My Thoughts

I honestly didn’t know what to expect while reading THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY. It ended up being the most profound reading experience I’ve ever had. It spoke to me like no other book has. I felt seen as someone who has struggled with severe depression, suicidal ideation, and crippling regret for most of my adult life.

I understood Nora, all the emotions she felt, especially the loneliness and despair. I understood her suicidal ideation and urges. AND, even when she didn’t, I knew her depression and loneliness were lying to her–telling her she wasn’t needed, no one wanted her around, she let everyone down, or they’d all be better off without her.

I’m convinced that Nora’s journey through the Midnight Library was the only way she could’ve learned what and come to the conclusions she did. After all, one of the lessons the librarian wanted her to learn was, “The only way to learn is to live.” Haig beautifully illustrates what DBT did in helping me want to build a life worth living. Its message that it’s not too late to start living life is one I think we all need to be reminded of once in a while.

Update: Nora has a small cameo in the sequel, THE MIDNIGHT TRAIN. She tells the main character that 7 years ago to the day, she did something that changed her life, obviously referring to the events in this book. We learn that that day is April 19th, which is my birthday. This book means so much to me and to have the connection of my birthday as the day this book is set just makes me feel like this story was meant for me that much more.