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kingmeepmoop's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
ettegoom's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I really liked it. I'm a sucker for books with libraries, librarians, philosophers or hope, so this really ticked all the squishy optimist book-nerd boxes.
I feel like it's intended to help folks who are feeling like there's nothing to live for, but ultimately it's a book for those who are looking for reasons to live.
It gets a bit cheesy in the last chapter, but the examination of the choices not made, the impacts of different actions and the Nietzschean demon who asks you whether you'd live your exact same life, is interesting.
I want to read Thoreau now.
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Death, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Alcohol
nursemombie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Mental illness, and Suicide attempt
taylorfield's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Long Story Short: Just as Nora Seed has given up on living, she visits the Midnight Library and has the chance to see how her life could have turned out instead.
Although I managed to avoid any spoilers, I've seen a lot of varied reactions to this book, so I went in with a healthy dose of managed expectations. The Midnight Library worked for me, but I can see why others wouldn't feel the same. Someone in book club described it as "self-help disguised as fiction," and to an extent I agree. Many of the meaningful quotes are not-so-subtly preaching to the reader, and while I wasn't turned off by that, I can see why others might be.
Overall, I found the premise very interesting - it got me thinking about what my other lives would look like, what my Midnight Library would manifest as, and who my librarian would be. As someone who has regrets (is there anyone who doesn't?), I found the book relatable and uplifting. As bleak as the subject is (CW: there's a suicide attempt less than 25 pages in), The Midnight Library also manages to be very funny. While certainly not perfect, perfection isn't necessary for a good read.
Enjoyment: 4/5
Craft: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, and Suicide attempt
ksmith_23's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Cancer, Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Vomit, Grief, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
cas09106's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Animal death, Mental illness, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Stalking, and Death of parent
anicatiu's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Death, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Cancer, Drug abuse, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Vomit, and Death of parent
amandaamodeo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Vomit, and Suicide attempt
peachyalex's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Moderate: Mental illness, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
emmehooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death and Stalking