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A review by pageafter_paige
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- 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
Wow I can’t believe I haven’t read this book sooner! I absolutely love the concept of this book because I’m always thinking about parallel universes. I think it’s so easy for us to idealize what we think we should’ve, could’ve, or would’ve, done but this book is a good reminded that those thoughts can become a type of prison.
I can’t lie, I’ve been that prisoner before. Like Nora, I think we all are have a book of regrets buried deep. The Midnight Library really made me think of my own “what ifs” and it was a little depressing but I feel that that is part of the point. What if I was an actor? What if I had never quit hockey at 14? What if I hated dogs? What if I never cared about grades? What if I had kids? What if I said yes to a different job two years ago?
Some of those I automatically think “yeah that would’ve been sweet” but by watching Nora try on different lives I realize that’s me idealizing and assuming. No life is 100% perfect and by assuming there is a perfect life out there, I could be missing out on the life I’m living right here and now. Life really is about the little things, not the big “what ifs” and as someone with anxiety I think that I need that reminder sometimes.
While my past may have many “what ifs” so does my future but I can be excited about making those decisions. Nora reminds me that there are infinite possibilities with every decision we make and none of them are right or wrong. Where we go from right here is up to us and we can always decide to switch it up. Will we keep reading our book of regrets, or will we start a new book filled with choices?
Anyways, that’s for coming to my Ted talk lmao
If you’re struggling this is your reminder to hold on
4.5 stars because it was obvious she was gonna be going back to her root life
I can’t lie, I’ve been that prisoner before. Like Nora, I think we all are have a book of regrets buried deep. The Midnight Library really made me think of my own “what ifs” and it was a little depressing but I feel that that is part of the point. What if I was an actor? What if I had never quit hockey at 14? What if I hated dogs? What if I never cared about grades? What if I had kids? What if I said yes to a different job two years ago?
Some of those I automatically think “yeah that would’ve been sweet” but by watching Nora try on different lives I realize that’s me idealizing and assuming. No life is 100% perfect and by assuming there is a perfect life out there, I could be missing out on the life I’m living right here and now. Life really is about the little things, not the big “what ifs” and as someone with anxiety I think that I need that reminder sometimes.
While my past may have many “what ifs” so does my future but I can be excited about making those decisions. Nora reminds me that there are infinite possibilities with every decision we make and none of them are right or wrong. Where we go from right here is up to us and we can always decide to switch it up. Will we keep reading our book of regrets, or will we start a new book filled with choices?
Anyways, that’s for coming to my Ted talk lmao
If you’re struggling this is your reminder to hold on
4.5 stars because it was obvious she was gonna be going back to her root life
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Animal death, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Grief, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, and Suicide