Get Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan for only $8.98 (originally $16) from Powell’s.

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 clienteles behavior, seeking help from his variously talented friends. But when they bring their findings to Mr. Penumbra, they discover the bookstores 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.

I purchased Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore from one of my favorite Chicago bookstores, The Book Cellar, and read it in one evening. It was that enthralling. This is a fun read especially for those who love books about books – especially when a conspiracy is afoot. Enjoy!

Rachel Yeomans

Editor at Lit with a Twist

I'm a writer, reader and dreamer. I'm proud to be the editor and creator of Lit with a Twist. My co-editors, Ella and Fitzgerald, can't be trusted. Probably because they're cats.