Reasons to Stay Alive
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THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
WINNER OF THE BOOKS ARE MY BAG READERS AWARD FOR NON-FICTION
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FEEL TRULY ALIVE?
Aged 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.”
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Additional information
| Publisher | Canongate Books Ltd, Main edition (31 Dec. 2015) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 272 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1782116826 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1782116820 |
| Dimensions | 12.9 x 1.73 x 17.81 cm |
by JP Leonardo
I recently read “Reasons to Stay Alive” by Matt Haig, and I must say it was a truly inspiring read. The book tackles the heavy topic of mental illness, but Haig approaches it with a raw and honest perspective that is both relatable and refreshing. He shares his personal experiences with depression and anxiety and offers practical tips on coping with these issues.
The book is not just for those struggling with mental health but anyone who has faced a difficult time. Haig reminds us of the beauty in the world and the importance of seeking help when needed. The way he writes is so captivating and genuine that you can’t help but feel connected to his words.
Overall, “Reasons to Stay Alive” is a must-read for anyone who needs a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles. Haig’s message of hope and resilience is something that everyone can benefit from.
by Stefani Sloma
A deep but meaningful book, the second of Matt’s I have read – a new author for me
by M J NAYLOR
Keeps you aware of the important things in life and a view from the author
by Hilary Grierson
I’ve just finished this book and as always it’s genuinely left me with so much pleasure. It’s left me with a smile on my face and so much more insight and knowledge. This man is so relatable for me on so many levels. Every book I’ve read of his has left me with such a positive outlook and a different view on so many negatives I find in my life. This one ends with follow on read suggestions and none of them include him which shows that he never does these things for personal gain. It also has information on helplines etc if you really are struggling with your mental health. It really does spur me on to per-sue everything I want to do with my life. It fills me with confidence knowing that anything is achievable. No matter where you are in your life nothing is impossible, it just takes the right mindset and the strength to just go for it. Since I first read the midnight library, it has changed my outlook on everything. He’s a real inspiration. I’m so glad I came across his work. #reasonstostayalive.
by Sandra B
I wish I’d read this book 20 years ago when I was suffering with poor mental health. How Matt explains his own demons so relatable & makes you realise your not alone.
Have purchased multiple copies for friends.
by JP Leonardo
You can read this review and more on my blog, Caught Read Handed.
Matt Haig’s Reasons to Stay Alive is beautiful, open, honest, genuine, brave, and hopeful. It should be read by everyone – if you’ve been depressed, are depressed, know someone who is/has been depressed. Honestly, if you are alive, this book is for you.
Have you ever had a book that you were simultaneously unable to wait for and very scared of reading? That was Matt Haig’s Reasons to Stay Alive [Matt is the author of The Humans, which you should ALL know by now that I LOVE]. I’m sure you can tell from the title a little of what it’s about, and you may or may not have been able to guess why I was nervous to read it if you’re a regular reader of my blog. I have never said this outright on my blog, but I am depressed. I have depression. I am a depressive. Do you know how terrified I am to say that on my blog? Petrified. But I’m going to say it because it will make it that much more clear why I needed and appreciated this book. From the very moment I heard about it, I needed it. And thankfully, because I interned at the amazing Canongate Books a couple of years ago, I was able to get an early, digital copy of this one and didn’t have to wait the several weeks it’s going to take for my UK pre-order to get here (though I’m still quite looking forward to my physical copy).
I read this entire book in roughly 4.5 hours. I devoured it. I also cried more than I have probably EVER cried while reading a book. But I also smiled. Maybe not a lot, but it happened. The synopsis says “It’s also an upbeat, joyous and very funny exploration of how to live better, love better, read better and feel more.” I was pleased to find that to be very true. I felt a lot reading this book. I like that Matt mentioned that not everyone’s depression is the same, that you can be both happy and sad at the same time (“just as you can be a sober alcoholic”), and how most people will not be able to see it:
To other people, it sometimes seems like nothing at all. You are walking around with your head on fire and no one can see the flames.
My heart pounded so HARD in my chest practically the entire time I was reading, just as it is beating hard just writing this all down.
Reasons this book made me cry:
– My own sadness and depression
– Matt’s battle with depression
– The feeling that someone could so completely understand me
– The fact that I HATE that I could relate to so much of the book
– The fact that I DON’T WANT to relate to any of it
– The “My Symptoms” section – I related to so many of these that it was a little horrifying. One of them – “A sense of being disconnected, of being a cut-out from another reality”
– “You are on guard to the point of collapse every single moment, while desperately trying to keep afloat, to breathe the air that the people on the bank all around you are breathing as easily as anything.”
– “Minds have their own weather systems. You are in a hurricane. Hurricanes run out of energy eventually. Hold on.”
Matt said at one point he hoped someone else would read his words and that maybe the pain he felt wasn’t for nothing. I know it wasn’t for nothing, but THANK YOU, Matt, for writing this book, for being brave and open and honest, for showing me I wasn’t alone no matter what the depression told me, for telling me that life will wait for me, for The Humans, for all of your words, for being alive.
Let’s get down to the bottom line, shall we? Read this book. Read this book because you have emotions and hopes and feelings. Read this book because you are human and because you are alive. Read this book to live. Reasons to Stay Alive is a celebration of life, books, words, and humanity.
Rating: Honestly, this book defies ratings. How can you rate a book like this? However, I’m sure you can tell that this book will occupy my favorites shelf right next to The Humans forever.
by Amazon Customer
The book is relatable, it’s a good read I only started reading it yesterday and have read a quarter of the book. I couldn’t put it down.
The only downfall is that the book arrived with some pages folded in the corner and I like my books to look neat and crisp.