The Midnight Library is great. But...

A review of The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. Despite the novel having a compelling theme and plot, a complete lack of editing, awkward exposition, and cringe-inducing dialogue hold it back. A lot.
Buy the book here: amzn.to/35ID94z
Become a patron: www.patreon.com/booksandbao
Visit us here: booksandbao.com/

[@jordan-tg6nx]

Everything you said was absolutely true, and I'd also like to mention how incredibly strange depression is portrayed in this book. The message at the end is basically just "shift your mindset!" which isn't exactly an option for most depressed people.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I absolutely agree! I would never doubt Haig's own struggles with mental illness but his solutions are so limp and twee. Not helpful and potentially harmful.

[@nancybartley4425]

I do not think Matt's point is to tell depressed people to shift mindset. I believe he is showing how depression is created and that the journey out has to include an understanding of what creates a disposition to depression: family of origin, intergenerational trauma, epigenetics, to list a few factors he addressed. It isn't about Nora. It is about society and how its structures are far from perfect, especially the institution of the family. The entire book is how Nora's origins predisposed her to depression. Matt chose to give her story a happy ending. Not giving it a happy ending would have ruined his point: we need to understand the causes of depression in order to find hope of ameliorating its damage.

[@cosodesign8953]

I get where y’all are coming from but I think it worth realizing that there are plenty of people out there that suffers from depression because of their mindset. So many people chronically ruminate, catastrophize, and throw themselves pity parties that they don’t understand the power of moving forward and practicing gratitude. Sure there are people that have a legit chemical imbalance and shifting mindset would only be a fraction of the solution. But I’m kinda over people shitting on how powerful changing your thoughts can actually be. If that doesn’t work for you, we get it, you’re not the target audience, but it will help some people and they deserve to see that message.

[@savannah7225]

​@@cosodesign8953very well said

[@lpslancelot05]

@@cosodesign8953boom!

[@paulapierrot9542]

What disappointed me about this book was the Christmas Carol kind of ending, especially when she realized that the boy she gave piano lessons to, was a criminal in a different universe without her piano lessons. This felt so shallow, like a cheap trick to make the character think: "Oh, I actually do have an impact in my original life!" I hoped she wouldn't return to her old life so quickly but explore different planets and realms beyond her imagination, especially when the other "slider" Hugo was introduced. It's such a good premise - with a setting like that you really can get creative. But the author played it safe and gave us unimaginative stories where she has a more or less successful career, a family or no family... nothing too weird, except maybe her life as a glacier scientist. It's an okay book, but with a little bit more courage to think outside the box (and an editor) it could've been a great book.

[@Nora-kw3dc]

Oh my god yes! “YA that is not advertised as YA”. The perfect way to describe this book 🙏🏼

[@WillowTalksBooks]

The more time passes, the more I dislike this book and the way his books are generally marketed/discussed. They're put on way too high a pedestal for what they are.

[@TheBookBully]

This is such an excellent review. I appreciate the idea of being "embarrassed" by the writing; it's a concept I've felt but not been able to label before.

[@irenemax3574]

Perhaps because you’re The Book Bully? You know the way bullies in general do not feel embarrassed about anything. Shall I get my coat?

[@ninkepie3764]

It's called 2nd hand embarrassment. When you feel embarrassed by something someone else does

[@nowvoyaging8881]

I remember reading this right after I read Hamnet. And it was such a startling come down from that book. I remember finishing it and being like “That was…fine? I guess?” It felt like eating cotton candy after having a steak.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Yeah, after something literary, smart, and historic, moving onto fluffy, empty commercial fiction with a useless "message" will certainly leave you feeling unfulfilled.

[@RickMacDonnell]

"His books are YA, but they're not advertised as YA." This is so bang on. Assuming the errors were somehow removed from the book, do you think you would have felt differently about the book had it been sold to you as a YA title? Would your expectations have changed, and as a result, would your reaction have changed? I think this is a really interesting, really important hypothetical. Reader expectations are HUGELY important to the reading experience, I think.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

God, this is such a good question. And yes, I think so. My expectations of YA books is that they are thematically simpler, less ambiguous with their themes/morals/lessons, and they have awkward dialogue. This book has all of that so, if it had actually been edited properly and then marketed as YA, I'd have felt very differently. Wow, your question's got me rethinking the book, myself, and the concept of audience expectation. You're so smart. And handsome.

[@AJ-en3rt]

To me, the character didn't read as a 35 year old. It's not just situational, but also her mannerisms. Some of the conflicts in the beginning felt a little forced/random. I'm on page 77, and I'm still going to finish it. I just expected more.

[@faustianacademia]

The book has the YA hyped wave too, mainly by the YA readers and reviewers. I might still read it thou, however, I lately cannot focus on a YA or MG books.

[@deli5194]

I had no expectations reading this book im not usually into the whole booktok instagram spaces. I just saw one in the bookstore and thought it had a cool concept without knowing it was famous. That said I didn’t like it

[@reveluver6192]

The dialogue confused me so much when there were no descriptors, it was driving me crazy. Especially because sometimes it seemed that one character spoke two lines in a row & there was nothing to indicate so I just had to guess lmao.

[@briannaelizabeth1097]

Thank you! I finished this and felt so unenthused. I’d heard so many good things about it that I felt it was me! I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t connect to a character who I thought I had some things in common with before actually reading this.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Haha it definitely wasn't you. This book is just ovrhyped and lifeless!

