Reasons to Stay Alive

By: Matt Haig

Narrated by: Matt Haig

Length: 4 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

Whether you suffer from depression yourself or hope to gain a better understanding of someone who does, Reasons to Stay Alive is an unfailingly honest account of life at its bleakest, but one that simultaneously manages to deliver a powerfully positive message.

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.'

©2015 Matt Haig (P)2015 Canongate Books Ltd

Critic reviews

"Maybe the most important book I've read this year." (Simon Mayo)

"A life-saving book." (Amanda Craig)

"Brings a difficult and sensitive subject out of the darkness and into the light." (Michael Palin)

Honest even with the redundancy

I found the narrative a bit superfluous and because of that, I was dying for it to be over. That said, I stillI appreciated the author's courage to talk about his experiences, despite the redundancy. I listened to this book because I was hoping to learn how others document their experiences with depression. While I don't struggle with anxiety, I am plagued with chronic loneliness and also trying to document my experience.

Words can make the world a better place

Honest and beautiful book. The key Message from this book will help me to Value everything about life for the rest of my life. I read it just after I finished the lovely Midnight Library and now I have ordered the Comfort Book. Thank you Matt Haig for your honesty, words can truly make the world a better place!

Nice audible book for knowing experience in depression

The narrator, which is the author himself, has a very calm voice that helps you keep listening to the whole story despite some of the words were so overwhelming!
Generally a great book and I get to know more about what depression and panic attack are like as some friends of mine have been affected by these conditions.

Powerful. Raw. Hang on and don't give up, not yet.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

So... real.

It wasn't enlightening nor technical nor did it teach me anything new about mental health issues.
But it made me feel perhaps understood. As if, I'm not the only one who struggles or has struggled with this, as if yes, that's exactly how you feel.

I would definitely recommend it to those who have suffered and/or are still suffering from depression.
You can win it. You can come out of it alive. Please don't give up.

Ps. Didn't like Matt Haig as a narrator. Sorry but it just didn't work for me.

More than a guide

For someone struggling with depression,anxiety and suicidal ideation, this book felt like a warm hug and a very necessary reminder that it is going to be okay. I made my loved ones listen to it as well because it explains the pain you feel so well.

Helpful

Short chapters well narrated and even though the subject is "fear" there is a lot of fun in the book. I really enjoyed the book & the way it was honestly written & narrated & I intend listening to it again.

GREAT BOOK

Just the words I needed to hear.
Thank you.
It puts my struggles in perspective.

Easy to reach!

It makes you feel better, even it is about dark things. Depression needs to be normalized. Good experience!

From the heart.

Excellent book written from the heart with absolute sincerity. A book I will go back to many times.