If you appreciate dynamic dialogue, character-driven stories, southern eccentricities, or just enjoy people-watching at the mall, then this novel is for you. I adore this book which, without fail, cracks me up with each reread. Understand--the plot is...well, "non-traditional". This is a peek into the life of a truly bizarre individual and the even more fantastic French Quarter.

Yes, this book is driven by the mystery of a library arsonist ; however, I was most enthralled with the inner-workings and the culture surrounding the libraries of LA. This book is a celebration of every library in the country and beautifully reminds us how libraries are institutions central to our humanity.