Skip to main content

Book Review: Am I the Last One to Read The Midnight Library by Matt Haig?

I may be biased in this review because I like libraries, and this book features one!

"The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig caught my eye for several reasons. Firstly, the premise alone is enough to draw anyone in: a magical library that lets you explore alternative lives you could have lived. Talk about seizing your attention! I was particularly intrigued because the idea of "what-ifs" has always fascinated me, and I thought the book would provide an interesting take on this universal human experience.

Summary

The story revolves around Nora Seed, a woman burdened by regrets, choices, and missed opportunities. At the lowest point in her life, she discovers the Midnight Library—a metaphysical space suspended between life and death. Guided by the librarian Mrs. Elm, Nora gets the chance to live as if she had made different choices at pivotal moments in her life. Each book in the library represents a different life Nora could have led. As she leafs through these volumes, she explores various careers, relationships, and life paths.

Analysis and Evaluation

What I absolutely loved about the book is its deep dive into the emotional landscape of Nora. Her internal journey felt so authentic and layered, making it easy for me to empathize with her. On the flip side, some might find the book's pace a bit slow, particularly in the middle section where Nora tries out various lives. But in my opinion, this pacing allowed for richer character development.

Writing Style

Matt Haig's writing style was straightforward yet elegant. His prose didn't feel cumbersome; instead, it moved fluidly, allowing the reader to be immersed in the narrative. As for the book's overall message—examining life's possibilities without being enslaved by regrets—it was beautifully conveyed. 

Unique features? Well, the concept of a "life library" was a fresh take on the trope of alternate realities. It took what could have been a complex narrative structure and presented it in a way that was easy to follow.

Themes and Symbols

The Midnight Library itself stands as a powerful symbol of introspection and opportunities. It challenges us to consider the paths we've taken and the ones we've avoided. Themes of regret, choice, and the meaning of life are evident throughout the book, and they help give the story its emotional weight.

Character Analysis

Nora Seed undergoes substantial transformation in the book. From a woman riddled with regrets to someone who learns to appreciate the nuances of life, her journey is both relatable and inspiring. Mrs. Elm serves as a stabilizing force in the story, and her role helps us understand Nora better.

Personal Connection

While the book didn't specifically relate to actual libraries (the library was more of a metaphor), it resonated with me on the level of evaluating life choices and potential. It made me think about how even seemingly small decisions could lead to a lifetime of difference, which I believe is a notion that can apply to anyone, regardless of their career path.

Recommendation

I would wholeheartedly recommend "The Midnight Library" to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking fiction. If you're grappling with questions about choice, consequence, and the search for a fulfilling life, this book is for you.

In summary, "The Midnight Library" is a beautifully written, thought-provoking novel that takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster. It makes us ponder the infinite paths our lives can take based on our choices, encouraging us to appreciate the one we're on.

Rating

On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give it a solid 9. My criteria include engagement, character development, and thematic depth—all of which this book delivers impressively.


Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

A Librarian’s Method for Organizing a Wardrobe: Current, Non-current, or Archive?

I did not set out to fix my wardrobe. I was just tired of negotiating with it every morning. My closet was full, but I wore the same few things. The rest stared back at me like a group project I never agreed to join. I had already tried the usual advice: declutter, be ruthless, imagine an ideal self who attends brunch more often than I do.  None of it stuck. Then I realized the problem was not the clothes. It was the lack of a system.  I am a librarian. When something does not work, I do not add more space. I reclassify. Again, I remind myself that I am a librarian. When something is chaotic, my first thought is NOT “buy more storage.” It is “this needs a system.” My closet did not need more hangers. It needed cataloging. Librarians do not panic about having too many books. They decide where each book belongs:  current , non-current , or archive .  So I tried the same method on my wardrobe. The Library Method, Explained Without the Jargon In libraries: Current ...
Read more

10 Occult Books That Can Be Classified Under LCC G

If you hear the word “occult,” you might imagine dark rooms, candles, and someone whispering Latin badly. But in library science, the occult often sits quietly under LCC Class G — the section for Geography, Anthropology, and Folklore . Why? Because many occult works deal with myth, symbolism, ritual, cultural belief systems, and human attempts to understand the unseen. In other words, they are less about flying broomsticks and more about how people make meaning. Here are ten notable occult books that can reasonably fall under LCC G , especially within folklore (GR), customs (GT), or cultural anthropology. 1. The Golden Bough – James George Frazer Frazer’s massive comparative study of myth and religion explores magic, ritual sacrifice, fertility rites, and sacred kings. It is not a spell book. It is anthropology with a dramatic flair. Why LCC G? Because it analyzes myth and ritual across cultures. This comfortably sits in folklore and anthropology (GR). 2. The Hero with a Thousand Face...
Read more

3 Easy Ways to Instantly Improve Your Handwriting

Handwriting doesn’t have to be a lost art, even in today’s digital world. Whether you’re taking notes, writing a letter, or just doodling in your journal, legible handwriting is a skill worth mastering. Let’s start with three quick tips to make your writing more readable: 1. Pay Attention to Spacing Spacing is one of the most overlooked aspects of legibility. It’s tempting to let your letters and words run together, but that’s the quickest way to turn your notes into an indecipherable mess. Make a conscious effort to leave some space between each letter and word. This breathing room allows the reader to clearly distinguish one word from the next. Slow down, and you’ll find your spacing naturally improves. 2. Hold the Pen Correctly You might not think much about how you hold your pen, but it plays a big role in your handwriting. Too tight a grip, and your hand tires quickly, causing shaky lines. Too loose, and you’ll struggle to control the pen. Aim for a relaxed but steady grip that le...
Read more

