Michelle Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 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.' This is a difficult book to capture, and to review. The first time I picked it up, I only intended to read a few pages, but I found it almost impossible to stop reading. Then after just one section, I had to tweet to Matt Haig, to thank him for writing it! The book doesn't fit into any genre, rather like us as human beings - it's partly a memoir, where Matt talks about his own personal experience; and it's partly some information and thoughts about depression and anxiety. It's set in out in small chapters, which makes it easier to take in the things which are being said, and the overall feel is of a conversation - it's like sitting in a cosy pub, listening to a best friend tell you how he feels (I hope that makes sense?)This isn't a book with definite answers - it's not supposed to be a text book, and it's not a classic self-help book. There is no definitive answer from Matt about how to overcome depression and/or anxiety, and in fact he points out that everyone is different, with their experiences, and reactions.I think this will be a very personal book for most people, and everyone will take something different from it - personally for me, it was the feeling of not being alone, and the need that we should all be talking more about these issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylie Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 Excellent review, Michelle! I cannot wait to read this, as I think I'll be able to relate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marie H Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 An excellent review Michelle. Especially as I will be see Matt Haig's book signing event in March, now I am looking forward to this even more, after knowing the ideas in this review. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athena Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 Great review, I hope to read this book some time as it sounds interesting (and I loved The Humans by the same author). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nollaig Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 Interesting - I also already have The Humans on my wishlist, but this sounds very much worth my time too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobblybear Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 I've added this to my wishlist, as it sounds like an interesting read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chesilbeach Posted March 3, 2015 Share Posted March 3, 2015 Matt just tweeted a link to a blog post from last year, which he says is the what started it all off: http://www.matthaig.com/reasons-to-stay-alive/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athena Posted March 4, 2015 Share Posted March 4, 2015 Matt just tweeted a link to a blog post from last year, which he says is the what started it all off: http://www.matthaig.com/reasons-to-stay-alive/ Thanks for that link, I liked reading that post . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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