Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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The Midnight Library
Books of the Month
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The Midnight Library by Matt Haig - Adult June 2021 BOM (starts 2 Jun)
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(last edited Jun 05, 2021 12:04AM)
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Date MPDQs Chapters
2 Jun Lynne(Ridcully) A Conversation About Rain -
The Three Horseshoes (21%)
3 Jun Deanna(Luggage) The Penultimate Update... -
Peppermint Tea (39%)
4 Jun Yasmine (Rob) The Tree That Is Our Life -
Wild and Free (59%)
5 Jun Tina (Carrot) Ryan Bailey -
A Pearl in the Shell (79%)
6 Jun Lori (Granny) The Game -
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Guidance for DQ setters
Aim for a reasonable number of questions: 4 - 5 is typical. Please don't post too many - any more than 7 gets unwieldy!
Use consecutive numbering of the DQs for your days. So, for example, if Day One is posted as questions 1-4, Day Two should start at number 5 etc.
Don't worry too much about your questions: you aren't being tested on how clever your questions are!
Hints and tips:
- Is there a quote that jumped out at you? Use that in a question.
- What about the characters - do they generate strong feelings? No feelings? - either way, we can explore that!
- What about that plot twist?!
- Explore the writing style: is there an unusual structure being used? what's the tone of voice like? or the point of view?
Want more information about how NBRC runs their Book of the Month discussions? Check out the information here
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(last edited May 26, 2021 02:13AM)
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nominator: Lynne (Ridcully)
Jenny (Moist)
Cat (Dogbotherer)
Lexi (Oook)
Audrey Jane (Rob)
Suzanne (Rince backup)
Lori (Granny)
Tina (Carrot)
Louise (Rob backup)
Cynthia (Tiff)
Redshirt (Oook backup)
Angie (Moist)
Alysa (Carrot backup)
Yasmine (Rob)
Dawn (Granny backup)
Judy (Ogg)
Deanna (Luggage)
(view spoiler)
Mod
I'm in and volunteer to do DQs for team Rob Anybody.
I'm in for Rincewind and can write daily questions, But if another Rincewind DQ volunteer shows up, please put me as the backup :)
I volunteer for DQs for team Granny Weatherwax
I volunteer for DQ for team carrot
I’m in and I’ll be backup for Rob anybody
I nominated this one and I’m on Archchancellor Ridcully
I am in and would like to volunteer for DQs for team Tiffany
Team Librarian backup, please!
Volunteering for backup DQs (Team Moist)
Backup for Team Carrot :D
I would like to volunteer for DQs for team Rob Anybody
I'm in and back up to Granny :)
volunteering for DQs for Nanny Ogg :)
volunteering for DQs for Team Luggage!
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(last edited May 26, 2021 02:29AM)
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If you can't do your day then you can ask a fellow volunteer to step in, if you have no backup then the next unique team in the randomised list (under spoiler) will get a chance to write questions
Yep I'm good with my day
Looking forward to this! :)
How long ago do I have to have read to participate? I read this one in January
Mod
6 months between rereads.
To get the participation points you need to answer the DQs by 2 July, and read the book before the end of the challenge. Fingers crossed your reread dates work out!
Darn I don't know if I will make it hahaha. I'm right on the cusp. Maybe if I push it to July 1st hahaha
DQs - Day 11. Were you planning to read this book before it became a BOM? If so, what drew you to it?
2. What do you think of Matt Haig’s writing style (and those short chapters!) and how he has set the story up so far?
3. What are your thoughts on Nora? Are you attached to her yet?
4. If you were somehow able to, would you want to see all of the different outcomes that could have played out in your own life? Or would you rather just leave things as they are without ever knowing?
5. What did you think about Nora’s first glimpse at a road not taken? Were you surprised by which book she chose to open first or by how quickly it disappointed her?
You see, doing one thing differently is very often the same as doing everything differently.
DQs Day 11. Were you planning to read this book before it became a BOM? If so, what drew you to it?
I actually was waiting for this to be available from my public library since early December & just got my copy in May!
