Unabridged Audiobook
Great listen! Loved the story, the pacing and how beautifully it unfolds. Great for all of us, but a gift to late bloomers or anyone living with sadness or regret.
Meh, not my cup of tea. Decent writing, but too predictable like a pre-teen show if that’s your sort of thing. Not for me.
Fantastic story about beating depression
I really admired the opening and closing philosophical conversations and use if quantum physics as a concept for exploring life, but found the middle of the book to be slightly repetitive and verging on preachy.
Creative to say the least. I loved everything about this book. It's impossible not to relate to the story.
Overall this book is poorly written, predictable, and offensive to anyone who’s struggled with mental illness and suicidal ideation themselves. The author glosses over the very serious topic of depression and suicide by giving the blanket statement that all Nora needed to do was to have a positive outlook, try a little harder in her relationships, and be less self-absorbed. Having the fairytale ending where everything worked out, completely undermines those who actually suffer with depression and suicidal ideation and what the path to recovery really looks like. This book was infuriating and I would not recommend it.
As someone who experiences depression, this was a painful listen... I put it down for a few weeks. The ending was annoying. If you’re going to write about mental illness, don’t gloss it over for a happy ending. Narrator was soothing and probably my favorite part.
Fantastic story. Loved every second of it— Carey Mulligan was the perfect narrator!
This was such a great read. I loved the plot of this book. I was hooked by the end of the first chapter. Easy, thought provoking book
Loved it!!
A really great, feel good novel that helps shift your own perspective. No slow spots, not overly wordy, just enjoyable. Narrator was great too, and if you’re trying to cram an entire book in one day for book club tomorrow, you can definitely listen and understand the words on 2xs speed which was helpful
An amazing book, uplifting, hopeful, with excellent storytelling and narrating by the soothing voice of Carey Mulligan. It is inspiring not only for those suffering from depression but for all going through hard times in their lives, feeling regret and “what if” moments they face. I highly recommend the book.
I loved this book! I listened to it on a long car ride and it definitely got me thinking about life in new and meaningful ways through a story which is what I was hoping for!
it's a perfect book about hope and life
The narrator did a good job with helping you connect with the protagonist. The book itself was a solid four for me, only because I felt like it lacked a bit in the end. I’m someone who always loves it when the ending is spelled out, but this one just leaves it up to the reader. I loved philosophy of life that is throughout the book and found it uplifting. I think it’s worth reading and would recommend!
good book makes you think deep thoughts about life. enjoyed this
I was annoyed at first, but the storytelling had me enraptured in its plausibility. I ended up really liking this book.
Amazingly engaging, felt as though I was really going though it myself.
Loved the story and writing style! Carey Mulligan was an excellent choice to narrate the story!! Very similar to the movie Sliding Doors, but so much more depth and thought provoking.
Great story, great concept, and what a wonderful message… I’ve listened to this book several times and do not tire of it. The narrator was excellent as well. I wish I could hear the music Howl!!!
The book was good.
Good book enjoyed reading
Definitely a listen that made me think. A new angle at affirming life.
Great optimism nice narrator
Amazing. So thankful I read this!
Good book with a great message.
Great listen!
The narrator was excellent!
Great story line and the narration was perfect! I highly recommend
Puts life and what it means to live into a whole new perspective. Couldn’t stop once I started. Mind bending and out of this world type of read. What would life be like if you could live it over and over again? Fix things, change big plans, marry someone differently, move to another country… so many things to consider. Threw me for a loop in what I would or could do differently, but then also happy to have the life I do have and to be grateful for everything.
Great book - really thought-provoking. Pieces can be applied to almost everyone about appreciation for what we have and having no limits to what we can create. I got an empowered feel from it. Very worth your time and the narration is perfect. I agree with some points below that the middle gets a little repetitive, but stay in it, it's worth it.
We listened to it on a long drive and kept us very interested. Carey mulligan did a great job. Some reviews said a little formulated but in my opinion the formula worked because the middle was so interesting. Who would you be if you could do it all over again? And would those stories end any differently in the grand scheme of things? My husband and i both enjoyed it very much.
The beginning of the book was captivating but the middle of the book became sketchy and repetitive. Disappointing.
this book was honestly life changing for me. it taught me a different way to look at and appreciate life. thank you matt haig.
So unique and the story premise will stay with me forever
Great read!
I almost gave up on this within the first few chapters. It was depressing. Then, she ends up in the midnight library and choosing different life paths to learn life lessons. It stuck with me, regret and seeing things in a different light. It got a little preachy and went a little long with different books, but definitely made me think. I listened to the audio version, read by Carey Mulligan. She did a wonderful job, not only because the book is set in England and her accent made me believe she was Nora. Anyone who wondered "what if" and let's face it, that's probably everyone, has regret. In Nora's own words, it is easy to regret until our time runs out, but it's the regret itself that makes us shrivel and wither and feel like our own and other people's worst enemy. That is a great lesson and in the end made the book memorable.
Loved this book!
The joy of hearing Carey Mulligan read this book cannot be underestimated. A beautiful pairing of text and voice.
This is beautiful book. I loved the beginning, took a breather in the middle, and cried towards the end. Bravo. I highly recommend it. The only criticism I have is unfair. I feel author cheated a bit by not addressing the multitudes of lives that have consistent harm inflicted by their environments/families over which they may have no control and maybe trapped with.
I tried very hard to like this book because I loved the concept. I listened for 2 hours and finally gave up. To be fair it may have picked up and had a positive ending but it was positively depressing to listen to and as hard as I tried I could not get behind the main character.
I liked the beginning but it became repetitive and weak. I won’t recommend this to friends…..
Great narration by Carey Mulligan!
was recommended this and loved it.
