The Great Recession has shuffled Clay Jannon away from life as a San Francisco web-design drone and into the aisles of Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore. After a few days on the job, Clay discovers that the store is more curious than either its name or its gnomic owner might suggest. The customers are few, and they never seem to buy anything—instead, they "check out" obscure volumes tucked away in the corners of the store. Suspicious, Clay engineers an analysis of the clientele's behavior with the help of motley crew of friends. When they eventually share their findings with Mr. Penumbra, they learn that the shop’s secrets extend far beyond its walls.

This month's literary session will take place online.

Want to read this month’s Literary Circle book choice and enjoy using an e-reader? You can download Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore for free when you join our eBook Club! See here for more information about the eBook-Club and how to sign up and access hundreds of gratis books and audiobooks!

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Photo: Cover of "Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore" ©Amerikahaus München