[@julianareads]

It's funny that you mention that dialogue with the character reacting to himself - I must have read that bit half a dozen times trying to figure out what I'd missed! I definitely found the dialogue awkward and stilted at times, too. I've always had trouble with his books too, and I think you just articulated why. I loved the idea behind this book, but not the execution. Great review!

[@maiaamadi848]

I am half way into the buts, and I disagree. I feel like those awkward thoughts and moments happen. Maybe they are specific to women but I heard them in my own head, as distraught Nora, and the language fit. The scenarios fit. That said, it took me 3 months to get through the first third of the book.

[@beeisforbook3590]

I feel like I'm in the minority here but I found the book pleasant. Thinking back on it after watching your review (and a few others) I definitely understand where the criticism comes from. Maybe I don't have the eye/mind for picking out flaws in books but for some reason the terrible awkwardness at the beginning of the book felt more like intentional humor to me. It sort of reminded me of the type of humor seen in End of the F*cking World on Netflix. The characters didn't feel real, but I didn't feel like they were supposed to. When I started reading this book one of my first thoughts was 'I don't know if this is supposed to be dark comedy, but it feels like dark comedy." I did read this book during a time when I was really struggling with regret and the return of my depression so it's possible that I have a bit of a bias, but I agree that it's kind of problematic. I almost stopped reading when I felt like Nora was going to get a fairy tale ending simply by choosing a certain person to be with. I was worried that the author was basically saying that finding the right romantic partner would solve everything. Luckily that wasn't the case and I feel like the ultimate message of not regretting things in life really did help me at that time. I think a lot of people look at the book and say it's about depression, but when reading it I felt that it was more about regrets, but that's just my take away. Loved the video! I'm subscribing.

[@Marrelise]

I agree

[@AlxParrish]

Huh. I found the dialogue very real. That's how people sound. It was a great book!

[@sarahal-abbadi2076]

This articulated a lot of the off feelings I had about this book but couldn't place because I genuinely do like all the concepts... but he really did fumble the idea. I had no idea about it being rushed, but that helps explain why it feels like she was literally spoon fed every "epiphany" she had and the awkward sentences (which I sort of glanced over because I read it so quickly). Nora not feeling like an actual character is something I didn't notice as much until the end. Her evolution seemed a bit forced or too easy, and when you brought up the awkwardness at the beginning I went back to read a few pages and you're right! I get that she was a depressed character, but looking back on the beginning I sympathize more with her circumstance rather than her as a character

[@BiblioMom]

I'm here for the "BUT". i agreed upon the "rushed" and "pushed" part. but didn't found typos in my edition of the book (viking. published on september). mayba I was speed-reading? 😆 Its a 4⭐️ read for me

[@marinablack181]

"Didn't found" I wonder how you missed the typos..

[@laraissensee]

OMG, I felt the same way about his writing! I didn't know Matt Haig and, sincerely, what kept me reading was the theme of the book, which I loved. I felt connected with the story itself, but not with the way that it has been written. And I agree with you. When we read a really good book, not only related to its story but with the writing too, it seems magical. The book detaches from the author and we immerse in the story that is been told. In this book, I didn't feel that and it had so much potential... maybe with some more editing, it would be more immersive. And, just more one thing, I've read the book in Portuguese and I thought it was a traduction problem. I even thought of buying the English version, but it seems like a problem in the way Matt Haig told the story and the reflections. I still love this book, like you said, it is wonderful and the reading is worthwhile, but it is a pity that the development of the writing isn't sufficiently profound to give us a real connection.

[@AndreaMoonMusic]

Just finished the book this morning and really liked it Was not a typical choice for me, not sure how I found it. The parts you talked about that didn't seemed edited - definitely noticed them. I remember re-reading a section because I couldn't tell who was talking. This is my first book by this author and now based on what you said, I definitely want to check out his non-fiction. I liked the insight he brought to Nora about fame, it looks so glamourous to people on the outside, but those people have all of the same insecurities we all have. I really liked the part on the glacier with the Polar bear, I could feel her fear. Glad I found your channel, will subscribe and check out your other reviews.

[@ReadingWithKT]

Good to hear you talk about this book. I've seen nothing but good things about Midnight Library which always makes me dubious and I, like you, haven't been a fan of Matt Haig's fiction (though I really liked his non-fiction) so I was holding off. Appreciate your honesty and everything you say resonates with my experiences of reading Haig's other fiction novels.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I'm really glad we're on the same page! It's tough being this critical of someone you respect and whose non-fiction you really admire. But he's just not very good at writing fiction. His dialogue is clunky and awkward and I think it's worth talking about someone who excels at one kind of writing but not the other (and yet gets to have an advance of £250,000 for his novel because he's famous now).

[@ReadingWithKT]

@@WillowTalksBooks So true!!

[@bubblebubble50]

@@WillowTalksBooks What do you make of "The Humans" by the same author? Would you say it’s clunky too? FYI, I’m looking for highbrow fiction to improve my English as a foreign language.

[@Momba_Jules]

Yes!! There was a moment in her life with Ash and Molly and she goes into Molly’s room because she had a nightmare and she looks around the room and sees “Nora’s bed.” I reread that paragraph multiple times because I was so confused... and then I realized it was an error.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

So much damn carelessness in that book!

