The Midnight Library is a novel written by Matt Haig that has enjoyed quite a bit of popularity since its release in late 2020. Recently though, it generated interest among a new audience as it appeared on season 2 of “BTS In The Soop,” a series where the BTS members spend some days relaxing in the forest. To no one’s surprise, seeing the members reading the book made ARMY want to read it, and that included us at Borasaek Vision, as well!
If you’re still wondering if you should pick it up, we’ve got you. Read on to learn more about the plot, themes shared with BTS content, and if it’s the book for you.
What You Need to Know
Who’s the author?
Matt Haig is an English novelist and journalist that has been writing both fiction and nonfiction since the early 2000s. He is well known for exploring mental health topics and has written some books that classify as self-help.
“Sometimes regrets aren't based on fact at all.” (Haig, 2020).
Although The Midnight Library isn’t explicitly a self-help book, it utilizes elements of magical realism to tell an entertaining story while also trying to inspire the reader to reflect on its main subject—Regrets.
Is it challenging?
If you’ve ever been intimidated by the complexity of the books the BTS members recommend, this one could be a good place to start. This fast-paced, quick read, is also rather accessible to most readers. However, be aware of a content warning. If mentions of suicide and depression are triggering for you, consider skipping this novel.
Trigger warning: skip next block.
What is it about?
The story is set into motion after the protagonist, a woman in her mid-thirties named Nora Seed, wakes up outside of a mysterious library after attempting to end her life. The books in this library contain many lives that she could be living, had she made different choices along the way. With the help of the librarian, she’ll embark on the journey of experiencing all that could’ve been.
Themes Shared With BTS
This novel explores mental health and self-growth, just like BTS do in their discography, campaigns, and personal messages. Nora’s journey starts with her regrets and advances towards self-discovery and acceptance, just like it happens in the “Love Yourself” series.
The main subject of the novel ― regrets ― has been discussed on various occasions by the members, particularly by Min Yoongi. One of those instances was in the previous season of “BTS In The Soop” back in 2020 when he said, “I need to regret less to be happier.” Later in 2021, in an interview for Rolling Stone, he seemed to have lived up to those words. Upon being asked if he regretted the years of his youth spent working in the studio, he responded “Those days and that time has allowed me to have the kind of opportunities that I have now and today. So there’s no regret.”
Finally, take a look at this quote, it might feel reminiscent of BTS to the ARMY readers.
“Never underestimate the big importance of small things.” (Haig, 2020).
Does that ring a bell? Maybe it reminded you of the Korean title for “Boy With Luv,” which is “A Poem For The Small Things.” In this respect, The Midnight Library presents a similar philosophy to that of BTS. Most of the time, the small things in life are what make it worthwhile.
Is This The Book For You?
You might enjoy it
The Midnight Library proposes a fascinating concept for its plot that most of us have fantasized about. If you enjoyed Jin's time traveling through the Bangtan Universe to change his friends’ fates, Nora traveling through different lives might be fun for you too. It might also work for those who prefer adult female protagonists over teen ones. Additionally, if you favor shorter books or aren’t an avid reader to begin with, you’ll likely find that this novel does a good job at exploring a complicated topic in an approachable and quick way.
You might not enjoy it
For the more experienced readers, the story might seem a bit predictable, at times almost repetitive; however, those who enjoy comforting reads without lots of plot twists might not see this as a problem. One big deal breaker might be if you strongly dislike self-help books. This is a fiction novel, but the author’s voice still comes through prominently, trying to deliver his message about mental health. Finally, Haig’s portrayal of Nora’s depression might tend towards idealism at some points, which can be nonrealistic. If this could be upsetting for you, it might not be for you.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, this novel has a good message to share that might resonate with ARMY. It is a message that some need to hear more than others, and how much you can relate to the protagonist might affect your enjoyment of the story.
Some people love this book, others not so much. If you’re still unsure but haven’t seen any absolute deal-breakers so far, it is well worth giving it a chance. There’s only one way to know if you’ll like it—reading long enough to see what The Midnight Library has to offer with your own eyes.
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Written By: Rebeca
Edit By: Aury
Checked By: Juju
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