Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Have you read any of Kate Quinn’s historical novels, such as The Alice Network or The Huntress? What differences or similarities of character, narrative style, and/or theme did you notice?

2. The Astral Library has been favorably compared with and recommended along with other popular examples of magical realism such as Evie Woods’s novels The Lost Bookshop and The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris. How does The Astral Library compare to Evie Woods’ work or other examples of the magical realism genre?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Alix explains that the Boston Public Library is her favorite, a sanctuary she retreats to when she needs comfort. What public place is a personal sanctuary for you? Why?

2. Many Patrons choose to stay in their favorite book permanently, as Alix considers doing. How would you respond if you were offered the opportunity to live inside a book? What book would you choose and why? Would you want to stay forever or just visit temporarily?

3. Alix struggles with feelings of being unwanted and never chosen. Have you ever experienced similar feelings, or can you imagine what it might be like? How might you respond to this feeling, and what could you do to address it?

4. Alix and Beau both consider fashion an important part of their self-expression. In what ways do you (or might you) use fashion as a vehicle to explore/express your sense of identity?

5. Alix stands up to the Board in the novel’s final chapters, trying to sway them to recognize the library’s value. Have you ever felt compelled to stand up for something you believed in, whether in a professional or personal setting? How did your experience compare to Alix’s?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. One of the major themes of the novel discusses the dangers of bureaucracy, especially with Darla advocating for book bans. How does the novel contribute to current debates about censorship and the importance of access to knowledge?

2. Alix makes a passionate plea in favor of protecting libraries as spaces for sanctuary, community, and social value. How does her argument, and the central conflict between the Astral Library and the Board, reflect the real-world debate about the value and purpose of public libraries in contemporary society?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Analyze the first-person narration, told from Alix’s perspective. How would you characterize Alix’s narrative style? How does her perspective and voice impact the novel’s characterization, perspective, and/or exploration of key themes?

2. The narrative explicitly references many examples of portal fantasy, such as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. How does the novel interact with or draw from the tradition of portal fantasy as a genre? How does this genre contribute to the themes of the novel?

3. Compare/contrast the two official librarian characters in the novel, Elizabeth and the Librarian of the Astral Library. What do their similarities and/or differences indicate about the central conflict?

4. How does the novel use foreshadowing and red herrings to direct the reader’s attention and expectations about the plot? How does the novel ultimately fulfill or defy these expectations?

5. Analyze the character of Alix, including her relationships with other characters such as Beau and Sarah. In what ways does her past inform her present decisions? How does she change over the course of the narrative?

6. What does the Librarian mean when she says, “Here There Be Dragons” (45)? How does this phrase reflect some of the powers and dangers of knowledge and the unknown in the text?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. In the Epilogue, Alix starts an initiative to bring copyrighted works into the Astral Library, with a focus on several historical romance and fantasy authors. What author/book not already mentioned would you recommend to Alix’s list?

2. Though explored only briefly, Patrons can also live inside paintings in the Astral Gallery. Choose a painting to present for consideration and take turns explaining why you chose it. How do your choices compare?