Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore - Robin Sloan This definitely wasn't what I expected though I truly have no idea exactly what I did expect as this was a book chosen as a group read not something I, myself choose to read. It was surprisingly enjoyable though the ending left a lot to be desired. It was rather rushed and totally anti-climactic. I totally missed Manutius' message. Friends are the greatest thing ever? That is what they have been trying to decipher for over 500 years. You have got to be kidding me!

I also thought the overplay of the whole google thing was a bit much. Though I do understand that it just showed the progress over the years. The inner workings of google were fascinating though I do wonder if any of that is actually true. I liked the puzzles, the secret societies and even the workings of the bookstore. I liked the characters though I did find myself rolling my eyes at some of their shenanigans. I really liked Mat's creative efforts and really wished Matropolis had something to do with the final mystery. A totally interesting concept that, for the most part, worked. The ending almost seemed like a sequel in the making.