5 Books That Make You Better at Getting Things Done

1. The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz This book says energy is more important than time. Weird, right? But it makes sense. The authors say we should work like athletes — focus hard for a bit, then take real breaks to rest and recharge. Instead of running on empty all week, you learn to build routines that give you energy, not drain it. Basically, it’s saying: stop acting like a robot and start acting like a human who takes naps. 2. Getting Things Done by David Allen If your brain feels like a messy desk full of sticky notes, this book is your cleaning guide. David Allen teaches you how to put every task, idea, or reminder somewhere safe — so your mind can finally relax. Once you’ve written everything down, you can actually focus on what’s in front of you instead of wondering what you forgot. It’s for people who want to feel calm, in control, and slightly smug about their tidy to-do lists. 3. The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker Peter Drucker is...
Read more

Why Misclassification Happens in Library Classification Systems

Libraries are designed to create order. Knowledge, however, is not.  Misclassification does not always mean someone made a mistake. Often, it reveals deeper structural tensions in how information is organized. Below are four core reasons it happens. 1. Interdisciplinary Content The book genuinely belongs in more than one class. Modern scholarship does not respect neat boundaries. A single book might combine: Psychology and economics Technology and ethics History and sociology Health and philosophy Library classification systems, including LCC, require one primary location. A physical book cannot sit in three places at once. So the cataloger must decide which subject dominates. That choice reduces complexity. Interdisciplinary books are not rare exceptions anymore. They are increasingly the norm. Classification systems, however, were built in a time when disciplines were more clearly separated. The system expects tidy categories. Authors often deliver intellectual hybrids. 2. Select...
Read more

What Does an Abstractor Do? And Other Frequently Asked Questions.

 My very first job ever is ABSTRACTOR. And, in the year 2000, I had to sit a person down and spend no less than fifteen minutes explaining what I do. Now, it's easier because people are more likely to get it when I tell them about the main job description of an abstractor. What exactly does an abstractor do? An abstractor is a person who summarizes important information from documents and records, making it easier to understand the main points without reading the whole text. This is often used for legal documents, such as those related to property ownership, for submitting studies to peer-reviewed journals, and for thesis writing. Here are some questions you might want to ask if you're considering a job as an abstractor. Does an abstractor need to be a graduate of library science and information courses? An abstractor does not necessarily need to have a degree in library science. Typically, abstractors have backgrounds in fields related to the documents they work with, such as ...
Read more

Weekly Facebook Reel Plan 008: Pretending to be Tourists for a Day

Creating a one-week reel plan around the theme "Pretending to be Tourists for a Day" sounds like a fun and engaging way to connect with your audience. Here's a table that outlines the plan: Day of the Week Concept Execution Monday Local Landmarks Visit local landmarks and take photos as if you're seeing them for the first time. Tuesday Food Tour Sample local cuisine from various eateries and discuss the flavors and textures. Wednesday Public Transport Adventure Ride the local public transport and show the experience, including buying tickets. Thursday Street Performers Find street performers and capture their acts, maybe even join in for a collaborative moment. Friday Souvenir Shopping Visit local souvenir shops and showcase unique items, discussing their cultural significance. Saturday Museum Hopping Go to a local museum and take photos of interesting exhibits, discussing their history. Sunday Scenic Spots Visit a local park or beach and capture the natural beauty, p...
Read more

The Basics of Ilokano Culture that a Visitor Needs to Know

 Each experience in Northern Luzon would seem to unravel another facet of this incredibly rich Ilokano cultural heritage. There are three standout features that would leave a lasting impression: the Ilokano family structure, their symbiotic relationship with the land, and the social norms in the Ilokano community that govern daily life. Family First off, let's discuss family traditions in Ilokano society, because the family is the cornerstone of this vibrant culture. Unlike some places where family might just mean your immediate circle, in Ilokano culture, the term is expansive. Extended families often share the same compound or plot of land, forming tight-knit communities within the larger society. Children are taught the importance of panagbiag—a set of ethical norms and practices—in every aspect of life, including the way they interact with their elders Manong and Manang  Speaking of elders, the terms "Manong" and "Manang" aren't just labels for older sib...
Read more

E-scooter Commute Tracker and Maintenance Logbook for Publishing on KDP

One of the best places to self-publish and earn royalties is Amazon KDP! But what if you're not a writer? I've found that book designing is as good as being an author if you're after selling a book or workbooks for profit. Here's one of the books I made that can be sold on KDP (done-for-you by me):  E-scooter Commute Tracker and Maintenance Logbook It's available at my store on Creative Fabrica . If this link does  not work, copy and paste the following to your browser:  https://www.creativefabrica.com/product/e-scooter-tracking-and-maintenance-kdp/ref/2135193/ Why an Electric Scooter Commute Tracker and Maintenance Logbook would Sell Well on KDP In today's eco-conscious world, electric scooters have become a popular choice for daily commutes. As more people adopt this efficient and green mode of transportation, the need for a reliable way to maintain and monitor their scooters has grown.            1.     Comprehensive Tr...
Read more

A Library Can Help Remove Bias and Prejudice in the Community

  Human library as a concept for your makerspace? Here are some information about this kind of library and what can be achieved by organizing something like it. We are not Alone In This Advocacy The Human Library Project is actually a world-wide advocacy made up of various organizations. So, check out what has been done and what the future holds for this project at www.humanlibrary.org . What is a Human Library It is a safe space for interesting characters and those interested in them to learn and interact. Simply put, readers read a person rather than a book. Thus, a reader initiates the question and answer session under the watchful eye of a marshall, who monitors the interaction to ensure the human book’s safety and security. What is the Goal of a Human Library? It transforms a book library into a safe place for healthy discussion about controversial topics with the ultimate goal of unjudging someone. Readers can read more than one book per session, depending on the availabili...
Read more