The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (Released September 2020)

Looking for a great story to discuss at book club? This is the book. Read on for my review.

 

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 blockbuster 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.             

When I was young, I met a person who believed life should be lived without regret.  I have lived most of my life believing I could do that. I made thoughtful choices, sometimes spending too much time thinking choices through.  At every crossroad, I chose with intent. But lately, I have been thinking 'What if?' or 'Why didn't I?' or even 'I should have'.

This book explores those exact questions for the main character, Nora. It's quite interesting exploring another human's choices and how everything could be so drastically different for them. Does it make me believe MY life could have been different? Yes. Does it make me WANT my life to be different? Ummm, I can't answer that as it could be a spoiler, so you'll just have to message me to find out, AFTER you read the book.             

In short, I recommend this book. It's a great read and it stimulates thought. While the content is heavy, it's written in such a way that light and hope shine through. The story moves along swiftly, with very few twists and turns. The main character grows steadily through each experience. I, as the reader, did as too. If you are exploring your Book of Regrets, reach for The Midnight Library. It could give you a perspective you have not yet considered.