[@nancykant2265]

Yes!

[@Mingsbuddy]

That error drove me nuts, too. Thought at first that I had misread, so reread, also,

[@spokeforhours]

I JUST finished this book and found your video by searching the title on youtube. While I don't have the eye for the technical flaws you mentioned, I could feel them as I read (oh god, the poetry). I enjoyed the premise but it's a nice message that is sabotaged by the lack of subtlety in the writing. I kept wishing for the writing to be more poetic, but hearing about how it was rushed, I guess that explains it. I also thought it sounded very YA and, not to be that person, but I have to wonder if it would have been had the book been authored by a woman. Great review, I will be checking more of your videos!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

absolutely agree with your point about how it would've been classified YA if a woman had written it. The YA branding often seems to come down to the author's past works and their gender. Matt Haig has written a cringey, awkward YA novel but because he's a middle-aged man with a lot of non-fiction experience, he gets to have it branded differently. It's a sad state of affairs!

[@spokeforhours]

@@WillowTalksBooks I just remembered something else about the book that bothered me, at first I just thought I was nitpicking, but now I guess it’s another sign of the rushed publication. When Nora is in São Paulo (where I’m from), she stays at a hotel by the architect Oscar Niemeyer, who while very famous and responsible for many other projects, never designed a hotel in São Paulo. Also, she asks someone what the Brazilian word for someone who’s a dick and in response gets a word I never heard before, I think it’s only used in European Portuguese. I guess he just google translated it 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@WillowTalksBooks]

@@spokeforhours Oh no that's so cringe! Reminds me of when John Boyne googled instructions for dyeing clothes and he ended up including a list of monster organs from a Zelda game. Stuff like that makes me want to curl into a ball and cry.

[@GHo224]

I actually listened to it as an audiobook so many of the editing issues don't appear with the dialogue and of course the punctuation and all

[@diedie9802]

I think you saved me. I was about to buy that book and sad to say brand new books here in Philippines is expensive since its coming from other country. and i can only afford 1 book per month so i need to think hundred times before buying it. Also based on the comments below idl the idea of "change your mindset into this" thing haahha i think you have the honest review of all. Thank you!

[@93missdramaqueen]

Appreciate your review. Although I don’t agree with the points you criticize except for the editing part and the simple writing of the book. The only thing I felt that I didn’t satisfy was the part that Nora’s depression being ‘cured’ at the end. I understand AND LOVED her growth but I would also like to see that the experiences gave her the courage to seek professional help.

[@playingindies6730]

I like how you needee time to get "in to" this book For me the flow came instantly. I could relate to Nora instantly and I can look trough the grammar in the book. I was mostly curious about why its so popular when I found this video. Because I can see many people not relating on it.

[@wonderwoman5528]

Such a great review and you were careful to balance out the criticism. Your criticism was very constructive and valid. I’m glad you vocalised my feelings so well. The characters were two dimensional. I had to have breaks from the dialogue as it literally made me feel nauseas along with the repetitiveness of the story. But, like you, I love Matt haig as a person and I actually really enjoyed his fiction ‘The Humans.’

[@nancybartley4425]

The book is important because it clearly and simply shows how the underlying factors in the genesis of depression accumulate until implosion occurs. It is almost like a documentary on depression. Family of origin, epigenetics, and intergenerational trauma complicate negotiating life's stresses. They explain self-defeating choices that become regrets. Everyone has regrets. He uses regrets to move the story line. Some are better equipped to handle life because their start in life better prepares them to do so. Depressed people use their regrets to blame and shame themselves, Nora's journey was to realize she had been programmed to turn her anger inward. The book is the anatomy of self-hatred other wise known as depression. None of the above is to deny the importance of editing, exposition, etc.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

A lot of much smarter and more competently written books achieve this and more. If you liked The Midnight Library, there are countless novels and stories that handle depression in a more deft and complex and relatable way. Saying that, I should probably do an article on the best of them. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@paigepoelvoorde1075]

The example you gave on page 6 reminded me of when I would extend sentences in papers to hit the word count 😅

[@WillowTalksBooks]

LOL

[@angiej9414]

Your review is exactly how I felt about this book. Too bad because it has a neat concept and message.

[@FA-bp3po]

Also the review is so nice and your voice is so soothing

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Aw thank you! Yeah the premise was solid but the book is marred by so many issues. It's a shame.

[@alexandrasiegel8672]

I read this book after I finished reading Ulysses by James Joyce... you understand the rest. Anyway you made my curious about his nonfiction work. Thank you for the review. I thought doesn’t have an impact on me because the grandiosity of Ulysses.

[@Krissxten]

I'm so gladi found this video. This was my first Matt Haig book, and I didn't love it. I had sort of written him off that an author that wouldn't be my taste, but now I really want to check out his non-fiction. Thank you for the thoughtful video!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Yeah I've gone off him an awful lot. Even more since making this video last year. I'm now even rethinking his non-fiction. I'm not sure I'd get as much out of it these days but that doesn't mean you won't! Feel free to give it a go!

[@glendaw5221]

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and gave it 5 stars but I take your points. I listened to it so I wasn’t privy to any typos or grammatical mistakes. That might have caused me to DNF it. The 2nd point you make is valid. I guess I was so intrigued by the plot that I moved past the first 30 pages. (I hate to say her pity party because I understand depression personally and don’t want to cast any dispersion on mental health issues.) I really enjoyed your review.

