The Midnight Library by Matt Haig has made its appearance all over Bookstagram (Instagram for the reading community). This novel began to trend on my personal explore page and news feed followed by other Bookstagrammers so one might say I became intrigued. The concept of this book is meaningful and engaging. It is a story about Nora Seed, a woman who battles with depression and suicide (triggering subjects). She feels depressed with her life as she begins to wonder what exactly is her purpose in life, where is she meant to go, and who is she meant to be. Nora also questions the negative impact her job has on her as well as her loneliness. Her negative thoughts and situations that occur cause Nora to want to take her own life. This shocking decision leads Nora to the Midnight Library, a place between life and death that allows her to re-live through her regrets to see if she has made the right decisions in the past. These altering situations give Nora the chance to learn about her biggest "what ifs", to understand the significance of life with everything that happens, the good and the bad.
Although the concept of this book has been done before, I enjoyed the different approach this one took with the Midnight Library as a place to go between life and death. I love Haig's intellectual writing that connects with Nora's love for Philosophy. Nora's character studied this subject in college and Haig did a great job keeping that interest a part of her while living in different lives. One of my favorite quotes he used by Henry David Thoreau is, "All good things are wild and free." I felt connected to this quote because I enjoy going with the flow, living in the moment, and that everything happens for a reason.
I felt that somewhere in the middle, it did slow down for me but it still kept my interest as to what would happen. I did feel bad for Nora but I think the whole purpose of the book is to realize we are in control of our lives and to ease with grace through bad times and negativity. This is a heavy topic of depression so I respect the author putting a realistic subject out for people to relate to and reach out for help.
I liked the overall important message of the book that I gathered, which is to enjoy every part of your life that you are in charge of, the good and the bad. Even in those moments you think are the worst or do not matter, I promise they do. "Never underestimate the big importance of small things." Everyone's path is different and that does not mean yours is wrong. You are going where you are meant to be. It is normal to have regrets, but we should not dwell on them in the present. I like having deep conversations about the universe and deep, real-life topics. I recommend this book to those who enjoy the same as well as those who like imagination and fictional books. If you or anyone you know needs help and are struggling with mental health, depression, anxiety, or anything, please reach out to loved ones, people you can talk to, or helpful resources.
"The only way to learn is to live." - Matt Haig, The Midnight Library
Rating: 4.5 stars
Enjoy and happy reading!
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