Matt Haig is a novelist whose books have become quite popular over the last few years. His most recent book, The Midnight Library, has over one million readers and has been the New York Times bestseller for twenty-five weeks. Over on his Instagram, Matt Haig speaks openly about his mental health, as well as extending a sympathetic approach to everything that goes on in the world.

“Someone said ‘why do you always talk about sad things’? I don’t think I do. I think I talk about surviving and thriving and the joy of living. Being honest about mental health isn’t necessarily ‘sad’. It’s just facing reality and making lemonade out of lemons.”

(Instagram Post: 28/5/21)

Listening to the words of Matt Haig is as comforting as receiving a hug from an old friend; whilst living through a pandemic in an anxiety-riddled world, he certainly is the voice that everyone needs to hear. His writing is honest yet reassuring for the reader. So here are three recommendations of books by Matt Haig that everyone needs to read:

The Midnight Library:

Nora Seed finds herself in the place between life and death after trying to overdose. Thinking that she’s got nothing else to live for, she is able to see where her life could’ve gone; if she had made different choices in her life.


This is a story about accepting the imperfect life we all have. We all have regrets in life about the choices we didn’t make, but we should enjoy the life we’re currently living. There’s a simplicity to the narrative, but it looks at the question of what’s the best way to live? Even if we had made different choices, would we always be truly happy? Despite asking one of the biggest questions of the universe, this book is an easy-read. It’s life-affirming, reassuring, and comforting.

“You don’t have to understand life. You just have to live it.”

Matt Haig, The Midnight Library
Reasons to Stay Alive:

This is the true story of how Matt Haig journeyed through life whilst battling depression and the struggles of mental health. Whilst this is a book that deals with very sensitive topics such as suicidal thoughts and inclinations, he writes in a delicate matter, giving the reader a sense of hope that life can get better. Not only does this book contain memoirs, but it also demonstrates a clear way of understanding mental health in the wider world, reassuring the reader that they are not alone. This is a book that breaks the stigma of being ashamed or hiding your mental health, something he does by being open about his struggles.

“Life is waiting for you. You might be stuck here for a while, but the world isn’t going anywhere. Hang on in there if you can. Life is always worth it.”

Matt Haig, Reasons to Stay Alive
Notes on a Nervous Planet:

This is a book about how we can live in a world that’s riddled with anxiety. It covers a range of topics from social media to the fast advances on technology, as well as discussing how we shouldn’t compare ourselves to others. No matter who you are or where you live in the world, this book has a chapter that everyone can relate to. Not only does Matt Haig share his own personal experiences with anxiety, but also light-hearted ways of overcoming this struggle. It also contains wise words from across the planet, to reassure the reader that the feeling is mutual when it comes to living on a planet that encourages anxiousness.

“Happiness is not good for the economy. We are encouraged, continually, to be a little dissatisfied with ourselves.”

Matt Haig, Notes on a Nervous Planet

Carrie Duggan

Featured image courtesy of Mikołaj via Unsplash. Image licence found here. No changes have been made to this image.

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