The Midnight Library: A GMA Book Club Pick...

I thought this was a pretty interesting take on mental health, regrets and what-ifs. I've read another book by Matt Haig, which I liked, and this one didn't disappoint.

Will have you second guessing if you have labeled your “retreats” appropriately

Loved the simple easy to read story about a woman who has a string of tragic events & considers ending it, as in her depression, she sees herself a failure in every aspect. Nora is very simple to understand, real & raw in her evaluations (though flawed thought process at the moment she chooses to dwell on SI) Through a series of unusual events, she sees what life would be with each regret (choice) she could have made differently. A lot of depressed women can relate to it-especially poignant is imperfect relationships/families/lives, how regrets weigh you down & how in depression you cannot see through the dark cloud over you, as you are looking from only one (your twisted) perspective. Wonderful ending, you want it to go on! Women who suffer from depression or regrets should read this as an aid to moving forward-it certainly helped me see things differently. As a way to take her through the process of investigating her lives choices, a librarian & books are involved (hence the name) magical book in its premise & in the way it can change your outlook on life.

"Someone once told me the definition of hell; on your last day on Earth, the person you could have become will meet the person you became." Regrets are something we all ponder in life. At one point or another, we question how things could have changed if we made a different decision. Some people may even go to their deathbeds without making peace with their regrets. The Midnight Library is a book that revolves around the topic of regrets. Matt Haig goes into an exploration of the meaning of happiness and what it derives from. Material success, making others proud or going with the flow. It's a bit more philosophical with fantastical elements. Yet, it's easy enough to read and understand by anyone. Besides the concept of "The Midnight Library," I'd say nothing about the plot of this book is unique. The storyline is almost a retelling of A Wonderful Life. The plot and ending are somewhat predictable. Yet, I find its modern retelling refreshing. Matt Haig doesn't hold back punches on inputting his own ideas and thoughts into this book. Some of his points can be as subtle as a jackhammer. He quotes a lot of Henry David Thoreau among other philosophers. His beliefs on stoicism come through time and time again. Some people may be turned off by that. I found myself annoyed at some spots. But I understand why Haig places those beliefs there. The topic of suicide, depression, and mental illness is a touchy subject. One that many struggle with. It's a topic that many people hide in plain sight. This book can be what someone needs to read at the right moment in time in their life. I appreciate how it's simple enough to read and understand by almost any young adult. And I do feel that anyone who is still seeking their voice in this world can learn how to drop their nagging regrets. It's a self-help book disguised as a YA fantasy novel. 4/5. The right book for some people at certain down points in their life. Not a unique story. Yet, it's simple, easy to read, and better suited for a modern audience.

While I can see this book not being everyone's cup of tea, I really liked it and can see why many others do, too. It's an approachable angle for thinking about parallel universes and the fleeting nature of life. Was not a difficult read at all, finished it in two uninterrupted afternoons.

A quick read that really gets you thinking. I was a little unsure of the writing style when I first picked it up but I ended up not being able to put it down.

I’ve seen so many raving reviews about this book- it just didn’t really resonate with me. I like the idea and the message, maybe if it was written by a different actor in a different way I would have liked it more. It just came across more corny than thought provoking.

Loved this book! Super fast read. Thought provoking.

The Midnight Library had me absolutely SOBBING in under 20 pages. Before I let you continue on this review, I want to reference the content warnings on the second slide of this post. Please be aware that this book centers around a suicide attempt. Nora Seed’s life is on an unfortunate downswing. She’s lost her job, her cat’s died, and she has the feeling no one needs or even wants her around. Nora’s life has taken such a downturn, she resorts to suicide. On the edge between life and death, Nora finds herself in #TheMidnightLibrary with her former school librarian. Mrs. Elm tells Nora she has been given a rare chance- she's can try out other versions of her life. In the multiverse, every decision Nora has ever made results in a different direction her life could have taken. Every book in the library represents another version of her life. All Nora has to do is take her alternate lives for a spin and decide which one is for her. But which one will make her happy? While I am going to caution anyone dealing with depression on starting this book, the end is surprisingly uplifting. An emotionally difficult read, it explores how decisions big and small can drastically change your life’s direction. Truth be told, I had a difficult time reading this one. It kinda sent me down an existential rabbit hole for a few days. So before you read it, because I know it’s been really popular, make sure you are feeling emotionally prepared for it. Books are meant to entertain, to teach, to provide catharsis, not strain your mental health.

Disclaimer, this book talks about suicide, depression, and addiction. An interesting take on death; rather that moment before death. Nora Seed, the main character, is inherently flawed and she knows it. She’s a person that has allowed regret to consume her. Her journey is a reminder, not just to her but to the reader as well, that life will never be perfect. No matter what choice we make, we will have regrets, and our decisions affect the world around us more than we think. I think it ends in a bittersweet note. Although I felt that maybe more could’ve been said or done. But that’s just me. I just really wanted something more. Lol

Great book, easy to read, thought provoking. Timely for me. Anyone with depression due to regrets must read this.

This book moved me so much that I cried at the ending because it was so wonderful. I loved the message and it was well written. It was also funny, surprisingly, for a book of this kind. Well, I liked to humor. I would defs recommend it to anyone who is interested in reading it :)

This was really heavy, much heavier than I anticipated from the synopsis. Between life and death is one thing, but I wasn't prepared for how sad this was, I was just excited for parallel universes x libraries, because those are two of my favorite literary devices. It was good, and I liked how much Nora learned from all of her other life experiences. The end was satisfying, and made sense.