The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Book Description:
Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices . . . Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?
A dazzling novel about all the choices that go into a life well lived, from the internationally bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive and How To Stop Time.
Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better?
In The Midnight Library, Matt Haig’s enchanting new novel, Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. Faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, realizing her dreams of becoming a glaciologist; she must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place.
My Review:
I was seriously surprised by this book! This was chosen to be my local book clubs pick for the month of May. Not the typical book that I would select for myself but I am SO glad to have read this one. This is quite the unique storyline and just like the library it is magical! I absolutely love the tidbits of knowledge and quotes spun into this story. While there were a few times in this book that I felt were a little longer than they needed to be but it was still a really good read!
Mental health is such a serious topic. While I cannot completely relate to the desperation that Nora had, I truly believe that the takeaway from reading this book can be deeply personal. I struggle to write a review on this book because I don't want to discredit someone's feelings who are dealing with the same issues as Nora. I have had loved ones who suffer from depression and I can see where this book maybe a trigger or not see the seriousness of the topic.
What I took from it is that every life has struggles and no matter how truly terrible things get, there is something good (sometimes we overlook it)...no matter how big or small it can be. And just maybe that little piece of good could be what helps the direction that you want to take in our story. No life is perfect, the grass is never greener, fame & money won't buy happiness...
It has also showed me the importance of checking in with loved ones who suffer from depression (or any other mental illness) to make sure that they know that my door is always open & that I am always there for them.
My Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