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Have you ever curled up with a good book and felt transported to another world? The Midnight Library by Matt Haig has that magical quality, and it garnered widespread acclaim for its exploration of regret, choice, and the infinite possibilities of life.
If you’re searching for more recent reads that capture the essence of Haig’s masterpiece and would make excellent book club picks, you’re in luck!
I’ve put together a list of 10 awesome books that are perfect for those who enjoyed The Midnight Library. These books share similar themes of self-discovery, alternate realities, and the profound impact of choices.
Here’s a complete list of 10 books that will keep you hooked after you finished reading the The Midnight Library by Matt Haig:
10 Books Like The Midnight Library
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
The Starless Sea is a fantasy novel and it follows the journey of Zachary Rawlins, who discovers a mysterious book containing details from his own life. This discovery leads him on an extraordinary quest filled with masquerade balls, secret clubs, and hidden libraries.
As Zachary follows the clues within the book, he uncovers a world beneath the earth’s surface—a place of lost cities, seas, and timeless stories. Along the way, he encounters lovers communicating across time and whispers from the dead.
But when the ancient library he discovers is threatened, Zachary must navigate its labyrinthine tunnels and enchanted shores to protect it. This novel is a mesmerizing ode to the power of stories, filled with enchantment, mystery, and adventure.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a fantasy novel that follows the life of Adeline LaRue, a young woman in 18th century France who makes a Faustian bargain with a dark god to live forever. However, the catch is that she is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.
As Addie navigates through centuries of life, she grapples with the loneliness of her existence and the longing to leave a mark on the world. The novel explores her encounters with various people throughout history, her struggles to forge connections despite her curse, and her quest for freedom.
The story takes a fascinating turn when, after nearly 300 years, Addie encounters a young man who can remember her name. Their unexpected connection sparks a journey of self-discovery and redemption as Addie confronts the consequences of her immortal life.
With its richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and lyrical prose, this is a mesmerizing tale that blends fantasy, romance, and historical fiction into a captivating narrative that will keep you spellbound until the very end.
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Such a Fun Age is a compelling novel that revolves around the lives of two women: Alix Chamberlain, a successful woman accustomed to getting what she wants, and Emira Tucker, a young black babysitter trying to navigate her uncertain future.
When Emira is accused of kidnapping while babysitting Alix’s child, their lives become intertwined in unexpected ways. As they grapple with issues of race, privilege, and identity, the novel delves into the complexities of their relationship and the broader dynamics of society.
With sharp social commentary and empathetic storytelling, “Such a Fun Age” is a thought-provoking exploration of human connections and the realities of adulthood in today’s world.
The Push by Ashley Audrain
The Push by Ashley Audrain is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of motherhood and intergenerational trauma within a family. The story revolves around three generations of women: Etta, Cecilia, and Blythe.
Etta, the grandmother, struggles to connect with her daughter Cecilia, leading to a cycle of dysfunction and neglect. Cecilia, in turn, finds herself ill-equipped for motherhood when she gives birth to Blythe. Blythe, the main focus of the story, recounts her experiences of motherhood in a letter to her husband. She grapples with feelings of inadequacy, the strain on her marriage, and her troubled relationship with her daughter, Violet.
As Blythe begins to suspect that there is something wrong with Violet, tensions within the family escalate. The novel explores themes of maternal instinct, gaslighting, and the lasting impact of trauma. With its raw emotion and suspenseful plot, this novel is a powerful examination of the darker aspects of family dynamics and the bonds between mothers and daughters.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman is a heartwarming and humorous novel that follows a diverse group of people brought together by a botched bank robbery on New Year’s Eve. The story unfolds as an incompetent bank robber unintentionally takes a group of strangers hostage during an open house viewing hosted by House Tricks estate agents.
Among the hostages are Anna-Lena and Roger, a couple dealing with marital issues, and Julia and Ro, expectant parents facing their own anxieties. Lonely bank manager Zara attends the viewing for the scenic view, while 87-year-old grandmother Estelle finds herself unexpectedly pleased by the company.