This book is amazing! So worth reading! Gives you a new perspective on life
I really enjoyed this. Listened to the whole book in one day. The voice narrator was really talented I though. She made a great French accent for one character etc.
Book was ehh. Not a bad book, but not a good book.
I thought this book would be pretty good & it ended up being better than I thought. The perspective shifts kind of continually, which made it very entertaining & thought provoking. The narrator does a solid job moving you through this world.
Beautifully written and narrated. A balm to the soul of anyone dealing with depression and it’s fallout.
The concept was intriguing but the novel ended up a bit predictable and boring. Some part felt out of place, those overall it was fairly cohesive. It’s not the best, not the worst.
Could have been half the length.
I loved it, all of it, I feel like I needed a story like this right now and made me look at things from another perspective. The narrator does a great job too.
Thoughtful and comforting
Too long of a slog to convey that we all have purpose and our life has meaning. Actually, somewhat prompted me to feel depressed until the closing chapters.
Beautiful story
what an amazing book. I'd listen to this narrator again anytime.
This book surprised me with how gently and creatively it approached concepts of suicide and depression. It’s a really good story with a lasting message, artfully written and read. Loved it!
A beautiful, thought-provoking story, wonderfully narrated. It was exactly what I needed to hear and I couldn’t have listened at a better time. A touching reminder of what truly matters in life. Loved the concept as well as the bits of philosophy and poetry incorporated throughout. I didn’t want to stop listening. While I do agree that things started to feel repetitive and slow in the middle, I think that’s part of the point. To experience that same plateau and recognize the pattern in order to come to the same realizations and conclusions as our main character...It’s part of the journey. I think those who found the ending too predictable and felt disappointed, maybe just weren’t in a place where they truly needed the reminders this book offers... For those who are feeling lost, searching for answers, fighting with regrets, second guessing themselves, etc., I imagine it will have a more positive impact. To me it’s not about predicting the close, but the realization of it...if that makes any sense.
Beautifully written and narrated. Some may say it’s a fairly predictable ending but worth every minute!
Absolutely amazing. Gave me another perspective on life, will definitely listen to it again. I recommend this book!
I absolutely loved the journey our author takes us on in this book. It is a very creative application of self-help guruism knitted into a well structured storyline. It had me thinking and waxing poetic for days afterwards! I recommend this book for anyone who wonders, is it choice or fate?
I enjoyed the beginning and ending of this book but, at points (specifically, throughout the middle), I was pretty bored. The end was well done though, and ultimately makes up for the lag. I think this book could be really helpful for someone in desperate need of hope. And I have a feeling I’ll be thinking about the storyline/concept for awhile. Worth reading, for sure.
The end was a little obvious, but loved how it got there.
Amazing!! Such an intriguing story and a great reader. Really gets you thinking, with a great moral at the end. I highly recommend!
It made for thoughtful reading. It would be nice if we all had midnight libraries!
Enjoyed this book, different from my normal read and was happy I tried it!
What an inspiring book. Sometimes life can be hard and we can have many regrets. However, life is beautiful and not to be taken for granted. I loved Nora, she was so relatable. We have all had moments in our lives where we were "Nora". The plot was so different and refreshing. Imagine living a million different lives, all based on choices you could have made differently. The pacing of the book was great, no dull moments. The narrator did an amazing job. She conveyed feelings through her words which were utterly believable. Definitely a good book to listen to
Great book, although I was surprised the audio producers didn’t correct the incredible Carey Mulligan when she mispronounced words.
This was a nice happy read. Just what I needed right now to help remind me that perspective is important.
The theme is similar to “It’s a Wonderful Life “
One of the best books I’ve read in years. Well-written literary, thought provoking, really enjoyed. Thank you Mr. Haig
Sweet storyline, interesting plot line. Definitely pulls you in and is a nice read. Not the most intricate or complex piece, but a refreshing read.
I appreciate the moral of the story, but this book was waaaay drawn out. Seemed like the same format for each “mini-story”… didn’t need to be almost 9 hours. Would have been much better as a novel or even short story.
I really enjoyed this! It kept me interested the entire time. Narration was great as well!
What a fabulous book - i loved the read
One of the best books I have read all year. I loved the story. The narrator was terrific. I don't want to read my next book because I want to keep this one in my head!
Very good book. Definitely makes you think about life and your opportunities. I couldn’t stop listening. Highly recommend.
Loved it!!!
This book is a must on any reading list.
So wise and enthralling.
I listened to this twice, back to back.. it is beautiful!
I adored this read. Kept my imagination running- chuckled- related. My favorite book so far
A must listen. Excellent... lots of philosophy in this book about life and how to just be happy where u r right now in this very moment in time
Enjoy book. Great narrator.
Such a great book AND narrator. I appreciated that the book made me think about the different paths one's life could take.
Makes you think in a different dimension
The book and the narrator go really well together. I had a very relaxing and soothing experience going through Nora's adventures and experiences with her. Thank you for this precious journey.
Great story, which was enhanced by the narrator!
A knock off of a old Jewish proverb. Protagonist came off a whinny until her aha moment.
I loved this book and I think the narrator contributed to my love!
This was a lovely book and an interesting take on death and appreciating life and making the best of the one you're living.
It was a fun read, I really liked the concept of the book and was able to get into the story but I found it very cheesy and predictable. I would have liked a more creative ending. Also not a big fan of the narrator’s voice
The Midnight Library was such a refreshingly, unique book. I couldn't stop listening to it and hated for it to end!
Interesting idea for a book! It got a little slow in parts, but overall was worth the listen.
This book helped give me a new perspective on everything . It was a kind slap in the face. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
much better than expected
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