Erin Morgenstern's The Starless Sea is a spellbinding journey, much like the one immortalized by the Grateful Dead. It is an adventure akin to Alice's tumble down the rabbit hole, inviting readers to traverse a labyrinth of magical doorways both literally and metaphorically, similar to how the music by the Dead takes its listeners on a ‘trip,’ exploring new worlds of sound, thoughts and feelings.

Morgenstern masterfully intertwines multiple narratives, creating a tapestry of enchanting fairy tales, each one opening a new door to a fresh realm of possibility. She crafts a story that celebrates the act of exploration. Just as the music of the Dead is more than a collection of songs—it is a way of seeing the world—Morgenstern’s The Starless Sea is more than just a story. It opens doors to worlds where getting lost is, yes, part of the adventure, but also the entire point.

This is where Morgenstern’s work aligns perfectly with the ethos of the Grateful Dead. It’s not about where the path leads but the experience itself. The magic! Like Alice chasing the White Rabbit or Deadheads hopping on the bus, The Starless Sea invites us to dive in and see where it takes us. As one character muses, “I don’t always understand, either. But I believe.” So, swim in the honey. Talk to the bees. Open those doors.

 The author is an L.A. native and nonprofit professional. She is working to publish her memoir about life and lessons after suicide, including tales from the L.A. dating scene. She’s on Instagram: @nicole_lise