The Midnight Library

By Matt Haig

I didn’t actually pick this book out - my sister sent it to me on a whim because she thought I might like it. (Side note: people who do this should be treasured) And now having read it, I have to admit I agree.

The book begins with the main character Nora who is having a colossally bad day, week, year, life - and in short decides perhaps life is not for her after all. This is where things really kick off - in the area between life and death. Nora begins to explore all the lives she could have lived, all the choices she could have made differently, and all the regrets that have weighed on her. The Midnight Library leads you down a path of exploration alongside Nora, making you ask questions of yourself, of the universe, and of humanity.

One of my friends (who also read this) made the comment that she had to force herself to slow down and just sit with some of the scenarios presented so they didn’t wash over her too quickly. This definitely resonated with me; while tackling all these immensely powerful conversations and complex issues - the book is actually a fairly quick read.

Part fiction, part philosophy, part quantum physics - I really can’t say I’ve ever read a book quite like this one. I think virtually anyone could get something out of this book - if nothing else than just a few moments of introspective reflection.