Scan barcode
A review by plantbasedbride
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
This book and this review contain potentially triggering content.
Trigger Warnings: suicidal ideation and attempted suicide, self-harm, loss of a loved one, animal death, severe depression
When Nora, a woman with depression and suicidal ideation, finds her life is falling apart as one thing after another seems to go wrong, she decides the world would be better off without her. But between life and death, there is a library. A library with shelves that go on forever, books full of the infinite possibilities of her life. And a librarian she recognizes who is ready to lead the way.
As someone who has suffered from depression and loved people whose lives have been touched by suicide, the Midnight Library hit very close to home. I, too, have a book of regrets. Choices I wish I could undo. Lives I wish I could have lived. While I am lucky enough to have carved out a happy life where I feel loved and valued, not everyone is so fortunate. If my twenties had progressed differently, I could very well have ended up in a very similar situation to Nora, and I could relate to her on a visceral level.
This book explores a difficult topic with clarity and hope, and leaves the reader with nugget after nugget of wisdom to digest. Questioning the nature of memory, challenging our expectations, interrogating our definition of a "good" or "purposeful" life, and reminding us that fulfilling our dreams is never a one-way ticket to everlasting happiness, Haig reminds us that the grass isn't always greener and that sometimes all we need is a slight shift in perspective.
Beautifully crafted, touching, and inspiring, The Midnight Library is well worth your time.
VIDEO REVIEW: (coming soon)
You can find me on...
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/plantbasedbride">Youtube</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethturn/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ElizabethTurn">Twitter</a>
*PBB Book Club Selection for January 2021*
Trigger Warnings: suicidal ideation and attempted suicide, self-harm, loss of a loved one, animal death, severe depression
When Nora, a woman with depression and suicidal ideation, finds her life is falling apart as one thing after another seems to go wrong, she decides the world would be better off without her. But between life and death, there is a library. A library with shelves that go on forever, books full of the infinite possibilities of her life. And a librarian she recognizes who is ready to lead the way.
As someone who has suffered from depression and loved people whose lives have been touched by suicide, the Midnight Library hit very close to home. I, too, have a book of regrets. Choices I wish I could undo. Lives I wish I could have lived. While I am lucky enough to have carved out a happy life where I feel loved and valued, not everyone is so fortunate. If my twenties had progressed differently, I could very well have ended up in a very similar situation to Nora, and I could relate to her on a visceral level.
This book explores a difficult topic with clarity and hope, and leaves the reader with nugget after nugget of wisdom to digest. Questioning the nature of memory, challenging our expectations, interrogating our definition of a "good" or "purposeful" life, and reminding us that fulfilling our dreams is never a one-way ticket to everlasting happiness, Haig reminds us that the grass isn't always greener and that sometimes all we need is a slight shift in perspective.
Beautifully crafted, touching, and inspiring, The Midnight Library is well worth your time.
VIDEO REVIEW: (coming soon)
You can find me on...
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/plantbasedbride">Youtube</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elizabethturn/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ElizabethTurn">Twitter</a>
*PBB Book Club Selection for January 2021*
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Suicide, Death of parent, Death, Mental illness, Self harm, and Animal death