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joblo's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A fun lil read! I loved Sloan’s writing, especially towards the beginning of the novel. The beginning of the story absolutely grabbed me — definitely a bit of a love letter to bread making — but it dragged a bit for me towards the end of Louis’s portion of the narrative. Also — I enjoyed her personal growth, but I feel like there was a social aspect that wasn’t acknowledged re: her work with the robot and the idea of using the starter for her own gain? It seems like she had more growing to do but her portion of the story was still wrapped up with a little bow. I will say I absolutely loved the idea of the last quarter of the novel and wish we would have gotten more of it throughout the story!! I love magical realism and I love bread and I love nonhuman narrators !
greg_m's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! This book was amazing; it was funny and charming and it struck close to home to someone with a withering passion but a perennial interest in the sciences. I thought Louis and I connected quite well through our inner need to do something with our hands. The book was a blast to read and I thought the characters were all interesting in their own way, even if none got much fleshing out beside the main character. Sloan wrote a pretty good book that I could hardly put down.
nicole_minerva's review against another edition
4.0
With burnout from work and school, this story is 100% what I needed. Robin Sloan’s novel reminded me of the joy and fulfillment that comes from starting a new hobby. Definitely planning on picking up more of his books in the near future!
andyberg's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars. I listened to the audiobook, and I cannot imagine a more captivating performance. Therese Plummer does the narration and really stole the show. I think if I was at an earlier stage in my life, or if I wasn't reading so many other books I found so exceptional, I'd easily give this book 4-4.5 stars. It was enjoyable, and I'd find it hard for anyone to dislike it.
mcepress's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
andrew298's review against another edition
2.0
This book started off with such a delicious richness that it just made you want to take another bite for the sheer taste alone. However after a while, the story started to take a weird route and you regretted trying to eat more.
The story was interesting but felt lost in places and was also unreadable in parts due to the author trying to force the story. It felt like Mr. Sloan started off with a great concept however he felt that he had to incorporate technology to complete the story and it just didn't come off right.
With Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, he left me wanting more, at the end of this, I was glad I was done. I will give him another chance, but I just hope that he tells the story his story warrants next time rather than relying on what he feels safe telling.
The story was interesting but felt lost in places and was also unreadable in parts due to the author trying to force the story. It felt like Mr. Sloan started off with a great concept however he felt that he had to incorporate technology to complete the story and it just didn't come off right.
With Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, he left me wanting more, at the end of this, I was glad I was done. I will give him another chance, but I just hope that he tells the story his story warrants next time rather than relying on what he feels safe telling.
rivercat0338's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
sophieguillas's review against another edition
5.0
For people who resent capitalism, loved Little Shop of Horrors, and made sourdough at the beginning of the pandemic - AKA me.