I am excited for tonight's zoom book club meeting with my PA Gang. Oh we gab, gab, gab. But then we do give serious attention to the book and tonight it's The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.
I really enjoyed this book - the concept, the main character, and the whole story arc. Well written and Haig gives the reader a lot to think about.
cover blurb: Between life and death there is a library. When Nora Seed (who's life has been full of misery and regret) finds herself in the Midnight Library, she has a chance to make things right.
First she gets to look at her book of regret. (That is very scary) Then she gets to choose various spots in her life (all in filed books) and zoom to that point in time. She can undo decisions and try to imagine how life would work out for her - whether it's a love, a career, a friendship. Choices made affect people one knows and even others. What is the best way to live? It's obviously better to step away from self absorption, consider the moments, and get out of ones head.
p. 218 "Well yes. But now you are lost within your lostness. You are not going to find the way you want to live like this." said Mrs. Elm (Nora's personal guide and her former librarian from school)
"What if there was never a way? What if I am...trapped?"
"So long as there are still books on the shelves, you are never trapped. Every book is a possible escape."
"I just don't understand life," sulked Nora.
"You don't have to understand life. You just have to live it."
Wow. And there you go. Read The Midnight Library by Matt Haig to reaffirm a lot of common sense and to start fresh in 2022. Live!!!
I loved this one too! I hugged it when I finished it - which isn't at all weird, I do it all the time with books I really like. Definitely not weird ;-)
ReplyDeleteI think I sorta hugged it too. I have color stickers on very page - so many good lines and thoughts.
DeleteHi Joanne - excellent ... just ordered, sounds fascinating ... especially with Annalisa's endorsement ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteooh - I'm so glad. Put it to the front of your reading list. I might very well re-read it. Just really a smooth read and makes you think and treasure small moments and choices. Our book club discussion was lively. Cheers to you!
DeleteHi Joanne - I'm reading it through now ... and am enjoying the thoughts it generates ... thanks for the recommendation - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHiya again! ... it took me a while - but I've finally finished it - very interesting ... fascinating. His other books deserve to be looked into too ... I'll visit the library sometime and do that. Certainly a book to treasure ... thanks for the introduction! Cheers - Hilary
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