2. What do you think of Matt Haig’s writing style (and those short chapters!) and how he has set the story up so far?
I am enjoying it -- makes it go so fast though!
3. What are your thoughts on Nora? Are you attached to her yet?
I kind of feel sorry for her so far. I haven't formed an attachment as of yet & am sensing mental illness here,
4. If you were somehow able to, would you want to see all of the different outcomes that could have played out in your own life? Or would you rather just leave things as they are without ever knowing?
Nope! Definitely not! Way better off not knowing. Que sera, sera!
5. What did you think about Nora’s first glimpse at a road not taken? Were you surprised by which book she chose to open first or by how quickly it disappointed her?
It was sad, but not unexpected. We all want someone to love and for them to love us back. Obviously he was absorbed in his dream & just expected her to roll along with him...
You see, doing one thing differently is very often the same as doing everything differently...
Truth!
DQs Day 11. Were you planning to read this book before it became a BOM? If so, what drew you to it?
I was planning on reading this after I saw it on the Goodreads Choice list. What first drew my attention was the word "library" in the title (and I swear book publishers have figured that out!). But I was then interested in the premise.
2. What do you think of Matt Haig’s writing style (and those short chapters!) and how he has set the story up so far?
It has been very readable and feels like it's going fast. I like the set-up because she has a pretty clear list of regrets and there are a lot of things in her life even I thought she should do differently.
3. What are your thoughts on Nora? Are you attached to her yet?
I feel sorry for her more than feeling attached. She's just so alone and clearly struggling.
4. If you were somehow able to, would you want to see all of the different outcomes that could have played out in your own life? Or would you rather just leave things as they are without ever knowing?
I think I'd maybe be sad to go through them. But there are definitely some things I 100% wish I'd done differently.
5. What did you think about Nora’s first glimpse at a road not taken? Were you surprised by which book she chose to open first or by how quickly it disappointed her?
I thought that was a logical one to open first because it seems like she really felt bad about disappointing someone there. But yeah I'm glad she didn't suffer through that life and marriage for very long.
You see, doing one thing differently is very often the same as doing everything differently.
DQs - Day 11. Were you planning to read this book before it became a BOM? If so, what drew you to it?
Yes, the book was already on my tbr. The concept of visiting one's parallel lives is what intrigued me.
2. What do you think of Matt Haig’s writing style (and those short chapters!) and how he has set the story up so far?
I generally prefer short chapters over the long ones, so this works great for me. The book goes by very quickly.
3. What are your thoughts on Nora? Are you attached to her yet?
I feel sorry for her and I also see parts of my past self in her. So I hope she manages to get over the difficult situation she found herself in.
4. If you were somehow able to, would you want to see all of the different outcomes that could have played out in your own life? Or would you rather just leave things as they are without ever knowing?
No, I'd much rather not know.
5. What did you think about Nora’s first glimpse at a road not taken? Were you surprised by which book she chose to open first or by how quickly it disappointed her?
I understand why she chose that road first. Even though she ended that relationship that part of her life was still following her and made her feel guilty. She needed to see that it was a right decision so she could move on from that completely. So no, I wasn't surprised she was quickly disappointed by that life.
You see, doing one thing differently is very often the same as doing everything differently.
DQs - Day 11. Were you planning to read this book before it became a BOM? If so, what drew you to it?
No…BOM has opened lots of new reading options for me.
2. What do you think of Matt Haig’s writing style (and those short chapters!) and how he has set the story up so far?
It’s good…makes for a quick read and the style works perfectly for this story.
3. What are your thoughts on Nora? Are you attached to her yet?
She’s obviously miserable. I can relate somewhat although I’ve never been close to ending my life. I wondered about ‘A Christmas Carol’ for a bit…wondered if there was inspiration with that book.
4. If you were somehow able to, would you want to see all of the different outcomes that could have played out in your own life? Or would you rather just leave things as they are without ever knowing?
I don’t think I’d go there but do admit I often wonder ‘what if’ now and then.
5. What did you think about Nora’s first glimpse at a road not taken? Were you surprised by which book she chose to open first or by how quickly it disappointed her?
