The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Review by Allison Patterson
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig explores themes of regret, choice, and the meaning of life.
The story follows Nora Seed, a woman who feels overwhelmed by disappointment and despair. On the brink of ending her life, she finds herself in a mystical place called the Midnight Library—a space between life and death where every book represents a different version of her life had she made different choices.
With the help of a familiar librarian figure, Nora explores various lives: a rock star, a glaciologist, a mother, a pub owner, and more. As she experiences these alternate realities, she begins to understand that no life is perfect and that regrets often come from unrealistic expectations or unchallenged assumptions.
Ultimately, Nora learns that life’s value isn’t about having a flawless path, but about embracing uncertainty, making peace with the past, and finding purpose in the present.
I chose The Midnight Library because it captures a feeling many of us can relate to—the pressure to have our lives perfectly planned out by a certain age or self-imposed deadline. We often convince ourselves that there’s only one "right" path, and when things don’t unfold as expected, we begin to carry regret or self-doubt. What this book taught me is that life doesn't have to be perfect—in fact, it's often far from it—and that's where its beauty lies.
Through Nora’s journey across countless alternate realities, I was reminded that every decision, including the ones we regret, shapes who we are and offers opportunities for growth. Mistakes aren't something to be ashamed of; they are part of the process that leads to learning, resilience, and strength.
Most importantly, The Midnight Library helped me appreciate the value of my current life—even with its imperfections. It showed me that instead of constantly wondering "what if," it’s powerful to pause and be grateful for what is. That shift in perspective is something I’ll carry with me moving forward.
The Midnight Library: a GMA Book Club Pick
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