Have you ever had to force yourself to slow down while reading a book so that you can fully appreciate it washing over you for the first time? That's how I felt while reading The Library Book. Every once and a while a book comes around and unexpectedly knocks me to the ground. I'm always attracted to books about books, so with all the hype surrounding The Library Book it was no surprise that I ended up pushing it to the top of my list. I was surprised, however, by the sentimentality and emotion that overwhelmed me while I was reading it.

The Library Book is part true crime, part memoir, and part ode to libraries and their history. Somehow, Orlean made all three of these things fit together in a cohesive narrative that just made sense. I found myself having to stop and reflect on my own love affair with the library systems I've been a part of - to the point of wondering if I had chosen the wrong career path. This book made me appreciate libraries and librarians more than I thought was possible, and allowed me to feel kinship with people I will never meet.

I tend to read so quickly that I remember books not for their detail, but for the emotions they make me feel. The Library Book made me feel recognized, safe, devastated, elated, excited, and nostalgic. I quite literally laughed and cried while reading this book. Anyone who loves books will love this book. Anyone who loves libraries will love this book. And if you aren't someone who loves either of those things - this book may just change your mind.