Monday, January 21, 2013

Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore

Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore

Author: Robin Sloan
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Lydia


From the glow-in-the-dark front cover to the strange chapter headings to the countless digressions about fonts, book making, and computer coding, Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore is a rare find, indeed. 

The story itself is a challenge to describe, as it falls somewhere between an academic text, a treatise on 21st century technology, and a postmodern thriller mystery. Let’s just say that hidden doors, secret organizations, and lots of dusty, obscure, books filled with strange symbols abound. 

The novel explores the “death of the book” age that we are living in, and pokes fun at the prevalence of technology. This is not your old-school thriller and mystery book; rather, Sloan’s characters solve much of the story using their own smart phones, tablets, e-readers, and technical expertise. 

The characters are likeable and believable, there is humor and wit, and all in all, I couldn’t put this book down. It’s a cute, light read which still packs a heavy punch. Whether in hardcover or on your Kindle or Nook, be sure to read this story immediately.

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