I was a bit surprised how quickly it was resolved. Interesting how that regret turned out tgat Dan and the Pub wasn’t really good for them.
You see, doing one thing differently is very often the same as doing everything differently.
DQs - Day 1Were you planning to read this book before it became a BOM? If so, what drew you to it?
I bought this when it was first released. But haven’t been able to get to it. When it became the BOM, it seemed like the perfect time to finally read it. The storyline seemed interesting. And it has won a goodreads award too.
2. What do you think of Matt Haig’s writing style (and those short chapters!) and how he has set the story up so far?
So far the writing is good. I have gotten invested in what will happen next. I don’t mind the short chapters.
3. What are your thoughts on Nora? Are you attached to her yet?
Yes. I do feel like we have gotten to know Nora. She is really a downer. LOL But it should be interesting to see where her story goes.
4. If you were somehow able to, would you want to see all of the different outcomes that could have played out in your own life? Or would you rather just leave things as they are without ever knowing?
I have often wondered what my life would be like if I had done things differently. I probably would take the Librarian’s offer and try out a few roads not taken. Especially if I could change my mind if I didn’t like it.
5. What did you think about Nora’s first glimpse at a road not taken? Were you surprised by which book she chose to open first or by how quickly it disappointed her?
It definitely didn’t take her long to be unhappy! I had an inkling Dan wasn’t such a great guy. With his drinking and not supporting her pursuits. I do think things look rosier with time and distance. That’s what happened to Nora. She forgot some things until she was with Dan again.
You see, doing one thing differently is very often the same as doing everything differently.
1. Were you planning to read this book before it became a BOM? If so, what drew you to it?I wanted to read this but wasn't actually planning to pick it up anytime soon if not for BOM. Ofc the word Library and the premise drew me in..
2. What do you think of Matt Haig’s writing style (and those short chapters!) and how he has set the story up so far?
I am pretty neutral about his writing style for now. Short chapters are always good and a hint of philosophical aspect in his writing feels like plus to me. But i feel some weird knot in the writing which i am unable to put my finger on right now.
3. What are your thoughts on Nora? Are you attached to her yet?
Looks like ill be the first one here to actually attached to Nora. It's because I resemble her 90%+.. :)
4. If you were somehow able to, would you want to see all of the different outcomes that could have played out in your own life? Or would you rather just leave things as they are without ever knowing?
Oh definitely. Would give anything, ANYTHING to know certain things!!
5. What did you think about Nora’s first glimpse at a road not taken? Were you surprised by which book she chose to open first or by how quickly it disappointed her?
Not really. I expected her first thought to be him. I would have done the same. So yeah..
You see, doing one thing differently is very often the same as doing everything differently.
Very often, yes.
DQs - Day 1
1. Were you planning to read this book before it became a BOM? If so, what drew you to it?
Yes! I've heard a lot of great things actually and a couple of friends of mine have recommended it to me already 2 months ago. But in the end I ordered a copy from Book Depository for this BOM challenge! :)
2. What do you think of Matt Haig’s writing style (and those short chapters!) and how he has set the story up so far?
I really like the short chapters and the space to breathe those offer. It gives for a different reading flow and it's a great difference to other books I'm currently reading, so I'm very relaxed about it.
3. What are your thoughts on Nora? Are you attached to her yet?
I feel for the character and she seems to go through a hard time right now. I can see how she's sunken into a hole, that she can't seem to get out of (hence the wanting to die part) and I feel sad that she has so little self-esteem and doesn't see herself as somebody who should live. I hope that her character will go through a strong development in this book!
4. If you were somehow able to, would you want to see all of the different outcomes that could have played out in your own life? Or would you rather just leave things as they are without ever knowing?
Honestly, I don't think I would want to see other dimensions where I chose differently and went down different paths. In the end I'm happy with where and who I am now and that's all I'm trying to be. I'm trying not too look back at any choices I've made with regrets, so I wouldn't want to see other lives that might make me sad about my actual life. And I also don't see the point in looking at other lives, where I would be more sad than I am now.
