Susan Orlean Books

The bestselling author of Rin Tin Tin and The Orchid Thief reopens the unsolved mystery of one of the most catastrophic library fires in history and delivers a dazzling love letter to a beloved institution - our libraries.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER “Magnificent.” — The New York Times * “Beguiling, observant, and howlingly funny.” — San Francisco Chronicle * “Spectacular.” — Star Tribune (Minneapolis) * “Full of astonishments.” — The Boston Globe Susan Orlean, a celebrated New Yorker staff writer and author of the bestseller The Library Book, compiles a lifetime of reflections and profiles about animals. She explores the intricate relationships between humans and animals, a topic that has fascinated thinkers throughout history. Since her childhood, when she created a book about a near-sighted pigeon, Orlean has been captivated by stories of coexistence with animals. In her examination, she delves into various creatures, from cherished pets to livestock, and even the wild animals that share our world. Orlean shares her experiences, such as raising chickens in her backyard and encountering a woman in New Jersey with twenty-three pet tigers, whose existence was unknown until one escaped. She also recounts the tale of a famous whale in Iceland and hardworking donkeys in Morocco finding solace at a clinic. Through delightful narratives enriched by her elegant prose and thorough research, Orlean celebrates the profound connections that enhance our lives, revealing the beauty of cross-species relationships.

Set in the state of Florida, this book traces the history and detail of the enigmatic orchid through the tale of John Laroche, an orchid thief.