Exploring the Library of Lost Possibilities in The Midnight Library

 

Book Cover

"The only way to learn is to live." 

- Matt Haig, The Midnight Library

Matt Haig's "The Midnight Library" is a spellbinding journey of self-discovery and profound exploration of life's choices and the power of embracing the present. As I was watching YouTube shorts I found a channel where they were always discussing some list of books for certain genres. In one list of self-realization, there was a comment in the video about how "The Midnight Library" can bring you tears for an enthralling journey of self-discovery and reflection. As the name of the novel itself was interesting, I completed the novel within a week.

The novel centres around Nora Seed, a woman in her thirties who, feeling overwhelmed by regret and a sense of irrelevance, decides to end her life. But, instead of finding herself in a final resting place, she ends up in a place between life and death called The Midnight Library guided by Mrs. Elm. The library is filled with books that represent different paths Nora could have taken had she made alternative choices throughout her life. With the books of alternative choices, there is a heavy book of regret about Nora's life which begins getting lighter every time, Nora enters a new path.

The New York Times

It's quite alarming to feel bitterness and disappointment every time you remember the things you could have done or the decisions you shouldn't have made. At one point or another, we question how things could have changed if we made a different decision. Some people like Nora may even try to their deathbed without making peace without regret. The main part I like about this book is that it revolves around the topic of regret. When I have been regretting some past events, I think that it was the right moment in time to read this novel in my life. With its simple and relatable scenarios, the author takes us through the feelings of despair, depression, happiness, the weight of regret and discovering the potential which your life has to offer. Rather than a fantasy novel, thus became a self-help book for me.

Matt Haig writes in a precise and crisp style that captures simplicity within life's complications. He is a wonderful writer and has simplified the philosophy of life through this book for his readers. The chapters are short and crisp taking us through the various lives of Nora, each giving us a strong life message. Matt Haig doesn't hold back pinches on inputting his own ideas and thoughts into this book.

This novel is very clearly finished with Matt Haig's flowing writing style. I was satisfied with the character development of Nora. This book shall remain on the top of my list for a long time. This novel will mean different to every person who picks it up. It is a beautiful study journey that shows that even when we are struggling or dwindling between our wants, desires, and regrets, we are never completely stuck in life. To summarize, this novel shows the importance of living. I surely would recommend this to everyone who is seeking inspiration and motivation to live their life with contentment and gratitude. Some of my favourite quotes from this novel are as follows:

• If you aim to be something you aren't, you will always fail. Aim to be you. Aim to look and act and think like you. Aim to be the truest version of you. Embrace that you-ness. Endorse it. Love it. Work hard at it. And don't give a second thought when people mock it or ridicule it. Most gossip is envy in disguise.
• Never underestimate the importance of small things.
• You don't have to understand life. You just have to live it.
• Sometimes just to say your own truth out loud is enough to find others like you.
• Doing one thing differently is very often the same as doing everything differently.
• The things that look the most ordinary might end up being the thing that leads you to victory.
• Regrets don't leave. They weren't mosquito bites. They itch forever.
• Sometimes regrets aren't based on fact at all. Regrets ignore chronology. They float around.
• Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be slaves.
• The sky grows dark
  The black over blue
  Yet the stars still dare
  To shine for you
• There is no rejection, there is only redirection.
• To be part of nature was to be a part of the will to live.
  
  
  Other than these, I loved the "Howl" song and the last status written by Nora; "A Thing I have learned"...