The Library Book by Susan Orlean

Title: The Library Book

Author: Susan Orlean

Genre: True Crime, Journalism, Libraries

Here is a non-fiction, true crime suspense that reads like great fiction. Investigative journalist and author Susan Orlean tells the story of the seven hour fire that destroyed almost three quarters of the collection of the Los Angeles Public Library on April 28, 1986. She delves into the unique characters of the library's history and the world of librarianship and then into the history of Harry Peak's 'fumbling' possible involvement in the fire. She leaves no stone unturned so that the reader gets the most detailed and wide-ranging context for the fire in the history of the Los Angeles Public Library. The narrative from beginning to end is spellbinding and will leave you wanting to read more from Orlean as well as to visit and appreciate your local library again.

- Elizabeth

Check out The Library Book @ the library.

Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm- Ravaged Hospital by Sheri Fink

 

Sheri Fink, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, presents the harrowing events that took place at Memorial Medical Center before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina.  Without a sure disaster plan the hospital was woefully underprepared for the devastating storm.  Facing life or death decisions the staff made questionable choices that led to an involved investigation and criminal charges ultimately being brought against a doctor and two nurses.  We may never know exactly what happened during those five days but this book takes as comprehensive a look as possible at all sides.   

Checkout Five Days at Memorial @ the library!