I would write a love letter to this author for bringing me this amazing book. As a woman of a certain age who certainly understands anhedonia I can relate to the main character. There are so many interesting asides, like the discussion of infinity. Our main character makes a leap and goes to Ibiza where magic, or the universe, happens and opens her up to a new world. I probably won’t have her experience in Ibiza, but I have an open mind, but this book put me in touch with what matters. I will try very hard to pay attention to the lessons. I am grateful the author found his way back to us. I know some people just won’t care for the “magical realism” that is used to convey a sense of being present for our lives. But if you have struggled you may find something quite lovely here.

THE LIFE IMPOSSIBLE Matt Haig I needed a good reason to cry. I think the tears were there by page 5 but they fell at page 23. Sometimes when I read I try the suit on that the character is wearing. In this book, THE LIFE IMPOSSIBLE by Matt Haig we are introduced to Grace. Grace is 62 years old. She is a widower and retired math teacher who made some choices in her marriage that she wishes she hadn’t. Now that her husband is no longer with us Grace feels trapped inside of time. Like a bee in amber, she is crystallized in the days before he died, filled with regrets and no possibility of making things better. No hope for forgiveness. No hope of moving forward. Her hard life has hardened her and she has succumbed. To this way of being. How things are. Until one day upon the death of a long ago friend she is left a home in Ibiza. With nothing keeping her rooted she chooses to fly to Ibiza, see the home that her friend had bequeathed and go from there. What she finds there seems impossible. And at first, is at odds with her analytical mind, her structured way of thinking, and her narrow view of what is possible. In order to understand she must first unlearn her way of being. Her way of moving through this world. She must die a little death in order for these new possibilities to exist within the same universe. Oh, I love Matt Haig. Not just for his writing. Although the writing is great it is not why I revisit his work. It is in his use of magic. In creating a little pocket of the entire universe right in the pages of his books. In between the who’s and the why’s you will find forgiveness, humanity, love, acceptance and understanding. You cannot buy this feeling that I have inside of me after reading his books, it can only be given. Do yourself a favor and read THE LIFE IMPOSSIBLE by Matt Haig. And take that feeling that you get and give it to someone who needs it. Give it to someone who doesn’t. We all could do with a little more magic in our lives. Thanks to Libro.fm. What a fantastic ALC choice this month. And thanks as always to Viking, for the arc and the opportunity to provide feedback. THE LIFE IMPOSSIBLE…⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love the way Matt Haig writes. I loved The Midnight Library and this one is even better. It seizes your imagination and makes you keep reading because you just have to know what happens next. Just when I thought I had figured the plot out, Matt would throw a curveball and pull me up short. He writes so well that I found myself on Ibiza and was seeing, tasting and feeling the magic air of the island as I read. I am so sorry that I was never there in reality. But, I strongly suggest that all who can should give themselves that gift. I loved reading and experiencing Grace's transformation from deeply sad to happy and gracious and satisfied. It gave me hope for our deeply sad world. Thank you Matt!!

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is a moving exploration of the choices that shape our lives. Nora Seed, filled with regret, discovers a library where each book offers a glimpse into a different version of her life. Through these alternate realities, Haig masterfully shows how even the smallest decisions can have profound impacts. The novel’s hopeful message about second chances and finding joy in the present moment is both comforting and thought-provoking. The Midnight Library is a beautifully written reminder to appreciate the life we have—a must-read for anyone who has ever wondered about the paths not taken.

I guess the point of this book is to preserve natural areas, especially those designated as such, which I totally agree with. The other, I think, is to show that everyone/thing is connected, which I guess I can go along with. But there was a lot of rambling, especially in the middle of the book. I almost quit reading it at that point. But I kept reading. It was entertaining enough for three stars but that is all.

Not a big fan of tales of the supernatural, but Matt Haig's well-written and well-thought out book struck a chord with me. An easy read and very easy to follow, The Life Impossible melded the supernatural world with the real. Who among us has felt guilt, grief or regret at some point in our lives, yet persevered to continue on and lead a long and fuller life. I was so impressed that I have just ordered Mr. Haig's The Midnight Library - and I might even consider a visit to Ibiza some day!

There are tears right now as I am an old, sentimental fool and Matt’s words touched me. To live a good life, to free yourself from guilt, to love and protect nature are the themes, but also wrapped in a very interesting, page-turning story. Sure, there’s some paranormal stuff, but why not? It’s fun and isn’t that the point of it all? Enjoy!