Robin Sloan will read from his novel Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, in a free reading at Prairie Lights Books in downtown Iowa City. The reading also will be streamed live on the University of Iowa Writing University website.

The novel tells a tale of global conspiracy, complex code-breaking, high-tech data visualization, young love, rollicking adventure, and the secret to eternal life—mostly set in a hole-in-the-wall San Francisco bookstore. Prairie Lights will give out special print editions of the prequel Ajax Penumbra with purchases of Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore at the event.

Sloan grew up near Detroit and went to school at Michigan State University, where he studied economics and co-founded a literary magazine called Oats. Between 2002 and 2012, Sloan worked at Poynter, Current TV, and Twitter. It makes his day when people interact with him on his Twitter page.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to attend this reading, call Jan Weissmiller at Prairie Lights in advance at 319-337-2681.

For a UI arts calendar and details about upcoming events visit the Arts Iowa website.