From the Bookshelf of 2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge…

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore (Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, #1)

Robin Sloan

Start date: January 1, 2013

Finish date: January 31, 2013

Why we're reading this: January Group Read
[close] January Group Read

Find A Copy At

Libraries

Group Discussions About This Book

No group discussions for this book yet.

What Members Thought

Aug 16, 2015 Barbara rated it liked it

Shelves: american, 2015-reads, book-club

At the beginning this book reminded me of Carlos Ruiz Zafron. But I soon realized despite the attempts to create a magical atmosphere, this one was less magic and more just off beat. The mystery didn't captivate me and towards the end, seemed to fizzle away. ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Feb 15, 2013 Laura rated it really liked it

This gets four stars from me because after finishing it, I could think of two friends I wanted to share it with. I wonder if all the very specific technology information will eventually date the book. (It reminds me a little of Microserfs, which is populated by very young technology workers, but in this book the characters are better adjusted.) If you love books, bookstores or typography, you'll likely find this book a fun read.

And the cover of the hardcover glows in the dark. :)

"You know, I'm r ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Jan 15, 2013 Judy rated it liked it

When Clay Jannon loses his job as a web designer in San Francisco during the Great Recession, he finds employment as the night clerk at Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore. But what's going on? The store has very few customers and although these are loyal, repeat customers, they never buy anything. Instead, they check out ancient volumes from shelves several stories high in the back of the bookstore. Clay decides that he needs to find out what's going on and he turns to his high-tech friends for he ...more

1 like · Like · see review