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jowithtwoiis's review against another edition
3.0
I just couldn't finish this. It was a slog through the middle part of the book. After rolling my eyes at it every time I went to pick it up I decided to give it a rest and return it.
I should also mention that one of the points is for the glow in the dark cover.
I should also mention that one of the points is for the glow in the dark cover.
booknerdjo's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ladyphoenixqueen's review against another edition
5.0
Combines all my favorite nerdy hobbies into a fun adventure/mystery. Highly recommend!
gabbyscarlet's review against another edition
1.0
To say I was bored while reading this was an understatement. It’s most plausible that this wasn’t created for me but dear God, I just wanted this to end.
gillylulu's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
hanzy's review against another edition
4.0
This book was an amazing blend of so many different elements that it felt almost perfect. It's a lot like Dan Brown's books except not as gripping, however, interesting. It's got some elements that go deep, while some you could just skim through. I liked the modern-day-relatable factor that it had as the narrator is like so many of us twenty-something people in the current day and age trying hard to find a place in the world.
All in all, a good read.
All in all, a good read.
bandgeek3997's review against another edition
5.0
First, let me say that I struggled for a while on how to rate this book. I don't hand out five star ratings very easily. Usually, I only reserve those ratings for those books that make me feel like I was profoundly moved by once I finish the last page. It basically looks a little something like this:
So, when I closed Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, I didn't find myself swept to tears or reflecting on how the words of the book were life-changing for me. Instead, I finished it almost laughing to myself. To put this book under those restrictions would not be fair, because it can't live up to that. It's like blaming an orange for not tasting like chicken. Yes, oranges are great. Yes, chicken is fantastic. But they're not going to tasting the same (unless you hold a culinary degree in food wizarding or something), and you can't hold that against them. You have to expect different outcomes. The same goes with this book. So five stars for you, my book-friend!
As you may have noticed already, the book is an extremely light read. My mind didn't have to jump through hoops to grasp what Robin Sloan was saying. It wasn't hard to make a image in my head of all the characters. (Side note: Please don't tell me I was the only one to think Penumbra was Asian! It really just fits, even though Sloan described a very clear elderly caucasian man.) The plot wasn't anything profound, and it didn't keep me up at night trying to figure out what happened next. So, for me, it's strange that I liked it so much.
Despite it's lightness, Sloan writes with such ease that keeps you going from page to page. Before you know, you look at the page numbers, and you've already ready 59 more pages! All that comes because of great characters that are realistic. I sincerely liked every character that you're supposed to like in this book: Clay, Penumbra, Neel, Mat, Kat, etc. They were all so current, which is something Sloan can get immense credit for. This book almost seems futuristic, but no, it is all about today and the wonderful advancements we've made in technology. For the older generations, this book might be hard for them to understand, but as a 21 year old, I grasped everything because it's exactly what I use and do in every day life.
I was like:
a printed book can mention Kindles without a hint of hostility?!
And:
they can mention things that sounded in favor of e-book piracy and still get published?!
There wasn't any sex or much profane language?! I'll admit that it doesn't bother me that much when there are those elements in a book, but this was clean read. The most risque we get is people in their underwear in the same room as each other. It was nice not to have that be added in, although I think it would've been humorous to hear Sloan describe a sex scene. Who knows what kind of technology he would have brought into that!
So, go. Read this book. It is one of the geekiest books you'll ever read. You'll feel so much cooler when you do anything on your Macbook or try to google something. It's hysterical, too.
Oh, and if that isn't enough for you, the cover even glows in the dark.
I mean, c'mon! Does it get any cooler than that?!
So, when I closed Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, I didn't find myself swept to tears or reflecting on how the words of the book were life-changing for me. Instead, I finished it almost laughing to myself. To put this book under those restrictions would not be fair, because it can't live up to that. It's like blaming an orange for not tasting like chicken. Yes, oranges are great. Yes, chicken is fantastic. But they're not going to tasting the same (unless you hold a culinary degree in food wizarding or something), and you can't hold that against them. You have to expect different outcomes. The same goes with this book. So five stars for you, my book-friend!
As you may have noticed already, the book is an extremely light read. My mind didn't have to jump through hoops to grasp what Robin Sloan was saying. It wasn't hard to make a image in my head of all the characters. (Side note: Please don't tell me I was the only one to think Penumbra was Asian! It really just fits, even though Sloan described a very clear elderly caucasian man.) The plot wasn't anything profound, and it didn't keep me up at night trying to figure out what happened next. So, for me, it's strange that I liked it so much.
Despite it's lightness, Sloan writes with such ease that keeps you going from page to page. Before you know, you look at the page numbers, and you've already ready 59 more pages! All that comes because of great characters that are realistic. I sincerely liked every character that you're supposed to like in this book: Clay, Penumbra, Neel, Mat, Kat, etc. They were all so current, which is something Sloan can get immense credit for. This book almost seems futuristic, but no, it is all about today and the wonderful advancements we've made in technology. For the older generations, this book might be hard for them to understand, but as a 21 year old, I grasped everything because it's exactly what I use and do in every day life.
I was like:
a printed book can mention Kindles without a hint of hostility?! And:
they can mention things that sounded in favor of e-book piracy and still get published?! There wasn't any sex or much profane language?! I'll admit that it doesn't bother me that much when there are those elements in a book, but this was clean read. The most risque we get is people in their underwear in the same room as each other. It was nice not to have that be added in, although I think it would've been humorous to hear Sloan describe a sex scene. Who knows what kind of technology he would have brought into that!So, go. Read this book. It is one of the geekiest books you'll ever read. You'll feel so much cooler when you do anything on your Macbook or try to google something. It's hysterical, too.
Oh, and if that isn't enough for you, the cover even glows in the dark.
I mean, c'mon! Does it get any cooler than that?!
thereaderintherye's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
jennrocca's review against another edition
4.0
I wasn't going to read this book because I read some bad reviews with valid points. I read it anyway because a student was reading it. I get the bad reviews. The story contains a lengthy string of unique and interesting characters... but the whole things seems rather contrived. It feels a little forced.
That being said, I still enjoyed it. The story made a neat commentary on the conflict/connection between the printed "Old Knowledge" of our world and the vast digital world we are growing into. It was unique.
That being said, I still enjoyed it. The story made a neat commentary on the conflict/connection between the printed "Old Knowledge" of our world and the vast digital world we are growing into. It was unique.