Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore (Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, #1) in Around the World in 80 Books

Jan 30, 2013 Laura rated it really liked it

Shelves: friend-love, pulitzerandrunnersupandmore, library-request, ashley-s-list, fantasy, library, audible, a-lucky-one

The world needs more books like this. And more authors like this! This guy is clever. And funny. Yes, the book did turn a bit techie in about the last third and maybe it loses a few readers there. But it's different and I'm not even sure how to classify it. I have it as a fantasy, but really it isn't a fantasy novel. Not exactly.

Here is what happened to me over the course of reading this book:

1. I contemplated a world with only digital books, which provoked a strong desire to hoard paper ones. The world needs more books like this. And more authors like this! This guy is clever. And funny. Yes, the book did turn a bit techie in about the last third and maybe it loses a few readers there. But it's different and I'm not even sure how to classify it. I have it as a fantasy, but really it isn't a fantasy novel. Not exactly.

Here is what happened to me over the course of reading this book:

1. I contemplated a world with only digital books, which provoked a strong desire to hoard paper ones. (So far, I'm resisting, but I will be making some calls to the local libraries in this regard.)

2. I decided that I will work for an independent bookstore, even if they don't want to put me on the payroll. I don't care. I will push books at your customers for no money. It will make me happy. Happiness is priceless.

3. I've added a couple of nonfiction books about Google to my TBR. Seriously, that is the coolest company. And face it, it's a household world. They kind of run the world. Right? I've decided it might be prudent to find out more about them, since they apparently put stimulants in their employees' food(?). I was talking to a guy at my tax software company today who knows a woman who interviewed there. She did not get the job, but she said the interview was 'the scariest thing she's ever done'. So I really must know more about them.

4. In my head, Mr. Penumbra is Bernie Sanders. Just sayin'.

5. I'm definitely going to volunteer at one of the local libraries also. Really, I need to get me some more book smell on a regular basis. Bring it on!

6. I've saved the best for last. Books written really well, like this one is, with so much imagination are special. Because books like this make me want to write. They remind me that I'm not six feet under yet, and I really have to do it. Or at least try. So, for the first time since November, I'm contemplating writing again. Robin Sloan deserves all four stars for this alone.

Robin, if you're reading this, please keep writing. I really enjoyed it. You made me smile. I'm a tax accountant. It's March 4. I'm buried in work. You made me laugh out loud a couple of times. I really like you. Thank you.

ETA: The audio version of this book is phenomenal. Ari Fliakos delivers it perfectly. If I didn't know better, I'd have thought the author read it himself. ...more

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Jan 11, 2014 Snowtulip rated it really liked it

Shelves: contem-fic

How much fun is this book! Not what I expected at all.

The geekery is over the top and you just enjoy where this story takes you. I love that so much of this story revolves around the association of a fantasy dragon trilogy.

I love that they go on a quest (I love it, a quest)! It's a grand adventure wrapped in secret societies, books, technology, and pop culture thrown in.

This book made me smile silly :D ...more

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May 05, 2013 Meghan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction-and-fantasy, fiction, us-new-york-nyc, us-california, books-about-books, escapist-flavorwire-list, npr-concierge

A delicious cupcake of a book. Brings together all the best elements of geekiness in a meaningful, adventurous, funny, smart (as in, expects its readers to be), little bit thrilling, thoughtful, I-want-to-learn-more-about-that and what-the-heck-is-he-talking-about-and-how-do-learn-that-too way. A paean to both printed books and technology/the internet in equal measure, yet clear-eyed; exploring the limitations of each and how they complement each other. Perfect for librarians and other informati ...more

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Apr 04, 2016 Georgia Carvalho rated it really liked it

What a fun little ride of a book. Adorable characters and quirky plot, with a dash of typography and a coded message mystery.

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Jan 10, 2021 Kemlo rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

A bit of light reading with a lovely ending. I enjoyed the characters and Clay’s enthusiasm. At times, I felt like I was reading a book written for children, but I don’t consider that a bad thing. I especially enjoyed the reference to Emeryville.

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