I am not usually an all-caps kind of blogger, but I LOVED The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig. I read it last month because, as a bookworm, I thought the premise sounded enticing—a library full of books holding infinite possibilities for your life—what could be more intriguing? I had no idea that in addition to being a wonderfully written story, it would also be moving, profound, and philosophical.
The Midnight Library follows the main character, Nora, who attempts to end her life which no longer seemed worth living. However, instead of dying, she enters a space between life and death where she is given the chance to explore how her life would have been if she had made different choices along the way. Nora’s guide through her journey is Mrs. Elm, her elementary school librarian, which is a sweet touch that gives The Midnight Library a comforting charm.
The novel brings to mind elements of the movie It’s A Wonderful Life, and it’s probably not too big of a spoiler to reveal that through Nora’s quest she ultimately finds hope and possibility. The book touches on profound truths such as the idea that one must know some degree of sadness to appreciate joy.
It turns out that the author had his own brush with suicidality in his mid-twenties, and it is from this perspective of someone who has gotten through a dark patch and found meaning again that the author writes. Try The Midnight Library soon. I think you’ll like it!