[@MonnyArcade]

That moment you mentioned with the A B A A conversation confused me so much!! The rest of the grammar and punctuation seemed to be fixed in my paperback copy which I got quite recently.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Yeah it just wasn't edited well for the initial run because they wanted to just throw it out quickly. Matt Haig is a money-making machine.

[@loansharkjoe6687]

I was looking for a good book to read, and this was available in tesco and i read the blurb and actually somehow decided to buy it. Anyways, it started out very good, i LOVED the idea of the story, it seemed fantastic and unique. However, i hated that the rest of the 200 pages were nothing but boring stories, the only things i found fun were how Nora pretended she knew what she was supposed to be doing in front of everyone. The first few stories (Meeting Leo, her being a celebrity swimmer etc) Were fun, but later got boring for me. Anyways, the reason why i don't like this book when the library was burning and she was escaping, she coughed out some things and vomited, right? (in real life) so that means she tried to kill herself with swallowing (overdosing on a drug maybe?) and she just gets up and goes "i need an ambulance" the entire book was just a dream, but in real time, she spent about 1 minute (in the process after suicide attempt) but the book is SO LONG and full of days and days of events. It's sort of like "BUT IT WAS ALL A DREAM AND SHE IS OKAY" ending, EVERYTHING she did from waking up in the midnight library to leaving it when it caught fire was all a dream and about 1 minute of real life time. EVERYHTING. Doesn't seem very creative to me.

[@betterbitesfoodblog]

Ok I’m so glad I’m not crazy with noticing typos/grammar mistakes lol! I was like what is going on. Great review!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

It was rushed to completion and rushed to publication, and it shows.

[@ashleighgrentell3741]

I am so glad I'm not the only one that noticed these things... it felt corny, like YA lit and I couldn't figure out why. You have nailed it

[@WillowTalksBooks]

You're definitely not the only one. The more time passes, the more exhausted I am by just how shit this book was lol

[@happysingingpeople4859]

I want you to do a review of The Night Circus! Have you? I just found your channel and omg I love listening to your voice and all your reasons and views on this book.. ugh, so perfect! Thank you for this! Now I'm going to go search through your channel to see if you've done a review of The Night Circus or The Starless Sea!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Haha unfortunately I haven't reviews those books. I am a massive fan, however. I didn't love Starless Sea as much but Night Circus is one of my desert island books. I might do a video on them in the future.

[@cwortney]

I was gaslit by the lack of editing in both the technical and creative writing aspects of this book. 😂😂 I thought something was wrong with ME while I was reading it.

[@crabe804]

I red the Midnight Library and, as my english is pretty bad, I didn't spot any flaw at all ; but it was at the end that I felt annoyed by the conclusion, for me it was the same kind of wishful thinking that I unfortunately enjoyed when I was younger (later I looked through "the comfort book" and had the same feeling!) Glad to have seen the video now anyway, and very glad to have red your self-critic of the video.

[@shahadadel9944]

this is a great discussion. I'm glad I stumbled upon your video

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thanks!

[@LauraFreyReadinginBed]

I like the structure of this review, even though I have nothing else to say about it, because I'm kind of the opposite of you when it comes to Matt Haig. I haven't read any of his books, and his public persona / tweets make me want to poke my eyes out. The lack of editing that certainly appears to happen with authors once they reach a certain stature is infuriating though isn't it...

[@Zaldygibbson98]

Why do his tweets make you want to poke your eyes out?

[@Quenan19]

It's kind of funny I read NOANP after reading Midnight Library and it was like "oh these are almost all the same themes as ML" they felt very similar. Mentally, when I read ML, I needed it. Working in a hospital throughout Covid has been horrendous and I found it to be a great escape. I didn't notice the typos or bad exposition (until now) but I do recall dialogue scenes where I lost track of who was speaking.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Omg I haven't had the chance to personally thank a frontline worker for all they've done through covid so thank you so much. You are incredible. And I'm glad you had ML as warm escapism.

[@ameliareads589]

You made your opinion very clear and there's no reason to apologise for that, because it is your right to do so. I get that dialogues are very difficult to write, but I don't get why no one tells authors, if they are so bad in writing them. There is so many cringeworthy writing out there. Publishers really need to stop saving money in not occupying good editors. Positive criticism is something you can use to grow and that is a good thing. (My English colleagues always want me to avoid the word criticism in general, but in Germany we actually make a difference between positive and negative criticism and there's really nothing wrong with the former. 😊)

[@maleriquelme92]

I was eye-rolling the whole last third part of the book.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

It's properly shit innit. I was too nice in this video

[@maleriquelme92]

@@WillowTalksBooks Yesssss. I was so angry and disappointed. This book is a completely predictable cliche. It is a mixture of "Verónika decides to die" by Paulo Coelho and the movie "Bedazzled". It's a lousy attempt at a self-help novel for depressed or suicidal people. The final learning of the protagonist is based on completely unrealistic expectations, your life is not going to magically resolve after trying to commit suicide. The hype for this book is not deserved.

