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 !!

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

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.

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.

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.

I have set a target of 30 books in 2024, and my 4th book was The Midnight Library. I brought this on a recommendation off someone. I can’t actually remember whether they were enthusiastic about the book, but I really liked the premise of it when she described it to me.

I have to admit I wasn’t blown away by it, but I didn’t hate it either. I did think that the book lacked a certain substance. There could have been more lives, rather than trying to be the best in each one: Olympic swimmer, rock star, glaciologist – the idea of these lives seemed a bit repetitive . If there was a better variation of choices I think it would have enjoyed it better.

I still stand by my comment that I think the idea of the book was really good, but it didn’t live up to the expectation or potential of what it could have been. It was a short book, maybe if it was longer and had more “ingredients” to it may have been better? I don’t know.. I was kind of hoping it would go on for a bit longer because it felt… anti-climatic is the word I think I am looking for.

Anti-climactic, in the sense that you knew what was coming so your brain couldn’t have the orgasmic “WOW” moment. I like to be caught off guard.

The ending was nice, it had a good message, and I did ear mark some bits of writing I liked because I thought they were good lines/pieces of advice that could be adapted.

I thought it was a thought-provoking story and a unique idea for a book. It might not totally live up to the hype, but I think it was a good read.

I loved the book when I just finished reading it because it was the book that got me out of a reading slump,
It's very fast paced and was easy to read
I don't think it's that deep as it is said to be.

I still liked it when I read it for the second time, didn't like it as much as the first time i read it but was enjoyable none the less.

Not worth the hype. But the storyline was intriguing and unique.

I think the point of this book was to give the reader some perspective on their own lives. Not all of us want to read Satre, but the message is still there, in an easy to read story. Maybe you have to relate to the lack of wanting to live at some point in your life to appreciate what it feels like to come out on top after so much suffering... but I truly enjoyed the thoughts this book evoked in my own mind.

Nyx ❤ _ Valerie wrote: "is it worth the hipe? what do you think?"
It was an amazing book, i loved so much! The book was borrowed and after reading it i decided to bought it because i wanted it in my collection. Truthfully one of te best book I have read so far, i recommended 100%

I really didn't enjoy this book, the concept is amazing, the execution was lacking. All of the characters are forgettable and the author didn't portray depression well at all, I honestly don't understand why it became so big?

Personally it was alright. I think they dragged on the story a little too long and they couldve added some more creative elements, but its a good read if you need a little insiration in life. The hype surrounding this book is a little too big, but slightly deserved. The author put a lot of work into this book. And I applaud the effort.

It was anti-climatic.

I listed as one of my Top 10 of 2023. It's not for everyone but it's very unique and not my normal read, which is maybe why I loved it so much?

I think a lot of negative reviewers are seeing this book in the wrong light. If you read Matt Haig you sort of know what to expect. The guy has obviously been through his own mental battle but this is first and foremost a work of FICTION. Take it as that and I'm sure you'll find it to be an enjoyable read.

I read it as an adventure story rather than a moral/inspirational tale, and enjoyed it more that way than I otherwise would have. I think =)

I loved the book. It starts out shocking or very dramatic but the idea of searching for the perfect life by changing simple little decisions we make was very unique. I found it fast paced and interesting to follow all of the lives she takes before finding the best one, which of course you know she will. It's the journey that was captivating to me.

no. i finished it hoping it'd get better. it did not.

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

I loved this book! Read it in one sitting it was a great read.

Nyx ❤ _ Valerie wrote: "is it worth the hipe? what do you think?"
I absolutely liked it, it's a unique story with very interesting perspective. It inspired me to appreciate my life and people in it. I recommended it to several friends.

I loved the read, it just wasn't my type of book.
I am glad that i have read it because i learned a lot but i soled the book afterwards

I was a little disappointed to be honest. I mean, it was OK, and I guess it did keep me engaged in a way.. But I think there's a lot better literature out there..

Nyx ❤ _ Valerie wrote: "is it worth the hipe? what do you think?"
I think this is a good concept for a book. It's a pretty fast paced book, however it is slightly repetitive. Whenever the MC starts a new "book" it all starts the same. I recommend it.

