Reasons to Stay Alive

by Matt Haig
Reasons to Stay Alive cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Biography and Memoir
Technical:
  • ID: 1890
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9781782115090
  • Publisher: Canongate Books
  • Published: 2015-03-05
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99 Hardback • £14.99

At the age of 24, Matt Haig found himself on the brink of despair, unable to see a way forward. This powerful memoir chronicles his journey through mental illness and his eventual path to recovery. Through humor, honesty, and profound insight, Haig shares the lessons he learned and the reasons he found to stay alive. His story has resonated with millions, offering hope and solace to those struggling with similar challenges./n/nThe book is not just a personal account but also a guide filled with practical advice and heartfelt reflections. Haig's ability to blend wit and wisdom makes this a compelling read for anyone seeking understanding or support in their own journey towards mental well-being.

Reviews
Linda's Book Bag · 2023-10-11
joyous 4.75

The book is praised for its moving and joyous exploration of life, love, and mental health. It transcends the typical memoir format to offer a broader perspective on living better.

The reviewer finds this book to be a beautiful blend of humor, emotion, and insight. It goes beyond a simple memoir to offer a guide on how to live a more fulfilling life. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to weave personal experiences with universal truths, making it a relatable and impactful read. The book's messages on love and living fully are particularly highlighted, making it a joyous and moving experience.

Quick quotes

    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's a vital self-help guide.

First Steps ED · 2022-05-23
uplifting 4.50

The book offers a poignant and relatable account of battling depression, highlighting both the struggles and the beauty of life. It serves as a beacon of hope for those going through similar experiences.

This review finds the book to be a deeply moving and honest exploration of mental health. The author's personal journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, making it a valuable read for anyone who has faced or is facing depression. The reviewer appreciates the raw honesty and the uplifting messages that the book conveys, making it a powerful tool for those seeking understanding and comfort. The book's ability to balance the darkest moments with moments of joy and hope is particularly noted, making it a compelling and necessary read.

Quick quotes

    If you want to read the words of someone who has seen and understands the difficult days, as well as the most beautiful days, this is the book.

    It's a vital self-help guide.

    This book a personal account of one man's battle with depression.

The Guardian · 2016-01-31
insightful 4.25

The memoir is described as a highly personal and creative response to mental illness. It offers a timely and deeply affecting account of the author's struggle with depression.

This review highlights the book's personal and creative approach to discussing mental health. The reviewer finds the author's account to be both timely and deeply affecting, offering a unique perspective on depression. The book's ability to balance personal narrative with broader insights into mental health is particularly noted. The reviewer appreciates the raw honesty and the creative ways in which the author conveys his experiences, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in understanding mental health.

Quick quotes

    A timely memoir of mental illness reads as a highly personal and creative response to crisis.

    It offers a unique perspective on depression.

    The book's ability to balance personal narrative with broader insights into mental health is particularly noted.

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