[@lyndseywinnington9056]

I have just finished it. This review is spot on. I haven't read any of Haig's other books and only know him and the midnight library from insta, where his is one of my fav accounts. This book left me feeling like a total snob, and wondering whether reading too much poetry had spoilt fiction for myself 😂 where is the rhythm & beauty? And the switched names mistake! had me very confused! The writing style is a big part of the immersive experience for me. I'm glad I found this review also in that I don't think I would try any of his other books if not for your assertion that his non-fiction is much better. Thank you.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Yeah Haig's fiction definitely lacks a lot of polish and itsnt half as clever as most people seem to think it is. But his non-fiction is definitely full of simple and practical wisdom!

[@happyme8184]

I also noticed that there were so many grammatical mistakes in the book. At first, I thought it was their own way of talking but the mistake kept on going until the very end then I realised that the book was defo not edited. Lol. Just finished it last night. Very good review 👍🏻

[@shesjustbeinemily]

Did you get this as an ARC? I've gotten ARCs that have a lot of typos, and then they're fixed in later drafts. I didn't read an ARC of this, and I didn't notice any typos. Definitely agree about knowing the author and not being able to separate them from their work! That's why I can't read a whole bunch from one author without taking a long break.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I've definitely had that with ARCs in the past, which is why I never mention spellings in case it's not been proofread yet. But nope, got this at a shop as soon as it came out. I'm definitely oversensitive when it comes to SPAG but it's still sloppy. Ugh this book still winds me up lol

[@bishestadulal9614]

I thought it was just me. I struggled few times recognizing the characters in dialogues. Every small details you mentioned are absolutely true. Couldn't connect with the character as well. Overall a good book if these details are considered.

[@Mrsupercool]

Thanks for the honest review. I never was a fan of Matt Haig's non-fiction for some of the reasons you've identified as holding back the fiction. Having the spotlight on mental health self-help narratives is great, but it has become so mainstream that, as you identified, anything Matt Haig-esque will get the go-ahead. Obviously, this is good because it allows for a wider variety of narratives to reach the public, but it does mean there may be some compromise in quality in the hope of printing some quick money. I liked the commentary on some of the dialogue; it does seem cumbersome and not revised. Perhaps Haig's clunkiness of expression is an ironic wink to support Nora's own awkwardness. And there is something to be said about the separation of art and artist, especially when the narrative is potentially autobiographical. Cheers.

[@NordicQueen12]

Fantastic review! I've just finished the book and have mixed feelings about it. The theme and plot showed great promise but unfortunately didn't fully deliver for me and I found the dialogue a bit stiff and awkward.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thanks, and I agree! Unfortunately, I look back on this video so unkindly now lol. I wish I'd been harsher about it. I'm so sick of Matt Haig.

[@soundtracksofsolitude6915]

I came here for the 'but' and stayed for the nail varnish. Good work and even better nails.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Haha thank you so much!

[@Phillybookfairy]

hahaha i agree with your criticisms but I listened to it on audio and the end broke me. Just the realization that she could be happy in her current life, however, as in all her lives, she was never truly happy all the time, that depression followed her because its part of her core, so even in the end the idea of having an epiphany that is life affirming and life changing still isnt going to automatically wipe out that depression is it? Points to ponder but it was really great for me overall as maybe listening to the book was better than reading it? Awkward sentence there - but remember - its from Nora's head and maybe is how she thinks so can we really judge based on that? Real life doesnt have any editor but the editor in our heads so sometimes our thoughts are jumbled or convoluted or awkward. That is my only justification for that weird sentence you just read. lol Thanks for talking up his non-fiction i definitely have to pick those up. You know, suicide is such a touchy subject, and those of us that have been traumatized by someone close to us dying this way, it makes wanting to pick up those books especially painful. The last thing any survivor wants to read is how someone else saved themself and obviously, what works for one person doesnt work for everyone. So im traumatized-shy (i need a better phrase) to read those books and in fact, my personal feelings and experiences may be why this book hit me so hard. Anyhow, talk about run-on sentences, I do not self-edit; that is quite obvious lol (dont judge me) hahahaha. Have a great day.

[@stoplayin21]

I think a lot of women could appreciate this book.

[@arialydia8095]

I think I'd still like to give this book a go, another booktuber I really like loved it and good ideas> good prose for me usually. Although some nice prose helps! Going into it after this review will probably be a good thing as I'll expect these shortcomings

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Oh for sure, make your own judgments. And I hope you enjoy it more than I did!

[@diegoinjapan]

I just finished the book, read it without knowing anything about the author. Finished in two days, very easy to read, although i did find the story to be really obvious especially the ending. What disappointed me a little was the fact that every alternate reality basically had a dramatic ending (someone dies, someone doesnt chase their dream, even a cat dies by natural causes), leading to the kind of clichéd advice that you should enjoy the life that you have because it may be better than alternate lives! I just found it to be clunky and obvious. I agree that it could be a YA novel, especially in the simplicity of the prose and dialogue. One more thing is that i kept on thinking about Quantum leap the sitcom. I also thought that just the fact that the character could remember everything that happened in each life and ultimately end up knowing the futures of the present day characters, was such an odd plot line, that maybe had the potential to lead to more interesting outcomes in a different type of novel. Anyway, a light but too breezy read.

[@oskarwinters1873]

for me the 'self help' is very superficial i found it all painfully obvious and condescending at times. spoiler: I lost my cat to the road last year and it was handled terribly. Nora doesn't give a s**t about her cat, and neither does Matt, just retconed his whole death.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

It's been a long time since I made this video and I'm a very different person now. I was way too reserved and kind. Matt Haig is a garbage writer and I hate his wet, weak, pitiful approach to "self help". I'm so so sorry about your cat. Cats are my entire life 💜

[@DancinNaked]

I just discovered your channel and after watching a bunch of your videos, I realized that I’ve never related to a booktuber’s opinions more than I do to yours. This video cinched it for me. I feel vindicated for finding this much acclaimed book a plodding and unsatisfying read.

