I'm back back back back back again.
For real this time, I've promised myself I'm going to keep up with this blog and the book reviews. It should be a little easier now I have started a Book Instagram to try and hold myself accountable for my TBR list. @tacklingmytbr if you're interested.
I read the Midnight Library by Matt Haig a while ago now, but it's a book I would still like to talk about and potentially have conversations about. Before reading it I didn't really think too much into what it would be about, or what to expect. I remember reading the back blurb and it being quite vague, but it was clearly enough to hook me. I'm sure by now the majority of people will know the synopsis of this book so I'll keep it short. Nora Seed is unhappy with her life, filled with regret about the choices she has made throughout her life, she ends up in the Midnight Library (wondering if that should be capitalised?) There, she is given the opportunity to explore other lives she may have had, if she had made different choices.
I thought this book was short and sweet. Easy to read, and I actually really enjoyed the concept of it. As someone who has always felt like she made the wrong decisions and choices in life, I felt I could relate to Nora. I'm not saying I'm so unhappy with my life that I would consider ending it for a chance to go to the Midnight Library, but there are significant moments I would like to see, if I had made a different choice. So it became a book that warranted a lot of food for thought and I like books like that, that make you stop and think; as well as being beautifully written. I feel as though I read it holding my breath in parts, and again I am all for a book that can have that effect on you.
"The only way to live is to learn."
One of my favourite quotes in the book, I had a few. It reminds me of one of my favourite quotes from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. "The hardest thing in this world is to live in it." It's true and I believe the message of this book is important. Nora encounters many different lives she could have led, rich, famous, none of them ensured happiness. It's the typical, it's not always greener on the other side story.
I've been confused when reading reviews since finishing this book and even coming across it on social media, it seems to evoke two opposite reactions. People either love it, or they hate it and I mean HATE it, I've seen some scathing words said about it. I guess I just can't understand why. What does Nora do that is so wrong? While I can understand a character like Noras can be frustrating, I am concerned that people read this book and think she is very 'woe is me'. That seems to discredit her feelings. I understand everyone has problems but to disregard someones experiences seems a little harsh to me. I've also seen the word selfish thrown around, which again I just find harsh. It's no secret that people struggle and deal with their problems in different ways.
I also read a review saying something a long the lines of 'don't be fooled by the title 'The Midnight Library', it is not about a books', which I'm sorry I can't help but laugh at. In all fairness it is about books, only in a metaphorical way, each book opens the possibility to new worlds. Another reviewer said it became to "preachy" with its instagrammable quotes. Again, I didn't get that impression. I know books are not meant to please everyone and I think this is just one of those.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed it and I like to think in one of my many other lives, I'm happy and things worked out slightly different for me.
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