March 11, 2018

Series Sunday: Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore

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

Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Read an installment of a series.
  • Share your review/recommendation below.
  • Include the title, author and series name.

"It's easy to find a needle in a haystack! Ask the hays to find it." ~ pg. 205

My Series Sunday pick is Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, the first book in the series of same name by Robin Sloan. Clay is a new hire that grows curious; his new employer is more than its name suggests. There are only a handful of repeat customers. They come in repeatedly to check out/borrow volumes.

Like any job, there are rules. Clay's shift is from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. exactly. He cannot be late or arrive any earlier. He is not allowed to browse, inspect or read the shelved volumes. And finally, Mr. Penumbra insists Clay document every little detail of the customers. What color and material coat was he wearing? Did he seem in a hurry? What was the customer's temperament when checking out the mysterious volume? How did he ask for the book? It's all strange. Clay wants answers and enlists friends to help. Surely the 24-hour bookstore is a front for something larger.

"No ISBNs here." ~ pg. 28

I was originally drawn to this book because of the title alone. A 24-hour bookstore is a bibliophile's dream! Can you imagine the awesomeness?! And of course the exclusive books are shelved way up high. Those books are not for sale; reserved for exclusive members only. At any time of day or night, there is a bookstore filled with classics and rare collections that can be reached by a competent young man's climb up a ladder.

The novel went left for a minute but I liked it overall. However, it is no need to continue the series. Perhaps the author realized this considering it is six years later and the second book has not been published. Regardless, add to your TBR for a rainy day but not if you're looking to start a new series.

Title: Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore
Author: Robin Sloan
Published: October 2012
Pages: 237
Edition: eBook
Challenge: Popsugar—A Book That Involves a Bookstore or Library
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤

 

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