The Midnight Library question

Probably one of the worst books that I have ever had the misfortune of reading.

It's for the sort of person who thinks that painting "live, laugh, love" on their walls is the epitome of taste.

This book was not it for me if I am honest. It seems like its supposed to be a really deep hard hitting story. but its kind of shallow. Just my opinion and I know many others will disagree, the reviews are hit and miss for this one.

Without writing a whole review here ill just dot point:
* Didnt grow to like any of the characters, not even Nora, the main character
* I think so much more could have been done with the story that Matt Haig just couldnt.
* Story felt really rushed
* The ending was so meh, and also felt rushed
* I don't think he depicted Depression very well. I think the story seems like its going to be way deeper but it truly just is not.

To be frank, I knew what book will hold and how it will end at the end. But it was the way the possibilities of someone's life was discussed and narrated that kept me hooked to the pages. Talking about the hype, it is hyped by those who could relate and struggle with their own lives and after reading the book they realize that this life might be the best one. For them this must have been a revelation, treat it like a Self Help book, you dont know its importance unless you gain or relate to it.

i like the fast paced-ness of it, and the concept is pretty unique- not the best book ever but a nice easy quick read

Loved this book !!

I really enjoyed the book. Okay, there is too much hype, but still, it is a decent book, nicely written and it talks about important subjects. Maybe I also really enjoyed it, as I have gone through periods of anxiety and I have been in situations, where I was not sure how to act.

Nyx ❤ _ Valerie wrote: "is it worth the hipe? what do you think?"

NO.
It feels like a book you have to read and analyse in school. Tries to be insightful but it's an overdone topic and only received hype due to his name.

Nyx ❤ _ Valerie wrote: "is it worth the hipe? what do you think?"

The book is philosophy driven and so for some it may be too deep a read. I had to look up all the philosophers mentioned and their views on life, because it is an analysis of how we live our lives, are they worth living, and a lesson for those who might be contemplating another course to living. The unique vehicle/mechanics of the story telling may be jarring until you get into the rhythm of the book. The internal stories dig into all of our dreams and fears on how we go through our lives, which are universal, and there is certainly something to learn from each of Nora's exploits. So yes I believe it is worth the hype.

I loved it! A book I still think about. However it’s a shame the ending was predictable

I liked it, but, I thought it was predictable and didn't go as deep as I thought it might have gone. Didn't really warm to any of the characters, but maybe the short chapters was to blame for that as I felt it didn't go into too much depth about them.
But overall it was a quick and enjoyable read, but wouldn't be shouting from the rooftops about it.

It made me realize a lot of things! It was worth my time I’d say.

No, not really.

I have mix feeling about this one. You need to be in a good head space to read this book. Lots of talk of depression. Very nice ending.

yes totally!
Esp if you are going through that period of uncertainty or are anxious about making some important decisions, you should totally pick it!
otherwise too, in general its a nice read. You'll learn alot.

Slightly overrated but is ok because the idea is so different and keeps you in it for the whole read.

I really loved it, it's a hopeful story about overcoming depression and finding your place in the world

The ending was predictable, but it was still an enjoyable enough read.

I liked the fantasy element of the book. Everyone in their lives thinks about how things would have been if they made different decisions. I took the book for what it was, leisure, and to bring things into perspective about life.

I loved this book and liked reading about all the different ways life could have turned out. It certainly makes you think about your own life and how much we take for granted. There is an awful lot of hype around the book but it was still a very good read.

The protagonist, Nora, is something of a whiner: she had many opportunities in her life to do something memorable: swim in the Olympics, be a rock star, or marry a good man and have a happy family, be a true friend and live adventurously. She has made decisions that stopped those futures and is suicidal. She comes to the Midnight Library and is allowed to explore each of the lives that she did not choose. But none of them make her happy. I wanted to smack her upside the head: make a decision, any decision to live instead of complaining. Given her prior life choices, the ending does not feel totally realistic. Good book, but the primary character did not seem to have the gumption to ever make a positive decision on anything.

Nyx ❤ _ Valerie wrote: "is it worth the hipe? what do you think?"

this is such a nice book in my opinion. It depicts a very real version of life and depression. It's a nice journey. I am so glad I read it and I recommand it. But keep in mind that it is a slow pace story, nothing thrilling, just a nice moment opening up to the depths of life.

On the whole I was disappointed with it and could tell from nearly the beginning more or less how it would end. It did wrap up nicely, but overall pretty "meh." I can't for the life of my figure out why it's been on the bestseller list for almost two years.

This book is really good. The ending made me see life on a different angle and I really needed it. So if you need to have some motivation in life, I recommend it 100%

I really liked the concept in this book of how significant crossroads in our life may be. I enjoyed the book and didn’t realise how much until it was over. Not saying it’s perfect but its a bit different and a good read.

Nyx ❤ _ Valerie wrote: "is it worth the hipe? what do you think?" couldn't get into it at all...

