The Midnight Library Matt Haig – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Midnight Library Matt Haig

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2023

68%

WISE Score

4.4

Amazon

A suicidal woman explores infinite alternate lives in a metaphysical library—heavy, hopeful, and surprisingly page-turning.

The Midnight Library Matt Haig

book

2023

68%

WISE Score

4.4

Amazon

A suicidal woman explores infinite alternate lives in a metaphysical library—heavy, hopeful, and surprisingly page-turning.

4.4

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Screenwise Verdict

The Midnight Library is one of those rare books that became a massive bestseller while tackling genuinely heavy themes—and it mostly earns it. The premise is clever, the execution is empathetic, and Haig writes about depression with the authority of someone who's been there.

But let's be clear: this is not a YA book, despite what some well-meaning adults might think. The protagonist literally attempts suicide in the opening pages, and while the arc is ultimately hopeful, you're spending 300 pages inside the head of someone in profound despair. That's not inherently bad—it's actually handled thoughtfully—but it requires emotional readiness.

For older teens (16+) who are in a good place mentally, this can be powerful and perspective-shifting. For adults, it's a quick, thought-provoking read that doesn't overstay its welcome. Just don't hand it to your 13-year-old because it's 'popular' or 'easy to read.' The reading level is accessible; the emotional content is not.

Age Fit

This is best for older teens (16+) and adults. While the writing is accessible and the concept is fascinating, the suicide theme and emotional heaviness require maturity. It's not graphic or gratuitous, but younger readers aren't ready to sit with this kind of despair, even with the hopeful resolution.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The book centers on a protagonist contemplating suicide who ultimately finds reasons to live and appreciate her actual life. While the themes are heavy (depression, regret, despair), the arc is fundamentally hopeful and life-affirming. The emotional tone is mature but not exploitative—Haig himself has battled depression and writes with empathy. Some language present but not pervasive. The book models self-reflection and the value of human connection, though the premise requires readers to sit with dark emotional states.

Imaginative

The concept is genuinely inventive: an infinite library where each book represents a different life path based on alternate choices. It's a creative framework for exploring parallel universes and 'what if' scenarios—from being a glaciologist to pursuing different relationships. The metaphysical setting invites readers to imagine their own alternate lives and think expansively about possibility. The book encourages introspection and philosophical thinking about choice, regret, and meaning.

Safe

Suicide is a central theme—the protagonist enters the Midnight Library after a suicide attempt. While Common Sense Media reviews note it's 'not glorified' and the arc is ultimately hopeful, this is serious trigger-warning territory. Not appropriate for younger readers or those struggling with suicidal ideation without proper context. Some sexual content mentioned (non-graphic) and moderate language. For the right older teen or adult reader, it's handled thoughtfully, but this is definitively not a book you'd want a 12-year-old stumbling upon without preparation.

Enriching

This is a deeply philosophical book about finding meaning, wrestling with regret, and understanding that the grass isn't always greener. It offers genuine insight into depression, the paradox of choice, and what makes life worth living. Readers report it helping them through difficult periods. The book builds empathy for those struggling with mental health and prompts meaningful reflection on one's own life choices. It's entertaining enough to be a bestseller while carrying substantial emotional and intellectual weight.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely inventive premise that makes philosophical questions about choice and regret feel visceral and immediate
Written by someone who's been through depression—it's empathetic without being preachy or simplistic
The 'what if' scenarios are compelling enough to keep you reading despite the heavy subject matter
Ultimately life-affirming without being saccharine; the message is earned, not handed to you
Great conversation starter for older teens about mental health, regret, and finding meaning

⚠

What to Watch For

The book opens with a suicide attempt—this is not background context, it's the inciting incident
Readers struggling with suicidal thoughts should approach carefully or wait for a more stable time
Some language and brief sexual references (non-graphic)
The pacing can feel slow in places as Nora explores various life paths
Not appropriate for middle schoolers despite the accessible writing style

Conversation Starters

"If you could visit your own Midnight Library, which alternate life would you be most curious to explore?"
"Do you ever feel like you made the 'wrong' choice about something? How do you think about that now?"
"Why do you think Nora kept feeling disappointed in her alternate lives?"
"What do you think makes a life worth living? What would your 'root life' need to have?"
"Have you ever felt stuck or like you're living the wrong life? What helped you through that?"

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