The Comfort Book

By: Matt Haig

Narrated by: Matt Haig

Length: 3 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

An instant New York Times best seller!

The new uplifting book from Matt Haig, the number one New York Times best-selling author of The Midnight Library, for anyone in search of hope, looking for a path to a more meaningful life, or in need of a little encouragement.

Named by The Washington Post as one of the best feel-good books of 2021.

“It is a strange paradox, that many of the clearest, most comforting life lessons are learnt while we are at our lowest. But then we never think about food more than when we are hungry and we never think about life rafts more than when we are thrown overboard.”

The Comfort Book is Haig’s life raft: It’s a collection of notes, lists, and stories written over a span of several years that originally served as gentle reminders to Haig’s future self that things are not always as dark as they may seem. Incorporating a diverse array of sources from across the world, history, science, and his own experiences, Haig offers warmth and reassurance, reminding us to slow down and appreciate the beauty and unpredictability of existence.

©2021 Matt Haig (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“My two essential books, at the moment. One is Matt Haig's The Comfort Book. This book is like a Bible of really lovely little titbits to help you through what could be a stressful time….Very helpful. This is something that offers a very lovely amount of relief and it's like a cuddle.”- Jonathan Bailey (Ten Things He Can't Live Without, GQ)

"...a collection of empowering, beautiful concepts that’ll help anyone get through tough times. I read and reread sections of The Comfort Book..." -- Zibby Owens, Katie Couric Media

"The Comfort Book, a collection of aphorisms and inspirational stories of survival against the odds, is a guide to living and finding hope in these disjointed times" --Guardian

Life Changing

Best self help book I have to this day read. Beautiful, encouraging, must read over and over and over again.

Jumpy but ultimately quite good

I’ve read a few of Haig’s other mental health titles and really just respect his commitment to the mission. It’s inspiring to see someone be such an advocate for psychological wellness after struggling with his own afflictions for years. This one continues his open and honest approach from books prior, albeit in a slightly different fashion.

Of all of his books I’ve read / listened to, this one is definitely the shortest; on a fast enough playback speed, you can crank out the audio version of it during a long workout.

In terms of content, there’s a wide array of different subjects related to mental well-being here, including some more serious things as well as some quick and cheerful anecdotes. And, as the title suggests, there’s definitely some wisdom and comfort within it.

The only downside to the book, in my mind, is that it’s a bit jumpy; it occasionally reads more like a journal than a fully-formed narrative. But, in the end, I think that style mostly works, even if it is slightly jarring at times.

So, to those looking for an insightful and solid book on mental health, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.

-Brian Sachetta
Author of “Get Out of Your Head”

Perfect. Real, wise, funny and compassionate.

Powerful in his understanding and uplifting view of life's difficulties. Wonderful, heartfelt, soothing reading.

enjoying it currently

First I should say, I am a fan of Matt Haig writings...that said, this is different and I am enjoying the different part about it immensely

It really does comfort !

Loved this book. Have listened to it repeatedly. Even though it’s not conventionally written, it’s enough to get the messages across.

SO well done—love this book!

I love EVERYTHING about this book. I recently read The Midnight Library by this author and enjoyed it so much that I looked up his other works, and was led to this one.

Matt has BEEN THERE—and writes from his heart of his experiences with depression and anxiety. In the beginning of the book, he says one can open the book to any chapter—that it doesn’t have to be read chronologically—important for some with depression, as a complete book can feel overwhelming.

I consider myself to be from a “mostly normal” background and life experience—and I learned much from Matt that is helping me understand and relate to multiple people—in my family and beyond. I’ve recommended this book to several already.

And his reading of the book is perfection—not always the case when the writer reads, but his voice provides yet another layer of depth and authenticity. I felt a kinship to Matt that I hope resonates with readers experiencing depression / anxiety—he offers up what has worked for him, with a huge side of hope!

One of the best books ever!!!

Profoundly thought provoking for anyone smart enough to not be blissful ignorant of the realities of life. Highly recommend and an instant classic. Story is more like a close friend advising you on a walk.

Everyone needs to hear this…

Thank you for sharing this work Matt. Think of it as a beautiful little journal of tips and tricks to get through life, but in a more eloquent tone. Lots of messages to ponder and deep breaths to take.

Inspired

No book has ever inspired me to write my own version. But that’s what this book did. Once I started reading it, I started to write down my comforts in tandem to hearing Haig talk about his. With intense vulnerability and candor, Haig made me feel equal parts seen and comforted. I think anyone struggling with anything should read this book. It’s quick and easy. Although it took me awhile to finish, I think one can easily read this in one session. I kept returning to it in times of crisis throughout a difficult start to 2024. I’m glad I had it as a companion. It will absolutely be a book I reread throughout the years. Also, listening to it through Haig’s voice made me weep. It was amazing he was able to recount all of that and still inspire people who may be going through similar feelings.

Thank you Matt Haig!

This book of thoughts poems etc is exactly as the title implies. Comforting. To know your own thoughts and feelings can be put into words even if you yourself can’t; is so validating and soothing to the soul. I can’t thank you enough for publishing this and though I’ve loved every book of yours so far; this might be my favorite..until I read the next :)
With gratitude - Paula G.