5. What did you think about Nora’s first glimpse at a road not taken? Were you surprised by which book she chose to open first or by how quickly it disappointed her?
I think this was a great start and I think I know some other roads that she will go down, and end up disappointed as well. I am glad she realised really quickly how different the other live was and that it wasn't the right choice either!
You see, doing one thing differently is very often the same as doing everything differently.
1. Were you planning to read this book before it became a BOM? If so, what drew you to it?It was on my TBR list before this BOM. Over the last two years, I've noticed an influx of library-related novels. The title drew me. Though if I'd stopped to see what the book was about, I might have mentally prepared myself more.
2. What do you think of Matt Haig’s writing style (and those short chapters!) and how he has set the story up so far?
I really enjoy his writing style as it's more show than tell! It was really depressing to read the countdown though.
3. What are your thoughts on Nora? Are you attached to her yet?
I hurt for Nora. Definitely cried a bit last night reading through the countdown. I guess I'm attached to her since I can relate to her circumstances.
4. If you were somehow able to, would you want to see all of the different outcomes that could have played out in your own life? Or would you rather just leave things as they are without ever knowing?
I'm very interested to see how everything would play out. Decisively, I've pushed myself into a particular direction. I'm happy with the outcome, but the writer in me is very interested to know how things would've turned out if I'd decided differently.
5. What did you think about Nora’s first glimpse at a road not taken? Were you surprised by which book she chose to open first or by how quickly it disappointed her?
I'm going to think a bit more on these questions!
You see, doing one thing differently is very often the same as doing everything differently.
Mod
1. Were you planning to read this book before it became a BOM? If so, what drew you to it?
It was on my radar, but not in the active queue. Honestly, the cover first caught my eye, and I've enjoyed a book by Matt Haig before.
2. What do you think of Matt Haig’s writing style (and those short chapters!) and how he has set the story up so far?
It's easy reading, and the short chapters certainly help turn the pages. As far as the story, it's an interesting conceit.
3. What are your thoughts on Nora? Are you attached to her yet?
Not entirely. The number of different spheres she can apparently be awesome in is a bit unbelievable. That said, I can believe her mental health issues.
4. If you were somehow able to, would you want to see all of the different outcomes that could have played out in your own life? Or would you rather just leave things as they are without ever knowing?
No. I'm the sum of my choices, and different choices are going to result in a different me - I don't need to know that person.
5. What did you think about Nora’s first glimpse at a road not taken? Were you surprised by which book she chose to open first or by how quickly it disappointed her?
I wasn't surprised that she picked the most recent big decision to follow. I was surprised at how quickly she recognised that Dan was not good for her.
DQs - Day 11. Were you planning to read this book before it became a BOM? If so, what drew you to it?
Yes, as I had seen it on quite a few "books to read" lists. Like most people, the setting of a library drew me in and the concept of being able to see where different life paths could have taken you.
2. What do you think of Matt Haig’s writing style (and those short chapters!) and how he has set the story up so far?
The shorter chapters make the story move quickly and I like the quote inserts.
3. What are your thoughts on Nora? Are you attached to her yet?
I'm not attached yet but I feel for her, she had so many awful things happen in a row on top of struggling already.
4. If you were somehow able to, would you want to see all of the different outcomes that could have played out in your own life? Or would you rather just leave things as they are without ever knowing?
I would rather not know- Ignorance is bliss as they say. Whatever my circumstances are now, they are a result of a life lived, good choices and bad.
5. What did you think about Nora’s first glimpse at a road not taken? Were you surprised by which book she chose to open first or by how quickly it disappointed her?
I wasn't surprised at the first book choice, Nora obviously had a lot of guilt on how she handled things prior to the wedding. I was surprised, through the haze of the depressive spell she is currently in, how quickly she realised Dan's faults and how she had previously been manipulated by his behavior. I thought that would take longer.
DQs - Day 11. Were you planning to read this book before it became a BOM? If so, what drew you to it?
No I wasn't planning to read it.
