Interview with Susan Orlean about her new book, The Library Book.

Interview with Susan Orlean about her new book, The Library Book.

My mom actually passed away before I finished the book, which made my recollection of our memories of us going to the library together that much more poignant for me. And it also felt very urgent, because I just really wanted to remember that time. It really was one of the sweetest memories of being young and taking that trip to the library. It just felt like everything was perfect. One of the reasons, which I realize now that I have a kid, is that unlike taking him to a store where he wanted this and he wanted that and I said “no, you can only have one” and “that one’s too expensive.” It’s a bit fraught. Going to the library is like falling into a gigantic treasure box. You can have anything and everything. For a kid it’s just unimaginable. Yes, you can have everything. Take whatever you want. We can have it. I loved it.

HT: Penelope