currently a public library trustee.

I didn't know, going in, that the book was supposed to be centered on the 1986 Los Angeles Public Library fire [You had me at "library."]; so it didn't bother me, necessarily, that Orlean also writes about libraries/library history in general and LAPL history specifically. However, I tend to agree with others that Orlean should have picked a topic and stuck with it. Like other reviewers, I found the book to be ridiculously disjointed.

Out of 25 bookmarks I made, only two related to the fire (8%). I've read several books about libraries that were more compelling than this one; so, I could have skipped this altogether.

Knowing how subjective reading is, I rarely discourage anyone from reading whatever they want. If you're psyched by the hype around this book, read it! I hope you enjoy it thoroughly.