Reasons to Stay Alive

By: Matt Haig

Narrated by: Matt Haig

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Midnight Library.

“A very special book that has provided a beam of hope to so many.”—DOLLY ALDERTON

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.

It has helped millions of people do the same. Moving, funny, and even joyous, these are the lessons Matt learned. His reasons to stay alive.

"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."

Critic reviews

Named one of Entertainment Weekly's Must-Read Books of the Year

Finalist for the Waterstone's Book of the Year

"A very special book that has provided a beam of hope to so many in their darkest days." -- DOLLY ALDERTON

"Destined to become a modern classic." —Entertainment Weekly

"An in-depth exploration of Haig’s battle with depression, if you need a pick-me-up on a very fundamental level, you could do a lot worse than this book." ―PEOPLE

"I dog-eared 45 pages in Haig's compact book where he wrote profound or poignant things. I could have easily marked more of them." ―Jim Higgings, THE MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL

"Wonderful and essential." ―Christopher Weir, THE HUFFINGTON POST

"A quick, witty and at times profound take on an illness many people suffer from, but sometimes can’t bring themselves to talk about." ―THE MINNEAPOLIS STAR-TRIBUNE

"A small masterpiece that may even save lives" -- JOANNA LUMLEY

"Things just got real. His honest — and surprisingly funny — first person account is a reminder that no matter how hopeless life may seem, it really never is." ―NY METRO

“A scintillating read.” ―THE DAILY MAIL (London)

"REASONS TO STAY ALIVE is essential reading for anyone who has dealt with depression and for anyone who loves someone with the disease." ―BOOK REPORTER (London)

"Fascinating and beautifully written." ―IAN RANKIN

"Brings a difficult and sensitive subject out of the darkness and into the light." ―MICHAEL PALIN

"Matt Haig is astounding." ―STEPHEN FRY

"Maybe the most important book I've read this year." ―SIMON MAYO

"A life-saving book." ―AMANDA CRAIG

"Matt Haig uses words like a tin-opener. We are the tin." ―JEANETTE WINTERSON

"Thoughtful, honest and incredibly insightful." ―JENNY COLGAN

"Brilliant and salutary . . . should be on prescription." ―REV. RICHARD COLES

"A vibrant, encouraging depiction of a sinister disorder." ―KIRKUS REVIEW

"Warm and engaging, and shot through with humour...a valuable contribution to the conversation." ―THE SUNDAY TIMES (London)

Info I never knew things I knew, but couldn’t explain

There’s nothing I didn’t dislike. It was so well written and and broken down so people could understand.

helps understanding and empathy

if you have experienced anxiety/depression this will help you understand what is happening and that it is ok to need help, ok for healing to be a long process, how to keep going. if someone you know is having this experience, you will be better equipped to help them.
Read by the author in a very relatable style and not without humor.

Vulnerable and raw mixed with humor

I enjoyed the book and found it engaging considering the hard topic. It is good to hear from a person who has lived experiences with behavioral health. I work in this field and always find myself intrigued by people's determination in the face of pain and suffering.

Beautiful, Brilliant, Interesting and Stabilizing

Loved it. Anyone who has ever had any amount of depression and/or anxiety will enjoy this book. I've turned several friends on to it and they have all really enjoyed it. You don't need to be on the edge to get something out of this book but if you are, definitely read this along with The Comfort Book, Notes on a Nervous Planet, and The Life Impossible. And please remember, this too will pass.

Perfect Read for Rough Days

Author delivers exactly what the title promises. Wonderful way to turn around a serious funk. This gentleman has done the human race a serious favor with his honesty and incredible courage in writing this book.