2. What do you think of Matt Haig’s writing style (and those short chapters!) and how he has set the story up so far?
I like it, but it may have something to do with how the book is narrated. I am listening to the audio and the narrator is wonderful.
3. What are your thoughts on Nora? Are you attached to her yet?
Not attached, but I do like her.
4. If you were somehow able to, would you want to see all of the different outcomes that could have played out in your own life? Or would you rather just leave things as they are without ever knowing?
No thanks. I am happy with the life I lead and wouldn't want to doubt the choices I made in the afterlife.
5. What did you think about Nora’s first glimpse at a road not taken? Were you surprised by which book she chose to open first or by how quickly it disappointed her?
Not surprised, I think when we make choices we do for a reason and maybe she had a feeling of how the future with Dan would turn out.
You see, doing one thing differently is very often the same as doing everything differently.
1. Were you planning to read this book before it became a BOM? If so, what drew you to it?Yes, at some point in the distant future. I was apprehensive because it seemed like a book that maybe wouldn't fit me really well. But it was very different from now I thought it would be, and I'm really liking it!
2. What do you think of Matt Haig’s writing style (and those short chapters!) and how he has set the story up so far?
I really like it. Short chapters make the book go by so much faster. The book is a little all over the place, just like Nora's life.
3. What are your thoughts on Nora? Are you attached to her yet?
Yes, I get really easily attached. I think she has a sense of humor, even though she is sad and depressed.
4. If you were somehow able to, would you want to see all of the different outcomes that could have played out in your own life? Or would you rather just leave things as they are without ever knowing?
Probably not. Depends on my situation I guess. As of now, I would have no need to see all my alternative lives.
5. What did you think about Nora’s first glimpse at a road not taken? Were you surprised by which book she chose to open first or by how quickly it disappointed her?
I'm not really surprised by the choice as it was mention several times earlier in the book. I don't think I'm surprised by how it disappointed her. She already left him once before.
You see, doing one thing differently is very often the same as doing everything differently.
DQs - Day 11. Were you planning to read this book before it became a BOM? If so, what drew you to it?
Yes, I have read most of Matt Haig's books for adults. I love them.
2. What do you think of Matt Haig’s writing style (and those short chapters!) and how he has set the story up so far?
I was drawn in immediately, so it is working so far. The short chapters are propelling the story along at a good clip, and I am not bothered by the format (yet).
3. What are your thoughts on Nora? Are you attached to her yet?
There are a lot of things about Nora that I can relate to. My guess is that we all feel parts of what she is feeling, but the fact that she seems to be clinically depressed exacerbates her issues. I have felt invisible or unimportant before for sure. I generally snap out of it, and she seems to not be able to. I do feel for her.
4. If you were somehow able to, would you want to see all of the different outcomes that could have played out in your own life? Or would you rather just leave things as they are without ever knowing?
I'm not sure I would want to see if I couldn't affect an outcome. The idea of being able to change a moment in my past sounds effing brilliant though.
I am having flashes of George Bailey finding Zuzu's petals.
5. What did you think about Nora’s first glimpse at a road not taken? Were you surprised by which book she chose to open first or by how quickly it disappointed her?
I had an inkling about Dan when she fleetingly mentioned that he didn't want her in the band. My asshole radar went up.
I'm not shocked she picked that one first, just glad she saw quickly that that particular road should not be a regret.
DQs - Day 11. Were you planning to read this book before it became a BOM? If so, what drew you to it?
No.
2. What do you think of Matt Haig’s writing style (and those short chapters!) and how he has set the story up so far?
The book certainly moves quickly. I like the concept, but I'm on the fence about the execution at this point.
3. What are your thoughts on Nora? Are you attached to her yet?
I think Nora lives too much in the past. If she doesn't like her life, then she can make changes to it. Definitely not attached.
4. If you were somehow able to, would you want to see all of the different outcomes that could have played out in your own life? Or would you rather just leave things as they are without ever knowing?
I would rather just leave things as they are.
5. What did you think about Nora’s first glimpse at a road not taken? Were you surprised by which book she chose to open first or by how quickly it disappointed her?