I liked it, the concept was interesting and it was a good read, but I couldn’t help feeling like the main character has a very privileged point of view, idk how to put it exactly but I found it really hard to relate most of the time. By all means, read it, it’s enjoyable and creative.

I thought the premise was fantastic, but the execution did leave more to be desired. The hype is a bit undeserved but it's not that bad

100 percent worth the hype, I loved hot and it changed my live in so many ways possible. I now have a different view for everything that happens to me

Personally, I hated it. I found it predictable and with very little to say, but it's not offensive. It's just boring. This is coming from someone who struggles with depression, by the way. I just didn't connect with it.

I really enjoyed this book, and it wasn't something I would normally read. I picked it up in a bookshop at a train station (which I think becomes ironic when you've read the book)

As someone who has struggled with depression since a young age I found this book relatable, especially as I'm coming towards the end of my 20's and feeling reflective over the decisions that I've made in life.

The story itself does become repetitive and it's easy to figure out what's coming; but I also think that makes it more understandable. I think its predictable on purpose! To really drive home Noras situation and her feelings.

I truly did enjoy this read and it certainly made me feel less self-critical about my choices. Sometimes you just need to hear that someone else has felt the same as you (even if it is a fictional character)

I give it a 3 out of 5. It took a bit to get into but was a fairly quick read.

I can see why people may not like this book. But I loved it!
The fantasy element and the different stories made the topic of mental health more accessible.
It's quite a while since I read this book, but the characters and the library have stayed with me...

It was decent. I felt very neutral about it. Didn’t hate it at all but it also wasn’t my favorite.

It is kind of a bummer, but if you want fictional self-help then this has some really good advices. You'll feel happy at the end tho

Not worth the hype. I regret buying this in hardcover. The author seemed overly interested in Millenial signifiers and not interested enough in character development. This one goes straight to the Little Free Library, maybe in time to be someone's Christmas present.

i personally loved it since the begginning to the end

Nyx ❤ _ Valerie wrote: "is it worth the hipe? what do you think?" I really enjoyed this book, changed my view on some subjects.

I definitely liked it. I've just read some of the previous comments and I disagree with the point that the book lacks depth and is not worth the effort. I've also read "Reasons to Stay Alive" and it was really hard for me to complete it because of the disconcerting details on depression that appeared in the book. "The Midnight Library" was easy to read. I believe that not dealing with depression in depth was an advantage. The plot was gripping. Certainly that's the right way to raise awareness about mental health issues.

Nyx ❤ _ Valerie wrote: "is it worth the hipe? what do you think?"

I liked it but didn't love it,it has a GREAT story, but it IS overhyped

I think its a pretty good book , though seems most people don't agree. I agree it didn't discuss depression in a truly honest way(though everyone deals with this differently). The pace was like the movie version of a book, some parts rushed through whilst others were slower, but overall I enjoyed it and its something I thought back to after reading.

I really enjoyed this book and because of it, I have read many of Matt Haig's other books. He writes from the personal vantage point, as he deals with anxiety, suicidal thoughts, etc. I appreciate his honesty and ability to put it out there. I have recommended this to others who also enjoyed it.

Wasn't a huge fan. It kept me engaged though.

I gave it five stars for the way the author is straight forward with the narrative and I like when it feels like the plot is moving at every line of the book, but it was a very predictable book. I mean... from reading only the synopsis of the book I literally guessed the end and I think most people will.

The book is intelligent entertainment, not philosophy or psychology. And Thoreau who the author repeatedly mentions, is no philosopher! So Rickard's book is rather shallow, but still well worth reading for older folks who have experienced a lot of life, good and bad. Not so much for young readers. I agree with Tom in the comment above (Dec. 29) It is not for everyone.

Nyx ❤ _ Valerie wrote: "is it worth the hipe? what do you think?"

Personally, the hype was higher than the book. Yet, I still finished feeling as if it was a very enjoyable story, one of those that make you remember how lucky we are to be alive.

It was an interesting book to read, very different than I expected.

I really enjoyed this book. I was on one of those solo holidays where you check out of your hotel at 11am but you're not being picked up until 8pm and you just want to wallow in an escapist book for the next 9 hours. My hotel had a bookcase where people left their discarded holiday reads and this was on the shelves so I delved in. I must say it was a magical read in the sun, with enough drinks to keep me hydrated and in the holiday mood. I couldn't have asked for a better day. Yes, I kinf=d of knew the ending ahead of time but, a bit like life, I really enjoyed the journey.

I feel like the idea behind this book was so good and I had such high hopes about it but it just wasn't it. The storyline was very predictable and I just didn't like the main characters at all.

It is an easy read and it's definitely not the worst book I've ever ready but definitely not worth all of the hype it got, at least in my opinion

I understand the hype, but I think it's the hype of people who aren't acquainted with stories that handle the themes much better. It would be like picking up a fantasy quest book for the first time without having experienced Tolkien. I think the movies Soul and Everything Everywhere All at Once handled the themes far better.