[@treluvstrees999]

Very good and deep review! I do agree with the errors… and wish the character had been more flushed out. But I must say, I did enjoy the book. It was a light read!

[@mauanyyy]

Thanks for your review. It definitely helped me to give a shape to what were the issues I had with it. 1 - I thought it was simple. In the sense of it didn’t require me, a non native but fluent English speaker, to push myself to stretch or enrich my vocabulary. And then I understand it’s because it was rushed and also feels like an YA book but for people in their 30s? I am also Brazilian and the word he used to call someone a dickhead (cabrão in my copy) I have never heard in my entire life. I wonder if it is something from Portugal. Which made me feel like he didn’t even care to google or ask someone. And finally, I didn’t know of him and his other books. But I definitely felt that it was a concept that could have been explained in fewer pages. And the philosophy quotes were also so misplaced. Anyways, thank you again for the review. It really made me go “aaaaah it was supposed to be better than this. That’s why it felt like this”

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Another reader from Brazil made the exact same comment about the words used so, yes, I assume it's a word used in Portugal which is just more evidence of him being lazy and rushing. I'm so glad I could help with unpacking why this book is such a disappointment! His philosophy has definitely been explored better and more concisely in his non-fiction. I really think he should just stay away from fiction. He's not very good at it.

[@Margarida.S]

Olá! I'm portuguese and just want to say that the word "cuzão" is not a word we use in Portugal. I actually thought it was common in Brazil so I didn't even question it. Hahahahaha

[@mauanyyy]

@@Margarida.S In my English copy it says "cabrão" (that sounds like the Spanish cabron?). Cuzão is definitetly the right word for that though. And something we use in Brazil.

[@Margarida.S]

@@mauanyyy I don't know why but when I read your comment I remember reading the word "cuzão", wich is the word that was in my copy. "Cabrão" is definitely a very very common word here in Portugal hahaha that one makes more sense to me.

[@mauanyyy]

@@Margarida.S Thanks for letting me know! At least he looked for Portuguese somewhere, just at the wrong place hahaha Was your copy in Portuguese or English?

[@izzyf5409]

I just wish there would be a warring at the beginning of this book for people who suffer from depression. Because (in my case) it made me feel much worse and if I knew how it starts I would leave this book to read in different time. I suffer from depression and her decision of overdoes sounds appealing to me. I am almost jealous. (I started to read this book today and I am on page 68)

[@janev.7789]

I hope that you will be okay and that everything will be right for you :)

[@circe...]

Great review, though I LOVED the book, just finished it (I do remember pausing on that page 6, 5th paragraph with a "huh" expression 😕). I don't know much about Matt Haig, which may be a blessing. I suggest maybe limiting your interactions and exposure to the writers so you can enjoy the books more. Imagine the disbelieving thoughts actors' families endure as they watch their movies; pity... keep calm and keep distance. 🖤

[@emmayounger5430]

I read this as an audiobook and it made it a lot more bearable, especially put on a fast speed. I gained a lot from the main themes but, like you said, the rest was a bit 😬

[@WillowTalksBooks]

That's the face! Whole way through, that's the face!

[@morganeg759]

I am listening to the audio book and wish I had bought the book instead. I'm really struggling with the narrator's voice, she goes from being really quiet to the point I have to turn the sound on my phone up, and she then suddenly screams. I have jumped so many times! I am getting to the point where I cannot stand the poor lady's voice!

[@bubblebubble50]

@@morganeg759 No way! Carey Mulligan’s voice is something else! Even Meryl Streep described it like, "I'm also in awe of your voice, which is like warm caramel poured over the English language.”

[@Eidolon1andOnly]

It's hilarious because I tried listening to this book as an audiobook, and the clunky bit of dialogue between Nora and Ash about the cat, was where I already began losing interest, and wasn't long after I gave up on the book. Just so funny that your example of bad dialogue was the very part of the book that put me off immediately.

[@tswag1024]

I enjoyed the book very much, but I agree definitely was rushed the grammer mistake I noticed the most was the word realized was spelled wrong every time and it drove me insane I was starting to think I didn’t know how to spell lol and I caught the convo part also and was sooo confused lol

[@MeBookology]

Thank you for your genuine review. You are not criticize the author, you are just criticizing his work/writing because you care. It seems like The Sunday Times newspaper has not thoroughly read this book. If it had done it, it wouldn't be its "No.1 bestseller." I agree that the idea of this book is excellent, but the execution/writing is TERRIBLE! Reading this book felt like reading one of my lazy student's essay. The author was rushing through the pages to finish the book to meet the deadline and avoid penalty. The author did not spend enough time reflecting on his writing. The book is filled with awkward metaphors, repetitive cliché, long sentences that make no sense, and too much borrowing from Henry David Thoreau. I also wondered if this book has gone through any editorial process? The book could have been less than 150 pages as each page contains less texts, sometimes only one or two sentences. But it’s 288 pages which is paper waste!!! As a reader, the easiest thing I can do is sit on my comfortable couch and criticize others. I am sure the author is a great person, but he didn't do justice to this book. If he had spent more time building on his ideas, writing and re-writing, this book would have been a feast. So much going wrong in it. It's unfair that this book has gained so much recognition and accolades when it's below mediocre. The Sunday Times is not selling this book, it's selling Matt Haig and it has done an excellent job at it. The book industry is starstruck! This book is overly overrated! Again, thank you for your honest thoughts.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I agree with every single word you said. It's been a while since I read it now and I'm still annoyed. Matt Haig is a brand name that publishers can lean on and the media gives way too much praise to. As I've said, he's a good guy and his books have helped me, but he's not a talented fiction writer and this novel is, as you said, less than mediocre. But he has become a sellable commodity and people wil continue to fawn over his digestible but shallow form of self-help fiction.

