This work by Susan Orlean is several genres of literature rolled into one. It begins as a memoir in which the reader learns about the author's introduction to books and libraries by her mother. They made frequent visits to a local branch in Cleveland. As an adult, Orlean fortuitously was brought to the LA Central Branch library by her son's school project. The family had recently moved to CA from NY. On this initial visit, Orlean learned about the destruction of the LA Central Branch by fire in 1986. Why had she never heard about this event? The memoir morphs into a criminal investigation. The fire occurred on April 29, 1986. It burned for over 7 hours. More than 20 people were injured and over fifty firefighters hospitalized. One million books were damaged, some beyond repair and other contents of the library destroyed irreparably. Fire investigators from both the LA Fire Department and the Federal Department of ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) concluded that the conflagration was caused by arson. Who would do such a thing and why?This is also a history book. It not only traces the history of books, but also the history of the development of libraries. More than just places for the storage of books, libraries, especially the LA Central Branch, have become refuges for the homeless, learning centers for new immigrants, resources for anyone wishing to enroll in public services like welfare, food stamps and job searches. It is a place where people from infants to seniors find books and social connections. Libraries are after all free and open to everyone. The reader will be amazed at the diversity of the collections held in the LA Central Branch. There is a lot of politics involved in both the leadership and funding of libraries. Orlean focuses mainly on the ups and downs of the LA library system from its inception in 1870 to the present.For this reviewer, the most painful part of the history of books and libraries, was that involving the burning of books. The first recorded instance occurred in 213 BC when the Chinese emperor was displeased with "his" history recorded by the royal scribes. He had their manuscripts burned. Orlean reports an estimate of 100,000,000 books burned by the Nazis before and during WWII. Starting with the books and manuscripts of Jews ("the people of the book"), libraries of nations invaded by the Nazis including the national libraries of Poland, the Czech Republic and France were torched. After the war, the Hague passed a Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. Did this prevent any further burning of libraries and their contents?Finally, this is a romance, certainly one that the reader can appreciate. Books not only teach, but also transform our worlds. Libraries provide the raw material for our knowledge and transformation be that through hardbacks, paperbacks, E-books or other media. It is fitting that the author dedicates this book to her mother who passed away before the work was completed. For all of us, as Orlean notes, "a library is a place that doesn't belong to me, but feels like mine...marvelous and exceptional." This reviewer urges every reader and patron of libraries to read and revel in this remarkable book which highlights both the written word and the repositories of these treasures.