A Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

For our August flagship meeting we will be reading A Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern.

Synopsis:
Zachary Ezra Rawlins is a graduate student in Vermont when he discovers a mysterious book hidden in the stacks. As he turns the pages, entranced by tales of lovelorn prisoners, key collectors, and nameless acolytes, he reads something strange: a story from his own childhood. Bewildered by this inexplicable book and desperate to make sense of how his own life came to be recorded, Zachary uncovers a series of clues—a bee, a key, and a sword—that lead him to a masquerade party in New York, to a secret club, and through a doorway to an ancient library hidden far below the surface of the earth. What Zachary finds in this curious place is more than just a buried home for books and their guardians—it is a place of lost cities and seas, lovers who pass notes under doors and across time, and of stories whispered by the dead. Zachary learns of those who have sacrificed much to protect this realm, relinquishing their sight and their tongues to preserve this archive, and also of those who are intent on its destruction. Together with Mirabel, a fierce, pink-haired protector of the place, and Dorian, a handsome, barefoot man with shifting alliances, Zachary travels the twisting tunnels, darkened stairwells, crowded ballrooms, and sweetly soaked shores of this magical world, discovering his purpose—in both the mysterious book and in his own life.

FAQ:

How does this book club work?
Read as much of the book as you can prior to all of us meeting on the last Thursday of the month. If you've read 0% of the book, then you can absolutely attend - just be prepared for spoilers and a good time! When we meet on the last Thursday of the month, the two hosts will lead a discussion about the book, and we will also share ratings! Some hosts like to come with a list of questions, some go with the flow.
Can I host?
You can host if you have attended at least one book club in-person, which will be verified against attendance records.
Why is the list limited to 15 participants?
It is limited to 15 to ensure a smooth conversation where everyone has an opportunity to speak. We do sometimes have more than 15 signed up, as we do expect some people to have last minute conflicts. Please read the book even if you are on the waitlist, as people's RSVPs do change.

New: We have enacted a new no-show and late cancelation policy to ensure equitable access to our book club.
Members who no-show without notice or fail to provide at least 3 hours notice before cancelling twice in a row will receive a warning. After three no-shows/late cancellations, members will be moved to the waitlist for future events.