Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore

As a graphic designer by profession and a book lover on the side, this book definitely had a lot going for it before I even really got into it. Add to that a mystery surrounding an obscure book cult hiding in the recesses of an old bookstore, some history about typography and the early production of books and printing presses and I was hooked. Perhaps it isn't the best written book out there and maybe the mystery is no DaVinci Code, but the elements it did have spoke to me on a personal level and I really enjoyed the ride. It also showcases the rarely explored topic of technology and the physical written word and the polarizing opinions on how or if they should mix. The story definitely piqued my interest to look more into the history of book printing and typography and I think that's a win, when a fictional book can get you to look beyond it to the ‘real' story beyond the fictional one. Overall it was just an enjoyable read for those who love books, technology and a light mystery.