In the book "The Beach" by Alex Garland, the narrator describes their bedroom ceiling adorned with one hundred glow-in-the-dark stars. These stars create an illusion that transforms the ceiling, making it seem to vanish from view. This unusual effect of the glow-stars captivates the narrator, emphasizing their magical and mystical qualities.

The glow-stars serve as a metaphor for escapism and the blur between reality and imagination. By illuminating the dark space above, they symbolize the desire to escape into a world of dreams and adventures, reflecting a deeper longing for exploration and freedom in one's life.