#51: Why Matt Haig Reads 1-Star Reviews of The Midnight Library

This week on Off The Shelf, Morgann sits down with Matt Haig, bestselling author of The Midnight Library, The Midnight Train, and Reasons to Stay Alive. Matt opens up about the mental health crisis that changed the course of his life, how writing became part of his recovery, and why The Midnight Library was the most freeing book he's ever written. We also discuss the upcoming film adaptation starring Florence Pugh, the inspiration behind Nora Seed, social media, AI, creativity, and what he hopes readers take away from The Midnight Train.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction

01:16 Why Matt Reads His Own 1-Star Reviews

04:06 Why Children Are Better Readers Than Adults

06:24 Trouble at School, Neurodiversity & Finding Writing

08:28 The Breakdown That Changed Everything

11:56 How Books Helped Him Survive Depression

14:05 Recovery, Rejection & Becoming an Author

17:40 The Purpose Behind Reasons to Stay Alive

20:17 Mental Health Advocacy & Writing Fiction

27:26 Conquering His Fear of Public Speaking