A review by acidicgoddess
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This book is cozy despite the serious topics it talks about. Reading it felt like reading someone’s thoughts unwind, or listening to someone go on and on about a topic they’re passionate about. The author has somehow made this book have life (that is to say, it has spirit) about a topic on life without hammering life lessons into the reader. I honestly believe that everyone should read this if they’re going through a tough spot.

The only reason it isn’t a 5 is because, once I had gotten 200 pages in, it felt like things should be wrapping up, and there’s still 88 pages left. Maybe it’s because I haven’t taken much of a break from reading the book, but it’s just so good that I don’t want to put it down!

At the end of the day, concerning lower reviews on this book, I think the target audience is for “those who get it, get it”. I’ve had people come up to me and say “your life cannot be that bad” — it really was. It felt like every new day inspired a new problem, and that’s why I found the beginning of the book so relatable. Especially when the mc compares herself to a black hole. 

If you’re debating on reading this just because someone says it’s deep and that’s all, feel free to give the book a read but I highly doubt it’ll have the same impact on you than those of us who have lived the mc’s life. 

And yes, while the ending is unrealistic, it’s still fiction. Books are supposed to make us feel better, not remind us of the hell we’re still living. Not even the mechanics of the library are realistic, so don’t read into it. :p
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