In the quirky world of 'Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore,' a young jobless designer stumbles upon a mysterious bookstore filled with peculiar customers and a hidden society. The store’s eccentric owner, Mr. Penumbra, harbors secrets that intertwine the arcane art of bookselling with modern technology. As our protagonist delves deeper, he uncovers a thrilling quest involving ancient texts, the allure of immortality, and the power of friendship. With a blend of mystery, humor, and a touch of the fantastical, this tale invites readers to ponder the essence of knowledge and the future of storytelling. Can one man's obsession with books unlock the secrets of eternity?
By Robin Sloan
Published: 2013
"The only thing that makes a bookstore a magic place is the company of a curious mind, and the endless stories waiting to be unlocked."
A Winner of the Alex Award, a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for First Fiction, named a Best Book of the Year by NPR, Los Angeles Times, and San Francisco Chronicle 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 customers are few, and they never seem to buy anything--instead, they "check out" large, obscure volumes from strange corners of the store. Suspicious, Clay engineers an analysis of the clientele's behavior, seeking help from his variously talented friends. But when they bring their findings to Mr. Penumbra, they discover the bookstore's secrets extend far beyond its walls. Rendered with irresistible brio and dazzling intelligence, Robin Sloan's Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore is exactly what it sounds like: an establishment you have to enter and will never want to leave.
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“The only thing that makes a bookstore a magic place is the company of a curious mind, and the endless stories waiting to be unlocked.”
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore
By Robin Sloan
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Robin Sloan is an American author renowned for his unique blend of literary fiction and technology themes. His notable works include 'Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore', which explores the intersection of books, technology, and community, and 'Sourdough', a delightful tale that intertwines baking, entrepreneurship, and the impact of technology on daily life. Sloan's writing style is characterized by its humor, wit, and insightful commentary on modern life, making complex subjects accessible and engaging to a wide audience.
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