[@violetta1953]

Thank you for this thoughtful review. This was my first book by Matt Haig. Right at the start I was very much put off by the typos, many instances of poor grammar and sentence constructs. I was not wowed by the ideas of this book (nothing new). I did not like the characters and was rather disappointed overall. It also didn’t work for me because dropping the “base” Nora with her own “base” life personality/experience from her “base” life into one of the personas of a completely different Nora in one of the many alternate lives made no sense. First off, it was rather unbelievable that she could pass off as these other Noras which were so very different from her own “base” personality. These alternate lives have very different personalities from the base Nora that we come to know in the book, so it really didn’t jive with me that it is even the same person. Maybe that was the point. With many different life experiences, we develop as different personalities … For these reasons, I just did not like the book at all.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I completely agree with everything you said. I actually regret being so charitable with this video. The more time passes, the more I hate this book and the kinds of useless, hollow messages Haig keeps pedalling.

[@violetta1953]

@@WillowTalksBooks I do appreciate how fair you were, though, in your criticisms/opinion of work but not the author. I do hope Mr. Haig reads your advice regarding editing and proofreading.

[@chrystalconlon419]

I am about halfway through and I was looking for cliffnotes. I want to know how it ends but not enough to finish it.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Good choice, it's rubbish.

[@julia.carr1129]

reasons to stay alive was a book i found on accident at the library while in an abusive relationship and it literally saved and changed my life. i sobbed through so much of it just from feeling heard. this one felt somehow itchy to me though.

[@markec123]

can I found out which book it was?

[@julia.carr1129]

@@markec123 The book was call Reasons To Stay Alive by Matt Haig if thats what youre asking

[@monkeydan6760]

Just finished 'The Midnight Library' and you articulate many of the problems with the book really well. Having also read "How to Stop Time' I feel Haig comes up with really great ideas for a his main premise but then fails to really get everything out of them. I felt the story was so painfully predictable. I was desperately hoping for a more interesting end than 'the wonderful life' but unfortunately just got that. The end felt slightly cliché and forced as well. Just my opinion and all. Good review though.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

He has such a knack for writing tired, clichéd stories.

[@ckt6448]

I thought it was just me seeing all these grammatical errors and weird sentences that seemed to come from nowhere. Glad I’m not alone.

[@Phillybookfairy]

oh and hahahahhahaha the George R Martin comment had me cracking up 🤣

[@Missmoomin101]

I just finished this book, to my detriment. If I had watched this review before reading it, I would have saved some time for some better books.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I feel the same way. I read How to Stop Time and still gave this one a chance. Looking back at this video, I actually think I was a little too generous because I don't like being harsh but, in retrospect, the book is even worse than I described here.

[@applemelaine4989]

I was 35 pages in the book when I realised I was literally making cringe faces. There is no depth and sophistication in its writing that I had to look up reviews of it here on youtube to confirm my observation. True enough, when you said that the first 30 pages are just embarrassing, I couldn't agree more.

[@sylviakanel9766]

💜 It's been a while since I read this but I remember the main character as kind of glib about being depressed. That just didn't work for me.💜

[@TheMistressP]

Just found you new subbie enjoyed this review

[@erex9875]

I think the problem is not enough people criticize books that are back. I go on Amazon and everything is 5 star even though a lot of it is shit. People need to speak out about the flaws of books more.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I'm very selective with my books. I go into every book with a positive attitude and, if I don't like it, I typically don't make articles and videos about it. I want to be positive. This book sucks, though, and this video, looking back, still sugar coats that fact too much. It sucks.

[@kayandchaos]

I just read the Midnight Library. I picked it out based off the cover. And then read the synopsis right before I started reading it!!

[@kayandchaos]

I finished it yesterday

[@kayandchaos]

@@mariaalexiaadizon3281 so, at first I was like I’m not gonna like this. And then it made me really sad. So I was worried it was gonna put me into a “mood” THEN, it got deep, and real, and opened my brain to parts that were just exploding with all kinds of emotions! 5 stars. Will read again. AND will recommend! ♥️♥️

[@mariaalexiaadizon983]

Nice!! I liked it a lot, too, and have recommended it to many people 😍 but this review does open my eyes to its flaws

[@Zaldygibbson98]

@@kayandchaos i agree!!!

[@kayandchaos]

@@mariaalexiaadizon983 oh, yes there were a lot of flaws of the book! I hope you at least gave it a try!

[@user-mf8jk6ou9l]

I don't understand the language, but I translated the comments and I knew what I knew because I was going to buy the book tomorrow and now I can't buy it, thank you

[@elliotmiller2739]

Subscribing. Felt the exact same way. I told my coworker it's a good concept for a book and it's nice overall but would never consider it well written.

