The Midnight Library

Book Summary and thoughts:

Nora Seed has nothing to live for.  She has failed at love, her job, her education, her friendships, her dreams…even her cat has died.  She decides to end her hopeless life- figuring no one will miss her.  Instead of death, Nora finds herself in the Midnight Library- a place that exists in-between life and death.  Nora is greeted by her school Librarian, Mrs. Elm, and is asked to choose a book from the shelves.  The first book she reaches for is the Book of Regrets.  It is here that Nora sees her many disappointments that led to her depression and eventual suicide.  Each book Nora pulls from the shelf reveals a life she could have had.  Possibly a happier life.  In each book a list of characters is presented as Nora tries to fit into their story.  She tries on each life to find one that best fits her.  Discouraged, Nora never finds her true happy self in any of the stories presented.  She questions her existence and the possibility that life is a series of disappointments and making choices, good or bad, is part of living.  Nora realizes life needs to be lived and her life could actually be good if she had another chance.  Her dilemma- she needs to find out how to get back to her life so she can simply live it, but it might be too late.

This is an amazing tale of a young women who is dissatisfied with her life and comes to realize that all lives are messy, imperfect, and beautiful -just the way a well-lived life is supposed to be.

I really enjoyed this story.  I found myself tearing up in the end.  Nora is a complex, mixed-up character and Haig’s poetic words are unforgettable. 

This title has been a huge success in the public libraries, many people are on hold for it, I even had to wait for a copy to be returned so I could read it.  Book clubs are already lining up to get their copies. 😊