Mr. Penumbra’s Twenty-Four-Hour Book Store

July 30, 2010
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Mr. Penumbra’s Twenty-Four-Hour Book Store

ALERT! I’m writing a book, and you can pitch in >> http://bit.ly/robinbook

== Description ==

This is a modern fairy tale. It’s a 6,000-word short story about finding a job, having a weird boss, and meeting someone you like. But behind it all, there’s a mystery:

What is the secret of Mr. Penumbra’s Twenty-Four-Hour Book Store?

This is also a story about books, writing, and technology. So, if you’re someone who’s interested in the Kindle itself–if you’re interested in

Rating: (out of 11 reviews)

List Price: $ 2.99

Price:

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  • CS

    Review by CS for Mr. Penumbra’s Twenty-Four-Hour Book Store
    Rating:
    I just finished reading “Mr. Penumbra’s Twenty-Four-Hour Book Store” in one sitting.

    I LOVED IT!

    The subtitle – “a short story about recession, attraction, and data visualization” – may seem somewhat intimidating. Thankfully, though, “Mr. Penumbra” is a very accessible and enjoyable read.

    More importantly, it’s incredibly original – both in its ideas and prose.

    There’s definitely a lot here that speaks to us as Kindle users.

    By the way, I was really impressed by the cover art (in the Kindle book itself) and the one drawing featured in the text. Basic stuff, yes, but very stylish and well-done. Pictures sometimes look awful on the Kindle in “big name” books, so it was nice to see such a polished presentation here.

    I highly recommend giving “Mr. Penumbra” a download. You absolutely can’t go wrong at this price – or at any price.

  • Kindlewurm

    Review by Kindlewurm for Mr. Penumbra’s Twenty-Four-Hour Book Store
    Rating:
    In my book, 5 stars are reserved for works that you carry around in your mind even when you’ve finished reading them. This short story qualifies.

    “Mr. Penumbra” strikes that elusive balance between conveying a serious idea and entertaining the reader. It is a quick, fun story that can probably be read in a single sitting for most readers. Although none of them get a big introduction, the characters are very real and interesting. The scene descriptions are succinct, but easy to envision. Plus, it is a story that asks a serious question for our time but doesn’t attempt to answer it with a trite generalization.

    If you love to read, whether your chosen medium is physical books, ebooks, the internet, or a combination of these, I think your soul will resonate with this delightful modern-day fable.

  • A. Mcleran

    Review by A. Mcleran for Mr. Penumbra’s Twenty-Four-Hour Book Store
    Rating:
    This story strikes the perfect balance between provoking thought and being entertaining.

    This piece demonstrates that it’s possible to write indy-pop literature. Light and fun, yet profound and filled with mystery and meaning — not to mention lusty, nerd chic romance.

    I hope this is merely a single in an upcoming literary album. Encore!

  • Matt

    Review by Matt for Mr. Penumbra’s Twenty-Four-Hour Book Store
    Rating:
    This story filled me with delight. (Disclosure: The author is my friend and co-blogger.) It’s the type of thought-provoking mental chocolate I wish I could consume at least once a day, but these episodes of spontaneous fiction don’t emerge from Robin’s brain quickly enough to feed my habit.

    One thing you should know: this tale is absolutely meant to be read on the Kindle. Mr. Penumbra’s Twenty-Four Hour Book Store is not Whispernet, but the story plumbs the analogy between them with more humor and subtlety than I’ve read in any essay or article on what Amazon represents.

    Here’s the best part. Even if you have no interest in the postmodern stuff, you’ll love this story on the strength of the writing alone. Tightly wound mystery/fantasy plot. Wonderful characters given just enough flesh to leave your imagination room to play. An unbroken string of sentences that charm. And it’s drink-snortingly funny.

    If I had to liken it to any work in any medium, it would be Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. Take that for what it’s worth. Just get the thing. Even if you don’t have a Kindle, Google the title and download another version. Just get it.

  • Alyson D

    Review by Alyson D for Mr. Penumbra’s Twenty-Four-Hour Book Store
    Rating:
    I took a chance on this short story since the price was right and I found myself very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the story. It was fun to read and thought provoking. The story itself makes the kindle version the perfect format in which to enjoy it. I am afraid that it might get “dated” rather quickly because of the technological references, but it is perfect for right now. (Don’t be intimidated by any tech references though, they are not overwhelming and you do not have to understand how they work to enjoy the story!)

    I think works like this one in kindle format may revive interest in short stories. I am eager to read more by this author.

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