[@markeysparkeymarkey]

What does exposition mean in terms of a book? Thanks

[@joymateo4777]

The introduction to the story. (Characters, settings, etc)

[@markeysparkeymarkey]

Ty!@@joymateo4777

[@sarmadarif2282]

it's my second ever book and i really didn't noticed all the things pointed out here... idk weather it's a blessing or a curse lmao

[@faustianacademia]

I did not like to watch anyone's review of this except for you. I trust your reviews. You have just saved me from buying a hardcover that would have cost me a fortune. I will stick with the paperback.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thank you so much, that's honestly such a compliment!

[@faustianacademia]

@@WillowTalksBooks From deep down my heart. 🙏🏻 I am always waiting for your opinion on hyped novels.

[@apollonia6656]

First few chapters reminded me of Harold Pinter and his over-use of non-sequiturs which I find excruciatingly annoying. The 'chapter's are in this book are very short and it is obvious that this becomes a problem when it comes to character development. I decided to read the book again if only to see whether it is a case of editorial mistakes. Excuse typos if they crop up....U Tube has become the master!

[@FA-bp3po]

Ugh damn.. I knew that the idea is too good but I’m not excited for the rushed book :( I hate that it could’ve been so much better

[@sarmadarif2282]

What is "YA" that everybody referring/mentioning ?

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Young adult

[@philipose66]

you should have googled it like i did.

[@SC-oi9wp]

I loved it 😍 thanks

[@healingwithmeg]

I agree with what your saying, but perhaps I can see some irony in your comments about the book! This whole storyline is about imperfection, regrets and unfinished stories. So , although I agree, I also view these mistakes as a reflection of the message that the book itself suggests. The story is about imperfection and funnily enough the book isn’t perfect in itself. :)

[@katyjones4108]

I'm intrigued. Why can't this book be enjoyed as a fiction rather than a dig at an individual who is struggling? Ultimately, life is about choice on whatever scale; and finding ways of managing the choice. I believe that this book is channeled from a higher perspective than we can imagine. If we look at life as its a video game and we can shift from an experience, then this is freeing! And really this can be done through thought seeing as we don't hold a remote control (or do we). This perception has to make it easier for the majority. 😇 this book go me expresses that judgement is harmful. Accept you and be you! ❤

[@gwencayad71]

I love your review, you have put into words all the reasons why I consider the Midnight library overhyped.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thank you! This video is really old now and so I look back and regret being as nice as I was. This book really sucks lol

[@suecondon1685]

Yes! I completely agree, and I loved his non fiction. But I wish I could unsee George RR Martin's face... 😯😏

[@tiddlywinks456]

I loved it but I just enjoy stories and am not overly cynical.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

And that is a wonderful way to be. In my defence, I am literally a critic.

[@tiddlywinks456]

@@WillowTalksBooks I feel the world needs all types. It is good to have a critical eye too. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@WillowTalksBooks]

@@tiddlywinks456 Thanks!

[@crk.resrhetorica]

I really like the premiss of this book. I should rather look for a translation then.

[@johnmarkstorey-8750]

One hundred percent in agreement! A disappointment after starting from a such a promising premise. Weak characterisation (even the central character seems like a cipher) and clunky dialogue. Better books have and will be written on this conceit. I really felt I was reading a newspaper journalist’s copy: topical story concept, rushed out for the morning edition.

[@nancykant2265]

What was particularly annoying for me is when Hugo explains to Nora about wave function, n how he has met a few sliders and everyone experiences the limbo in a different manner, Hugo asks Nora "what does that tell you?" and Nora replies "that none of it is real"!! Why? How does Nora even arrive at that conclusion. This book is jittery at best.

[@mrswb3630]

I loved it. Subjective to the reader/listener I guess.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

And I held back. I was new to KZbin when I made this video

[@mrswb3630]

@@WillowTalksBooks Could I ask you a genuine question? (I'm a curious soul🕉☮️) You obviously feel very strongly. To say you held back but wouldn't now also tells me you had more to say in a critical manner i assume? Do you think of the impact this could have on the writer personally? What is/are your main intention/s when your being hyper critical of someones work? I'm studying shame, vulnerability and judgment and this has prompted my question. I found your review interesting to watch. Gratitude 🙏🏻

[@nuchzara97]

Thx for this, I am not a native English speaker. I found those typo and confusing conversation...i thought it was me...poor at English...

[@dear_crystal]

I really enjoyed the chess incorporation however

[@901591148kiki]

Painful to read??? Ummm no. This is an amazing book.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Aw honey no, I was being way too nice to it back then. It’s really really dreadful. He’s a hack writer.

[@michellejao]

Just turned the last page, I loved the idea of the book but I found myself skipping pages at times (one of the readers rights ty daniel pennac) because it was so repetitive. The rules for staying in a life should’ve been altered I think, since she left lives for little to no reason, I got really annoyed. Cool idea ridiculous execution

[@oskarwinters1873]

There were times where the speech marks just never end. Is she talking or thinking?

[@andwrighting]

It all rings a little too close to The Night Bookmobile by Audrey Niffenegger.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I'm not familiar with that one but I'll look it up.

[@ranahajjar4166]

I agree with you 💯

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Hooray, thanks!