NO

I genuinely loved this book, I thought Nora was a brilliant character and there were tearful moments. Very thought provoking too.

Meh. Predictable and a bit superficial in its' portrayal of emotions, especially depression. I'd be more inclined to give this a YA rating, because I feel it would resonate a lot with younger audiences, who may be a little more affected by the books themes. Like reading a picture book, I knew what was going to happen on the next page. And, of course, the ending was so predictable. From the beginning.

NO! It's not worth it, especially if you're in a book slump like me...I should have known it was not going to be good when it had a lower rating on here. Also, it was very repetitive and I had to skim some paragraphs. It just was not for me.

I will say it was interesting but OK at best.

I can see how this book is not for everyone, but when I read it, it was the book I needed to read at the time. For that reason alone, it is one of my favorite books ever. It is not the best written piece of literature in the world, but it helped me create a new perspective on life at a time I really needed it most. A lot of people will like silly books simply due to personal relations to them, and this is one of those to me. I adore this book and I will forever be grateful for what it gave me. I've never annotated a book since I graduated high school many moons ago, but this one felt like I needed to.

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

Well, it depends on your mental state at the time of read. If you are someone at a low phase looking for a perspective shift, this book is a must read. This book is literally a friend reminding us that our life is not that bad after all and it gives a hope. Cheers to a happy read and a happy life.

In My opinion, it was a good book. Its the kind of book you would like if you like philosophy and other lives. I would overall rate it a 4/5.

I absolutely loved this book (^‿^).

I was genuinely a bit upset when I saw it that the rating barely reaches 4 stars, but not everyone will feel the same about one book- good or bad.

This is my own personal attitude, but I tend to be very strict and unforgiving when choosing a book. If it doesn't intrigue me after the first chapter or is hard to follow, I drop it. But with this book- I was honestly sad when I finished it haha, I want to experience all of it like new all over again. I have a soft spot for books that make me have a physical external reaction, whether it be a laugh, a smile, a scowl, even in some rare cases a hitch in my breath because one section really tugged at my heartstrings. This book made me do all of these.

Again, there will probably not be a book that fits everyones taste. For me though, this book kept me in a constant state of fervour. (Ah I should also note that this book incorporated many philosophical concepts, I heavily adore philosophy. Brings me comfort. But it isn't for everyone. And knowing this, it's a bit easy and fair to understand that someone might refrain from indulging in this book.

This book was awful. It felt very repetitive and therefore extremely predictable.

I loved this book. Good ol fashioned storytelling with a great message. If you leave it at that, it's good. It stays with you. Or at least, it did for me.

it was an amazing book but with its own flaws. but i liked the fact that till the last Nora had no interest in living and she wanted to try the different variations of her own life
yet in the end she lives for herself and it was kinda predictable but still it was good. It is a self help book not boring tho!

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

It just wasn't for me. I mean the message here is pretty basic and honestly very predictable. I mean it's not a new or fresh concept where you live all the other possibilities and then figure out the one you live in is the best. IMO it's good for young adults who are just figuring out these concepts ig (chk tw).But yeah overall it was meh.

I loved this book. Gave me hope again when I needed it.

I think it's a fun book. I found the premise to be pretty interesting and in line with other books I was reading at the time when my friend recommended it to me. While the ending was predictable, that doesn't meant the book itself was meaningless. I'm not too picky about what I read and I was able to relate to a lot of Nora's sentiments and different life scenarios. I found it to be thought-provoking and it really fed my own imagination, so I think it could be enjoyable if your expectations aren't through the roof!

Would not recommend to anyone.

I liked most of it but I saw the ending coming a mile off (before page 60 I knew how it would end) so it left me a bit underwhelmed. Good book but yeah, underwhelming ending.

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

Yes, it is over hyped. I think it could be a good/ok book for someone in their late teens to early 20s. The topic is interesting and that is why I chose to read it. Definitely could be interesting for a young crowd who are just entering into adulthood and maybe the book could offer an other perspective to challenges and wonderings we all have.