The opening question, “Have you ever wanted to live inside a book?” (1) summarizes the desires many readers feel to step into their favorite books. The Astral Library and the books within it turn the metaphorical escapism of reading into literal worlds where people can hide. While some are motivated by a sense of wonder and adventure, others seek the solace and safety of books due to abuse, danger, or traumatic experiences in the real world, exemplifying the role of books as a space for escape and healing.

Many examples in the narrative demonstrate the power and value of books for providing such spaces. One prevalent example is Sarah Hudson, who escaped into the world of Sherlock Holmes to escape her abusive husband. Sarah requires the sanctuary of the Astral Library and its books to be safe and to heal from her trauma. Despite her initial callousness, she proves that she is willing to risk danger to help Alix, thus proving that her she is, in fact, healing in her book world. Other characters likewise need their book worlds to remain safe from families, cultures, and social systems that would harm them.

As the