I wasn't really surprised that the reality wasn't nearly as rosy as she imagined that it would be. Dan seemed like as good a place to start as any. She seems to be looking for a perfect life, so I doubt she will find it in any book.
DQs - Day 11. Were you planning to read this book before it became a BOM? If so, what drew you to it?
I was and had started it, but it was one of many books I got from the library at once and my loan ended. So I committed and bought the book to read :). I'm a fan of his books, so glad to be reading it.
2. What do you think of Matt Haig’s writing style (and those short chapters!) and how he has set the story up so far?
I like the short chapters, they really just get to the point and keep me focused. The setup works, it has me hooked so far.
3. What are your thoughts on Nora? Are you attached to her yet?
I'm not quiet attached to her at this point in time, I feel for her her, but I'm not connected.
4. If you were somehow able to, would you want to see all of the different outcomes that could have played out in your own life? Or would you rather just leave things as they are without ever knowing?
I don't think I'd want to go through my different potential lives, but I'm not in the same mental space as Nora, so I can completely understand her opening those books and seeing the alternatives.
5. What did you think about Nora’s first glimpse at a road not taken? Were you surprised by which book she chose to open first or by how quickly it disappointed her?
It was a good reminder that she may have had good instincts on that relationship and what she would have to give up. I think choosing a relationship like that as a potentially tipping point makes sense since love lost or gained always leaves imprints on your heart and head. I felt so bad when she opened the book of regrets though, that was so heavy.
You see, doing one thing differently is very often the same as doing everything differently.
DQs Day 2: The Penultimate Update - Peppermint Tea (39%)6. Were you surprised that Nora's second choice was related to her cat? What did you think of the outcome?
7. How did the reality of Nora's Australia line up with what you imagined it would be like?
8. What did you think about the similarities between Nora's life in Australia versus her original life?
9. On the surface, Nora's life with a swimming career seems to be the most successful so far. Do you think the positives will outweigh the negatives this time around?
10. Any predictions for how Nora's speech will go in the next chapter?
DQs Day 2: The Penultimate Update - Peppermint Tea (39%)6. Were you surprised that Nora's second choice was related to her cat? What did you think of the outcome?
Not really, since it was one of the last things that happened before she died. It was sad of course, but I think Nora appreciated knowing it wasn't her fault the cat died (which it wasn't in the first place either in my opinion)
7. How did the reality of Nora's Australia line up with what you imagined it would be like?
There must be several Australia lines that had Izzy still alive? That's all I have to say about it😂
8. What did you think about the similarities between Nora's life in Australia versus her original life?
I guess some things are "meant" to happen? Maybe she has to go back further to get to the root of the anxiety/depression?
9. On the surface, Nora's life with a swimming career seems to be the most successful so far. Do you think the positives will outweigh the negatives this time around?
So far it's better I guess, but she's still depressed for some unknown reason. And the thing about Portugal that either we or Nora know about, or something else, might be a deal-breaker for her?
10. Any predictions for how Nora's speech will go in the next chapter?
The only thing I'm wondering is why she's not more nervous? She's about to be on stage for like an hour talking about a life she knows nothing about. And she has stated previously that she doesn't like the attention on her. I would be a ball of nerves.
DQs Day 2: The Penultimate Update - Peppermint Tea (39%)6. Were you surprised that Nora's second choice was related to her cat? What did you think of the outcome?
It was sad. But I think the point was that trying to change yourself doesn’t lead to a different outcome for someone else. At least now she can stop feeling so guilty about her cat.
7. How did the reality of Nora's Australia line up with what you imagined it would be like?
There seems to be a common theme of death in her other timelines. Grief, depression seems to follow her. I wasn’t expecting that.
8. What did you think about the similarities between Nora's life in Australia versus her original life?
In both she seems to be depressed, stuck and unhappy. I feel bad for her that she can’t seem to get away from that.
9. On the surface, Nora's life with a swimming career seems to be the most successful so far. Do you think the positives will outweigh the negatives this time around?
