31 Comments

Not that I don't already know this well, but: My gosh you're a fine writer, Susan Orlean.

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Thank you, thank you. This means the world to me, Benjamin.

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I clicked on ❤️.

But it reallly should be 💔

Thank you, as always, for sharing your amazing gift. Timely, sadly...but timeless.

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What an incredible piece! I could picture it in my minds eye so vividly from your writing as though I were a spectator . What a sad loss of priceless books! Thank you for this!

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This section of the Library Book is one of the finest I've read. Ever. It crackles with excitement. Well done. Tears are shed for the city of Los Angeles and everyone affected at every level. Thank your for your postings Suz.

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Thanks, Lisa!

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While it's hard to pick a favorite, I do think "The Library Book" is maybe the best book you've written. I remember this passage. one of many I loved (although I think my favorite is your meditation on whether a "shared memory" is still that if only one person remembers it, and on libraries as a collective 'shared memory.') Also, yes, very timely now.

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I loved that book..

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Gulp, what an incredible story that will resonate with every reader. 😥 This loss is so gut-wrenching.

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A few days ago, I ordered "The Library Book." When it first came out, I remember, I listened to you reading it. I decided it was the right book for right now, and it came to the house today. I'll be plunging in next.

Stay safe!

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What a rendering. The details. The descriptions - "how it paces the city." I love this.

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what a story! I was mesmerized

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Loved The Library Book! I was hired by Ken Brecher to work at the Mark Taper Forum, and lived in his Los Feliz apartment the year he went on sabatical. So sad that he passed away last year.

As a Pasadena resident (living part time in Monterey and running Monterey Museum of Art ) I am shattered by the recent fires' impact on my hometown and so many of my friends. If you have any time, please read my Substack Work in Progress where I've written about the fires as well.

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Oh, how wonderful that you knew Ken. He is much missed. He was so generous to me when I worked on the book.

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I think about your book all the time, mostly for the deep storytelling about the history of public libraries, and about how they have evolved to fill community needs, but holy moly that fire!

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Was just starting to re- read the book! Such impressive fact gathering and storytelling! Xo

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Thanks. As per usual, your observational prose is nonpareil. I am — we all are — so grateful for your work.

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Thank you, Neal.

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That was quite the book. I notice interviews with you about that book popping into my YouTube feed now which is new. I just keep saying "my goodness". Full disclosure our son, daughter in law and granddaughter live in LA Co and so far are safe. Your words help me for some reason. Thank you.

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A remarkable book. As a librarian it was both fascinating and terrifying!

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Thank you, Julia!

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