Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore
by Robin Sloan
The Great Recession has shuffled Clay Jannon away from life as a San Francisco web-design drone and into the aisles of Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore. But after a few days on the job, Clay discovers that the store is more curious than either its name or its gnomic owner might suggest. The bookstore’s secrets extend far beyond its walls.~ Goodreads
My review...........2 stars
The premise of this book was very inviting (it's about a bookstore, count me in), and it started out well, but then it all kind of went downhill. I loved the story of the bookstore, it's workings, the quirky characters who would show up in the middle of the night, and the mystery behind what was really going on in this bookstore. Once we discover the mystery, and the characters take off on this bizarre adventure to solve it, they lost me. I wasn't overly fond of any of the characters (although with a little more work, Mr. Penumbra could have been fleshed out to be a favorite). It was ok, but after a good start, it fizzled out for me. Major points for the cover design, the little books glow in the dark!!
Sad to say, this just wasn't my kind of book. It holds promise for those who like mystery and adventure of the quirky sort.
The cover glows in the dark? That is awesome! I'm sorry this was such a bust for you. It's always so disappointing, isn't it? Especially when you think it is a book you should have liked given the setting.
The cover is really special. I was reading it in bed, and when I turned off the light, sure enough those little books were glowing yellow! A neat idea that I don't think I've ever encountered in a cover before!
I enjoyed your review. Too bad the book didn't turn out so good. Have a great weekend!
Awh - I loved this one, but I like mysteries, so I loved this combination of quirky literary story and mystery. I'm sorry it didn't do it for you.
It must have just been me because I've read lots of glowing reviews. I'm always happy to be one of the few who doesn't like a book, since I want every author to be successful 🙂
I've seen lots of negative reviews for this one and it has put me right off the idea of reading it. Sounds a bit too off the wall for me!
I really liked the premise, and it started out fine, I just wasn't invested in the whole mystery aspect I guess. But at least it will glow on my bookshelf when I turn out the lights 🙂