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astrangewind's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
At every angle, a beautiful book, a spotlight on the incredible mundanity that makes life worth living. Haig's writing is elegant and engaging, the characters - particularly Nora - are multifaceted and real, and each life Nora lives feels real as well, not just a boring vignette.
I expected this book to be sad. But it isn't. I cried at the end a hopeful cry. It's the story of a suicidal woman who comes to love living. Who wants to live, despite. For all of the dark topics covered in this book, Haig blankets them with grace and comfort. I was afraid that my ongoing existential crisis would be made worse by this book, which touches on some existential philosophy, but it actually helped. This is the kind of book that changes your life.
I expected this book to be sad. But it isn't. I cried at the end a hopeful cry. It's the story of a suicidal woman who comes to love living. Who wants to live, despite. For all of the dark topics covered in this book, Haig blankets them with grace and comfort. I was afraid that my ongoing existential crisis would be made worse by this book, which touches on some existential philosophy, but it actually helped. This is the kind of book that changes your life.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Animal death, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Death of parent, Alcoholism, Panic attacks/disorders, Stalking, and Self harm
clairewithane's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- 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
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Drug abuse, Mental illness, and Alcoholism
Minor: Stalking
jedore's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"'Sometimes regrets aren't based on fact at all. Sometimes regrets are just...' She searched for the appropriate term and found it. 'A load of bullshit.'"
This book was recommended to me to help restore my faith in humanity. While it didn't quite hit that mark, it did help restore my faith in myself. (Even better!)
This was a fast, but profound, read for me. I couldn't put it down! Any well written book that changes my perspective in some way gets a 5-star outta me and this one checked both of those boxes.
What shifted? The "grass is greener" thing is totally wiped out when we realize that: 1) we are the same core person in every single one of our alternative lives, and 2) the potential to change almost everything (including our perspective) lives inside of us NOW.
This is a fabulous book to read...and to gift to others. It's especially helpful for anyone who suffers from depression and/or has contemplated/attempted suicide.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Grief, Toxic relationship, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Death
Moderate: Alcoholism and Death of parent
Minor: Self harm and Stalking
monstrouscosmos's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Characters: 10/10
Relationships: 9.5/10
Atmosphere/Setting: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Plot/Intrigue: 10/10
Internal Logic: 10/10
Entertainment: 10/10
Overall: 69.5/70, 5*
this has been one of my favourite books since I first listened to it in 2021. I've since re-listened to it about 1x/year on average, and I anticipate that's a tradition I'll keep going. an absolutely heart wrenching read, and every time I return to it I feel like I get a better understanding of both the setting and the ways it pushes against the world. the characters are all believable, and the motivations never feel contrived or forced by the plot. especially when secondary characters are met in much different circumstances there's a heart to them that still feels relevant. a very consistent through-line, if that makes sense? it's by no means a "light" read, but it's a weight worth bearing.
Relationships: 9.5/10
Atmosphere/Setting: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Plot/Intrigue: 10/10
Internal Logic: 10/10
Entertainment: 10/10
Overall: 69.5/70, 5*
this has been one of my favourite books since I first listened to it in 2021. I've since re-listened to it about 1x/year on average, and I anticipate that's a tradition I'll keep going. an absolutely heart wrenching read, and every time I return to it I feel like I get a better understanding of both the setting and the ways it pushes against the world. the characters are all believable, and the motivations never feel contrived or forced by the plot. especially when secondary characters are met in much different circumstances there's a heart to them that still feels relevant. a very consistent through-line, if that makes sense? it's by no means a "light" read, but it's a weight worth bearing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Grief, Animal death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Mental illness, and Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer, Stalking, Addiction, and Infidelity
sevensableyes's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I've read two of Haig's books, and have the same problem with both of them: the ending. The last few pages are just explaining the lessons learnt throughout the book, as if I haven't just read it and pieced it together myself. It's a bit immature. Also, this books ending was predictable. It's still the best ending, but it's obvious, so pairing that with a big spiel about regrets and life... Ugh, it falls flat.
I liked the book, but it did drag a bit. By the halfway point, I knew exactly where it was going. The repetition between "lives" got old. I don't know what the point of Hugo was.
Nora is likeable, but very forgettable.
I don't think I'll be reading anymore of Matt Haig's books.
I liked the book, but it did drag a bit. By the halfway point, I knew exactly where it was going. The repetition between "lives" got old. I don't know what the point of Hugo was.
Nora is likeable, but very forgettable.
I don't think I'll be reading anymore of Matt Haig's books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt
Moderate: Animal death, Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, and Death of parent
Minor: Terminal illness, Stalking, Drug use, and Self harm
vii_412's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"And that sadness is intrinsically part of the fabric of happiness. You can’t have one without the other. Of course, they come in different degrees and quantities. But there is no life where you can be in a state of sheer happiness for ever. And imagining there is just breeds more unhappiness in the life you’re in."
Me gustó el libro? Sí
Lo disfruté? Sí
Pero por alguna razón se sintió vacío, este es un libro de autoayuda, y entiendo porque a mucha gente no le gustó, sin embargo, ese es el propósito del libro, el dar una perspectiva optimista sobre la vida, el cómo nosotros decidimos sobre nuestro destino y el lugar en el que estamos, sin embargo, hay que tener en cuenta que la depresión es un tema MUY COMPLEJO, las personas no experimentan el mismo grado de depresión y estoy segura que sí hay personas que han llegado a la misma conclusión que Nora.
Sí me parecieron algunas partes un poco lentas y aburridas, pero en general me gustó, me sentí un poco identificada con Norma, yo también perdí a una de mis gatita y sentí que el mundo se me iba de las manos, me siento en una posición en la que no sé qué hago con mi vida y que estoy estancada, y por supuesto que me gustaría saber cómo son las vidas de mis otros yo, pero eso sólo quedaría en mi imaginación.
Sí te gusta este hype por los multiversos y quieres una historia optimista sobre la vida y la muerte, tal vez te guste este libro.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Cancer, Gaslighting, Medical content, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Medical trauma, Panic attacks/disorders, Chronic illness, Mental illness, Suicide, and Vomit
Minor: Alcoholism, Addiction, Stalking, Animal cruelty, Car accident, Abandonment, and Alcohol
leoni_plu's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, and Mental illness
Moderate: Alcoholism and Death of parent
Minor: Vomit, Self harm, Stalking, Car accident, and Panic attacks/disorders
faenth's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm and Suicide attempt
Minor: Vomit, Alcoholism, Car accident, Homophobia, and Stalking
lin3han's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Drug abuse, and Suicide
Minor: Vomit, Stalking, Terminal illness, Cancer, Death of parent, and Death
dingofast's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- 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
5.0
This book was just the thing I needed to pull me out of my reading slump. I will say, trigger warnings for suicidal thoughts, and attempt. As well as trigger warning for depression.
I loved this book’s outlook on life and learning to love life by simply living. Realizing that no life is perfect, every life will have ups and downs. But you can choose to grab onto what’s good about life and to keep going.
I found the writing of this book to be beautiful, and very profound. I’m so glad I picked this up.
I loved this book’s outlook on life and learning to love life by simply living. Realizing that no life is perfect, every life will have ups and downs. But you can choose to grab onto what’s good about life and to keep going.
I found the writing of this book to be beautiful, and very profound. I’m so glad I picked this up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Stalking and Toxic relationship