Ratings94
Average rating4
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FEEL TRULY ALIVE?
At the age of 24, Matt Haig's world caved in. He could see no way to go on living. This is the true story of how he came through crisis, triumphed over an illness that almost destroyed him and learned to live again.
A moving, funny and joyous exploration of how to live better, love better and feel more alive, Reasons to Stay Alive is more than a memoir. It is a book about making the most of your time on earth.
"I wrote this book because the oldest clichés remain the truest. Time heals. The bottom of the valley never provides the clearest view. The tunnel does have light at the end of it, even if we haven't been able to see it . . . Words, just sometimes, really can set you free."
Reviews with the most likes.
A short, brilliant book about one man's experience of depression and anxiety that has universal relevance. Matt Haig shares his journey from a suicidal bout of depression in his early 20s, to his current status as a happily married family man, published author and general beacon of light in an increasingly dark world.
The book is open and honest and Haig is great at simply describing what he felt and what he did to come through to the other side. He's not “cured”. There is no cure. Life isn't that simple. But he now has tools to manage the onset of anxiety and black moods.
If you have suffered from depression, read this (but maybe not if you're in the depths right now). If you know someone who is suffering, read this. A better understanding of the causes, symptoms and tools to manage your mental well-being can only be beneficial. This book isn't a self-help guide. It's simply the tale of one man's struggle to rebuild himself. But if we can draw something, anything from his story, then it will help.
Be kind to yourselves.
Matt Haig wrote “The Midnight Library” and I thought it was very thought-provoking. Through reading that, I found out he suffered with mental illness (depression/anxiety/panic disorder) for much of his life to an extreme degree. This memoir beautifully speaks of how he has managed to cope and manage it without drugs. After a major crisis at age 24, Matt has married, has 2 kids, and continues to write. I think he invaded my body. His story is my story but I chose to take meds. Matt is an inspiration to all of us who deal with these issues everyday.
Sometimes the only thing that keeps me from drowning completely in a sea of darkness is knowing that someone else understand this, that there is someone else who experiences the infinite black ocean with me. Sometimes the only thing that keeps me going is the thought that I am not as alone as my mind wants me to believe.
Featured Prompt
2,773 booksWhen you think back on every book you've ever read, what are some of your favorites? These can be from any time of your life – books that resonated with you as a kid, ones that shaped your personal...