No. I don’t think she is happy in this life either. She did this more to please her father, I think. Having a relationship with her brother will probably not be enough.
10. Any predictions for how Nora's speech will go in the next chapter?
I’m terrible at predicting. But I do think she will realize quickly that she is living a lie.
DQs Day 2: The Penultimate Update - Peppermint Tea (39%)6. Were you surprised that Nora's second choice was related to her cat? What did you think of the outcome?
I wasn't surprised, I was expecting it. I liked the outcome and the explanation given. That these types of things are out of your hand and to not feel guilty.
7. How did the reality of Nora's Australia line up with what you imagined it would be like?
No it wasn't what I expected. I expected more of a falling out, not a car accident.
8. What did you think about the similarities between Nora's life in Australia versus her original life?
The depression is similar and that things seem to keep happening that keep/make her more depressed.
9. On the surface, Nora's life with a swimming career seems to be the most successful so far. Do you think the positives will outweigh the negatives this time around?
I don't know, it almost feels too positive. The is something lurking around the corner.
10. Any predictions for how Nora's speech will go in the next chapter?
I have accidentally read ahead, so I'm not going to.
DQs - Day 11. Were you planning to read this book before it became a BOM? If so, what drew you to it?
No this one wasn't on my radar at all.
2. What do you think of Matt Haig’s writing style (and those short chapters!) and how he has set the story up so far?
The short chapters are frustrating for me because I'm listening on audio so it makes it very easy to lose where I'm supposed to stop for the DQs! LOL
I don't have a great sense of his writing style at this point.
3. What are your thoughts on Nora? Are you attached to her yet?
She's a sad sack, isn't she? She reminds me of that SNL (Saturday Night Live Skit) "Debbie Downer", LOL, seriously. I was so depressed just a few minutes in.
4. If you were somehow able to, would you want to see all of the different outcomes that could have played out in your own life? Or would you rather just leave things as they are without ever knowing?
I really try hard to live my live without regret so I would not like to see all the different outcomes. I truly believe I'm right where I'm supposed to be.
5. What did you think about Nora’s first glimpse at a road not taken? Were you surprised by which book she chose to open first or by how quickly it disappointed her?
It was interesting to me that she was talking about her ex-fiance so much, but then, when she talked about all the things that irritated her about him, I was taken aback. Was she really happy with him? Why does she regret leaving him if he bothers her so much. I know she said you have to take the whole of the person but man, she just listed so many things. And this is the man she hasn't see or had any meaningful contact with in over a year!
You see, doing one thing differently is very often the same as doing everything differently.
DQs Day 2: The Penultimate Update - Peppermint Tea (39%)6. Were you surprised that Nora's second choice was related to her cat? What did you think of the outcome?
I think it was a positive…a lesson of life, for Nora to know that her cat dying had nothing to do with her.
7. How did the reality of Nora's Australia line up with what you imagined it would be like?
I’m afraid this regret has done nothing to help Nora’s depression; however, another lesson that sometimes, well a lot of the time…‘shit happens’. She had gone to Australia obviously because her friend wanted to be there. Time to start living her dream I think.
8. What did you think about the similarities between Nora's life in Australia versus her original life?
Again, the depression is obviously still there…case in point the meds she was taking.
9. On the surface, Nora's life with a swimming career seems to be the most successful so far. Do you think the positives will outweigh the negatives this time around?
Sometimes it’s lemons, and others it’s lemonade. I think she’s just beginning to realize it’s what we make it.
10. Any predictions for how Nora's speech will go in the next chapter?
I can’t imagine how she’ll accomplish it. I’d be panicking major. Maybe she’ll poof back to the library just in time;)
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Recursion (other topics)Every Day (other topics)
How to Stop Time (other topics)
Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices . . . Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?”
A dazzling novel about all the choices that go into a life well lived, from the internationally bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive and How To Stop Time.
Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better?
In The Midnight Library, Matt Haig’s enchanting new novel, Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. Faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, realizing her dreams of becoming a glaciologist; she must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place.
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nominated by: Lynne
official page count: 304 pages