In her book "Stitches: A Handbook on Meaning, Hope, and Repair," Anne Lamott reflects on her childhood, where her brothers and she were not guided towards a spiritual path. Instead, they found comfort and solace in books. This alternative source of refuge provided them with a means to explore vast and intricate worlds, allowing them to immerse themselves deeply in stories that resonated with their experiences.

The joy of reading served as a substitute for spiritual exploration, giving the siblings a way to escape their troubled thoughts. By diving into literature, they discovered new realities that helped them navigate their challenges, illustrating the profound impact that stories can have on the human experience.