Mum's Monday: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

This book has a strange interesting start; first it mentions nineteen years before Nora decides to die, this is tragically weird and then it goes on to mention that quite correctly that Antarctica is the driest place on earth regarding rainfall. The snippet of information about the acid rain on the planet Venus is also interesting to read. There has already been some depth showing also some good research having been carried out by the author.

Now 19 years later there is some tragic news for Nora. This is already a sad and again a strange book, but it keeps me wanting to read, which is a sign of a good book.

Now if things couldn’t get any worse. From what I have read so far I am beginning to understand the reasoning in this book regarding Nora.

Now the name of this book and the point of it really starts to get going. I believe that despite Nora’s efforts she could be in some sort of coma. This is only a speculation from what I have seen before in programs like ‘Life on Mars’ with John Simm.

Sometimes yes, in moments of shocking grief you don’t need to say anything, just be there. Then of course sometimes things do need explaining and the Midnight Library is open for business and it looks like it is going to be very busy with Nora. 

The only way I can describe some quotes in this book is an in-depth look at life. An example of what I am trying to say is when it mentioned about getting married, ‘That you just grab the first person closest to you at an appropriate age when the music stops like a game’. The description about events/things that can happen in life is like an in-depth philosophy. 

Now let the pub life with Dan begin. It is sad that already Nora has to. It seems, hide her knowledge. This is the first look at Nora’s, what could have been life. So, as I can already see some cracks, I don’t think this is the one for Nora long term.

I realise with so many different scenarios in this book I feel that one, I won’t get bored with it and two, it will be from what I have read so far a loosely exciting but definitely eclectic read. I know I have also only read the first scenario so far but I already think I know what the outcome will be. However, yes, Nora has to try what could have been her other lives and I will see if she also comes to the same conclusion I have. It is intriguing and also sad about Nora’s cat. 

Now let Nora’s Australian life begin. This turns out to be a tragic outcome. There does seem to be a thread running through this and I do get the feeling, even after just three lives experienced that the books in the library are trying to tell/send Nora a message leading to the final outcome I believe it does. However, it gets there I do yes, just want Nora to be happy.

I love how this book questions ‘What is success?’ and no it is not always about making money. It can be any number of self achievements. I like this part and of course agree with it. 

So now let the fourth and successful life begin. This part has unanswered questions regarding ‘Portugal’ but I like the part about life being a ‘Tree’ even though this is a bit sad in Nora’s case. 

Now let Nora’s life in the Arctic circle begin. Now this is an interesting one, when Nora is actually faced with possible death in the form of a ‘Polar bear’. She realises that she doesn’t want to die and this has the, I want to say that to me, the amusing opposite effect of what is required to get back to the library. I feel a long try out of this ‘Cold’ part of Nora’s life for her to get through. It was mentioned that some of the, I want to say, trips could be short or long so this could be a long one as said.  

Wow yes, Hugo does sound intriguing. It is a surprise to know what Hugo has been doing. It is one of those moments where you don’t realise that it is now obvious and inevitable that Nora would come across such a scenario, but you just don't know, but should, until you do.

Oh wow, first on a clock with hands you cannot see a hand move mid tick, as said in this book, the author is very insightful, I mean where does he learn this kind of information and the fact that Hugo said that if Nora had gone or goes back to the ‘Library’ the one still standing there talking would say something close to the common phrases ‘My mind has just gone blank, what were we talking about?’ This is amusing to read in its simple cleverness.

Now let Nora’s band life begin. I don’t know why she doesn’t search online for information on the band. You can find everything you need to know, even lyrics for songs and even clips of songs/tunes. There are a few, for me and Nora, unanswered questions in this part so far.

Sadly, I had a feeling this part was going in the direction that it did. For a good life Nora would have to sacrifice too much. It just goes to show no life can be, it seems, perfect so far.

It is an ‘Eye opener’ to read that Nora has been trying to live other people’s dreams. So yes, it is about time she did what she wanted to do.

So many lives, you could say, mostly a book consists of one story. Yes, this book is about Nora Seed, but there are so many stories that the author has come up with all crammed into one book. This is a lot but interesting. I just hope Nora settles sooner rather than later. It is, I feel, getting close as she is, it seems, wants to have a stable life.

Sometimes, and certainly in this case, ‘The simplest things are the best’ yes, I do believe the ‘Coffee date’ went well. The game is a clever/inspired idea as well, very informative. However, remembering some information is a good idea before you jump to a conclusion that your husband is a mass murderer. This part is amusing to read. 

I can see how Nora was scared as yes, her existence in her situation is precarious. I like the life also Nora is now living and feel her nervousness of losing it. 

It is sad to read about Mrs Elm also it is sad to read about all the things Nora wasn’t involved in so the outcomes of the situations turned out very different. Nora may think she didn’t matter but she certainly did in a good way in her, what is known as her ‘Root life’ also known as her original existence. I hope she can get back to that life.

This book highlights that you don’t always see what is perfect right in front of you until you almost lose it. Here’s to Nora Seed’s next, her real life truly and rightfully her life, new set of her perfect opportunities.