Robin Sloan's debut novel, Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, is one of those titles I wouldn't normally have picked up. But there has been lots of buzz about this debut, so I wanted to give it a try. The publisher's blurb intrigued me..."A gleeful and exhilarating tale of global conspiracy, complex code-breaking, high-tech data visualization, young love, rollicking adventure, and the secret to eternal life—mostly set in a hole-in-the-wall San Francisco bookstore."
And it was the hole-in-the-wall bookstore description that clinched the deal. I love used bookstores! There are treasures just waiting to be found on every shelf.
Clay Jannon is downsized from his web design job and in order to pay the rent, he takes a job as a night clerk at Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore. There aren't many customers and the ones he does serve are decidedly...different. They have an agreement to borrow books - old, obscure volumes on towering shelves accessible only by ladder. Being a curious sort (and with lots of time on his hands) Clay decides to try and figure out what these 'customers' are doing. Is the bookstore a front for something else?
I chose to listen to Sloan's book and I'm glad I did. For me, some books are just better enjoyed listening and this was one of them. The reader was Ari Fliakos. His voice was perfect for Clay - young, kinda hip and engaging. He provided different voices for all the supporting characters as well. The old and female characters were believable. Fliakos's interpretation of Sloan's prose was excellent.
Listen to an excerpt of Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore.
How to describe the book? It's an adult adventure story with fantasy elements I would say. There are lots of 'bookish' references that had me running to check facts online. (And funnily enough, Google does play a part in the book.) Lots of fun, quirky characters let us play out that 'what if you really discovered a secret code in a dusty, mysterious bookstore' game with Clay and his pals. An enjoyable, entertaining listen for this reader.
Read an excerpt of Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore.
Wow, that sounds like a delicious book. Listening to some of excerpt was lovely also.
ReplyDeleteMmmm, is the comment before mine, SPAM?
indeed it was Auntie. thanks and Im glad you liked the clip.
ReplyDeleteI like the thought of the bookish references but I'm not so sure about the fantasy. I'll have to think about this one.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to listen to books you really get through a lot more :) I'm glad to hear you liked this one, I'm so excited to read it, I've got this one on my Christmas list so fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteSomehow I haven't seen this book or I don't remember seeing anything about it. It does sound interesting, though! I love used bookstores, too. :D Thanks for the recommendation to listen in audio. It is always nice to know whether a narrator is worth it or not.
ReplyDeleteThis book was delightfully quirky. Kind of a nerd-tastic version of the Da Vinci code. If you like this book, The Night Circus and Miss Peregrine's Home or Peculiar Children should be next on you list!
ReplyDeleteHey Skagway - Thanks for stopping by. I loved The Night Circus too and was lucky enough to meet Erin Morgenstern!
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