I got this book because the book flap said it is about a librarian, and it was, sort of. The fact that the main character, Lucy Hull is a children's library is somewhat incidental to the story, but not its focus. It is her job that brings Ian Drake, the secondary main character to her...he is 10 and an avid reader. Her knowledge of books also weaves itself through the story when she recommends books to Ian, then makes references to various books as they go on their adventure, and again when she makes lists for Ian of books he should read each year until he is 18. But overall, the book is not really about books, though a "mortal" (inside joke from the book) is about the power books and stories can have in our lives. (I always love a book about how important books are.)
Even though Lucy is 26 she is still a bit lost in life. She tries to separate herself from her Russian/Soviet background, but the reader knows one cannot stop being what one is. Ian is lost because of parents who want him to be what they want, not what he is. This makes Lucy and Ian perfect quest companions, because in a way they want the same thing...to figure out who they are and how to be who they are.
While Lucy is clearly the focus of the story, the reader is also drawn to Ian who is so young, but seems to realize the life he is being steered toward by his parents is not the one he wants though he is not able to articulate this because he is after all, only 10. His journey with Lucy is the only way he knows to run away from what he wants to escape. A backpack and a trusted adult are really the only thing a boy his age needs. We love Ian and root for he and Lucy to make their escape....but as we know, there is no escape from reality. The book is sad and funny and uplifting and wonderful.