As the situation unfolds, the group of anxious strangers discovers unexpected connections and commonalities, leading to moments of laughter, reflection, and empathy. Despite the tense circumstances, the novel explores themes of humanity, compassion, and the inherent messiness of life. With its witty dialogue and endearing characters, Anxious People offers a poignant and uplifting exploration of the human experience.
The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
The Authenticity Project is a heartwarming and uplifting story about six strangers who connect through a small green notebook where they share the truth about their lives.
Tired of hiding their true selves, they begin to reveal their deepest feelings and experiences. When Monica, the owner of a neighborhood café, finds the notebook, she decides to add her own story. As more people discover the notebook, they are inspired to be honest about their own lives, leading to unexpected connections and transformations.
Filled with humor, hope, and the power of human connection, this book is a delightful exploration of authenticity, friendship, and the joy of being true to oneself.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
The Vanishing Half is about twin sisters, Desiree and Stella Vignes, who are born and raised in a small, southern black community.
Despite being identical, their lives take drastically different paths when they run away at sixteen. One sister returns to her hometown with her black daughter, while the other secretly passes as white with her white husband, hiding her past. Despite their physical separation and the lies they live, their destinies remain intertwined.
The novel spans generations and locations, exploring themes of family, identity, and the legacy of the past. It delves into the complexities of racial identity and the choices individuals make about who they are, as well as the consequences that ripple through their lives and the lives of their descendants.
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
Transcendent Kingdom is a compelling novel by Yaa Gyasi that delves into the complex dynamics of a Ghanaian family living in Alabama.
The story follows Gifty, a PhD candidate in neuroscience at Stanford University, who is studying reward-seeking behavior in mice and the neural circuits of depression and addiction. Gifty’s brother, Nana, was a talented athlete who tragically died of a heroin overdose after becoming addicted to OxyContin due to an ankle injury. Their mother struggles with suicidal thoughts and depression, confined to her bed. As Gifty seeks to understand the scientific basis for her family’s suffering, she also grapples with her childhood faith and the evangelical church where she was raised.
The novel explores themes of faith, science, religion, love, and the immigrant experience, offering a deeply moving portrait of a family ravaged by grief and addiction. Gyasi’s exquisite writing and emotional depth make “Transcendent Kingdom” a powerful and unforgettable read.
The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim
The Last Story of Mina Lee is a compelling novel that explores the intricate bond between a Korean immigrant mother, Mina Lee, and her daughter, Margot. When Margot’s mother mysteriously dies, Margot is propelled into unraveling the secrets of her mother’s past.
As Margot delves into Mina’s history as a Korean War orphan and undocumented immigrant, she discovers a complex web of experiences that shaped her mother’s life. Meanwhile, the narrative also takes readers back thirty years to Mina’s arrival in America and her unexpected journey of love and survival.
Through alternating perspectives, the novel delves into the struggles of identity, family, and belonging, as Margot and Mina grapple with understanding each other and themselves. As the layers of secrets are peeled away, the truth of Mina’s death and the deep connections between mother and daughter are revealed.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a captivating novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid that will take you on a journey through the glamorous and scandalous life of aging Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo.
When Evelyn decides to finally reveal the truth about her life, she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant to write her biography. Monique, struggling with personal and professional challenges, is shocked by the opportunity.
As Evelyn recounts her story, from her rise to fame in 1950s Los Angeles to her decision to leave show business decades later, Monique becomes enthralled by the tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendships, and forbidden love. As the narrative unfolds, Monique discovers unexpected connections between Evelyn’s life and her own, leading to a poignant and unforgettable conclusion.
This novel is a mesmerizing blend of old Hollywood glamour and modern-day struggles, exploring themes of ambition, friendship, and the cost of facing the truth. With its compelling characters and gripping storytelling, this novel is sure to captivate you from beginning to end.
Which book do you like the most? Happy reading! ❤️