La Crosse County Library discussion
This topic is about
The Midnight Library
Goodreads Book Club
>
June 2022 The Midnight Library
date
newest »
newest »
Good read! It's a bit different for sure, but found it just like Matt's writing style. It opened up some good conversation too..--P/
Mod
Yes, it's definitely one of those books that's a good conversation starter!
This book was one of the more unique takes I've seen when it comes to fusing science fiction and fantasy, that of a place between life and death being a library, of all things! (I love libraries though, so not complaining!) I definitely can relate to the protagonist Nora, especially in her struggle with depression. Although I've been getting help and progressing, there were times during the pandemic where I felt as deeply depressed as Nora about where her life was going. I don't want to go back there, and I don't wish that on anyone else.
Although, I liked that the main theme of The Midnight Library being one, I think, that was centered around hope. Another message was that we can't be expected to be or do everything, we're not perfect as human beings and we should not be expected to never struggle. I think that it's very freeing, that we should not be expected to be superhuman, when we are definitely not built like that. It may seem obvious, but people need to be reminded every now and then.
I think that's what Nora found out by the end, when she couldn't stay in any of her alternate lives, and ultimately made the choice to live her current life.
While the book was a bit preachy and self-help sounding at times, I still appreciated the author featuring Nora as a protagonist, what she's going through, as mental illness is a thing that is still often stigmatized and not talked about.
As for what manifestation my library and my guide would take, I am honestly not sure. I think my library could potentially take the form of the one mentioned in the Stormlight Archives series that scholar apprentice Shallan visits. (Although there are many other worthy fictional and real libraries alike to choose from!) My guide, similarly, could end up being a fictional character from a book I really enjoyed, perhaps Hermione Granger, but still, it's difficult for me to pick favorites!
I'm looking forward to the discussion on this one, and what everyone else thinks!
Mod
**Happy reading!**
Mod
Well said!
Mod
I liked Nora as a main character enough and could definitely relate to her. Though at times it did put me out when she could have been either a world acclaimed rock star or a gold medalist Olympian with just one simple decision. I get that it was sensationalized to keep the story interesting.
It would have been more relatable to have more normal protagonist. Can they have a library and even be normal? All of the discovered travelers so far have the potential to be world class in many fields. Becoming a gold medalist and setting a world record isn’t just down to hard work. There are hard workers in all sports and they don’t all even become first class athletes at all. The same can definitely be said with musicians.
It is really hard to pick a favorite life of hers since some of the more interesting ones are glossed over. Each one just had something wrong with it with a huge death or some soul sucking life of hers other than maybe the wine producer one. If I had to choose it would be the Polar station one because the consequences are not as severe and I would not be in a marriage with a stranger.
No, I don’t think I would make her choice. Why couldn’t she have made adjustments to her supposed “successful” careers to try and negate the losses? I get her rationale of not working for the life she is given, but if it made me happy and everyone around me was happy then for sure I would try for that life. I think age affects my decision more than anything too.
My midnight library could be anything from random tennis rackets to spotify playlists/music libraries to even some sort of game library. I think a lot of people have regrets and even though they don’t want to change their life I bet most of them would just be curious to see how it would turn out. No idea on who my guide would be though. Maybe a grandparent who passed? The guides seem to be someone who gave advice, but might no longer be in that person's life anymore.
Mod
I liked Nora as a mai..."
Very thoughtful response! The book I think challenged readers to reconsider their own lives, their regrets and happy moments alike. I think that's what made The Midnight Library a good book club selection.
I read this book some time ago, so I don't remember all parts of it. I do remember the premise of the book tho. And it came to me at a vital time in my life. I had just put my 13 year old Schnauzer down after she was attacked in our backyard by a neighbors dog. It brought on a litany of 'what if's". What if I had already put up the fence I was planning? What if I had let her out the front door instead of the back door? What if I had slept later? I cried a lot thru that book, just knowing that our choices make so much difference, not only to ourselves, but to others. I feel my choices made a big difference in the loss of my beloved dog.
Mod
So sorry for your loss. The loss of a pet is awful.
It seems that The Midnight Library resonates in many different ways for readers.
Thanks. Yes, I still miss her. Doubt I will ever forget this book.
Please post what you thought of the book here. Here are some discussion questions to get the ball rolling, but don't feel forced to answer any of them.
Did you enjoy the book?
How did you feel about Nora as a main character? Could you relate to her?
Which alternate reality was your favorite? Why?
Which of Nora’s relationships with other people did you enjoy the most?
If you had the chance to go to multiple realities and live there, would you make the same ultimate choice as Nora? Why do you think she made that choice?
The midnight library takes on different shapes for different people and is something different for each of them. What would your Midnight Library look like? What type of realities would you like to experience?