The Starless Sea

I picked up this title by Erin Morgenstern a few years ago. It’s been on my shelf, not because I didn’t want to read it, but because I have a book buying problem.

Like many avid readers, I set a goal this year to read the un-read books on my shelf before buying any new ones. I’ve bought fewer books than normal (not none 😬) but I finally picked up The Starless Sea and now I need to tell everyone about it.

I don’t want to say too much about the plot for fear of giving something away and it being a less magical experience for you, so I’ll give you the quick Google summary: A graduate student discovers a mysterious book leading him to a secret, ancient underground library and the timeless world of stories.

The Starless Sea is fascinating. It’s the most interesting book I’ve ever read. It’s completely unique; I’ve never read anything like it.

It doesn’t stick to a single genre, not because Morgenstern couldn’t decide what genre to make it, but because she expertly wove multiple elements across genres together in a single magical quilt that blankets the reader in wonder.

I have a tattoo of a book lying open with magic dust, sparkles, and swirls coming out of it. The idea is that if you close the book, the magic doesn’t disappear, but is locked inside. This is how I felt reading The Starless Sea.

Usually, I’m a pretty fast reader, but The Starless Sea is special. I intentionally read it super slow, forcing myself to put it down after every chapter. Not because I was bored or tired, but because I loved it so much that I wanted to prolong the reading experience.

There is not wasted chapter, page, sentence, or word. Every single element of this story, made of up a collection of stories that all tell the same story, is meaningful.

This is why books exist. For experiences like this.

Eternally grateful, Erin. Well done.

Grab yourself a copy of The Starless Sea and dive into the magic! (Note that as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases).