Questions About The Library Book

by Susan Orlean (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (20)

What is the significance of the book titles and library catalog information at the beginning of each chapter? They aren't always related to the subject of the chapter.

Robert Blumenthal Actually, the theme of each of the books listed appeared in some form in each of the chapters. I think it was just a clever way of showing how we use …moreActually, the theme of each of the books listed appeared in some form in each of the chapters. I think it was just a clever way of showing how we use the library for reference.(less)

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Would you recommend this book for a high school senior? Thanks.

Prairie YES! I read it as a high school sophomore and fell in love with it. As a younger reader, I would actually say that this book is particularly appropria…moreYES! I read it as a high school sophomore and fell in love with it. As a younger reader, I would actually say that this book is particularly appropriate for students and younger adults because of the recurring theme of renewal and adaptation within the libraries, but as with any book, the reader in question should be at least a little interested in books and libraries. Regardless, Susan Orlean fills a potentially dry and boring topic with life and new light.(less)

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It's really irking me that the title is The Library BOOK. There was no single book that was singled out or relevant to the story line. Why was it not titled The Library BOOKS (so many were referenced) or just The Library (it was mainly about the LA library history and fire)? Can anyone shed light on this? Did I miss something? Otherwise, I really liked the book.

Lana Mitchell The title "The Library BOOK" not only covers the content of the story, about the L.A. fire in the library and all of the destruction that occurred as …moreThe title "The Library BOOK" not only covers the content of the story, about the L.A. fire in the library and all of the destruction that occurred as a result of the fire and the fact that the fire was intentionally set so that a crime was committed, but it also covers the book itself. If you have a copy or can borrow a copy notice that Susan Orlean cleverly, I think, placed entries at the beginning of the chapters, that mimic cards in the old drawer catalogs in libraries. The inside of the back cover in fact has an illustration of a pocket with a card inside that was used to remind you of the return date for the book. The book doesn't stop with just a discussion of the books in the library, but also talks about all of the services, that the library offered/offers, they have add services as the times required; air condition for those hot days, for those who have no home air conditioning, heat for those who need to get out of the cold, etc. It is a social service agency, as well as a place to read and borrow books, movies, illustrations, maps, computers to look and apply for work, etc. Orlean's book is a history of libraries in general and the LA library in particular. The single book that is relevant to the story is Susan Orlean's book about libraries. It's a reference of sort. I hope this helps. Thanks for your reply and comments Cori. I initiated the discussion about the book.(less)

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What do you think a book entitled "The Library Book" will be about?

Sunset A fascinating script written through the eyes of a book as it sits on the library shelf hoping and waiting to be checked out with each passing patron;…moreA fascinating script written through the eyes of a book as it sits on the library shelf hoping and waiting to be checked out with each passing patron; yearning to feel sunshine on its cover, or smell the salt air at the beach, or share a comfy couch in front of a roaring fire! And with each person who checks the book out, the The Library Book offers an intimate look into that person's life.
Imagine the many plots this book could offer...
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Did anyone notice on p.12 there is one library book out of order in her Dewey Decimal list ?

Lloyd Klinedinst Out of alphanumeric order BUT not browsing order which is exactly the serendipitous experience I think Orlean is wanting to share. Notice she ends thi…moreOut of alphanumeric order BUT not browsing order which is exactly the serendipitous experience I think Orlean is wanting to share. Notice she ends this paragraph (which begins with the spell libraries cast on her) with the sentence, "On a library bookshelf, thought progresses in a way that is logical but also dumbfounding, mysterious, irresistible." I would question the use of 'logical' and suggest 'psychological' or 'idiosyncratic' or ...(less)

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