Book Review: The Midnight Library

By John Rodgers

It’s difficult not to have outer space on the brain, with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope recently giving us a groundbreaking new view of the cosmos. Sequoyah Regional Library System (SRLS) is looking to the stars for a September of themed programming called Sequoyah Space Explorers, featuring a visit from the Atlanta Astronomy Club, space STEAM Nights, and a special reading challenge on Beanstack. Of course, September is also Library Card Sign-Up Month, so it’s probably natural to have both space and libraries on the brain. Readers in the mood for a story that mixes sci-fi elements with a library setting may enjoy The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.

Nora Seed’s life hasn’t turned out the way she wanted. Following a particularly depressing evening, she finds herself transported to a space between life and death. Surrounded by an infinite number of books, Nora discovers that each title transfers her to a new reality in which she made a different key decision in her life.

As countless memories and alternate lives flash before her, Nora embarks on a passage of self-discovery to learn what truly makes life worth living. The Midnight Library reads like a Hallmark movie, but that’s not meant to be snide. It’s a bit corny and lacking in subtlety, but it hits just right for those in the mood for it. The journey alongside Nora is worth taking, and the lessons learned are indeed valuable, but anyone seeking in-depth support for combating depression is encouraged to look elsewhere.

Those who read The Midnight Library are invited to share their thoughts at Woodstock Public Library’s Space-Themed Book Club on September 22 (6:00pm) and September 24 (10:30am). To check out digital books and audiobooks from SRLS, visit Sequoyah.Overdrive.com. For those who want assistance with setting up their eReaders, a help session for using Overdrive and Libby will take place on September 12 (11:00am) at the Ball Ground Public Library.