“Never underestimate the big importance of small things.”
If you love heartfelt, thought-provoking stories, Matt Haig is an author you need to know about. Known for his powerful novels that blend emotion, self-discovery, and mental health themes, Haig’s works have gained a loyal following. Today at What We Reading, we’re guiding you through the best Matt Haig books in order to help you discover his most popular works and enjoy his stories to the fullest. Whether you’re looking for his best-loved books like The Midnight Library to his lesser-known gems, we’ll take you through his novels and provide a summary of each so you can easily navigate through his book collection. So, join us as we curate which Matt Haig books should be on your reading list, and where you should dive into his world of deeply moving, transformative fiction.
The Humans (2013)
First stop on our list of Matt Haig books is 2013’s The Humans. The story follows an alien being sent to Earth to eliminate a brilliant mathematician who has made a groundbreaking discovery that could upend the course of humanity. The alien, who then inhabits the body of the scientist, Professor Andrew Martin, begins to experience the complexity of human emotions, relationships and relationships firsthand. As he grapples with this bizarre new world, he learns to understand love, loss, and the beauty in the ordinary.
Through the alien’s perspective, Haig meditates on the absurdity of human existence, offering both funny and poignant insights into what it means to be human. The Humans is a profoundly philosophical and reflective tale, raising questions about human nature, purpose and connection. With its unique narrative and emotional depth, this novel is the perfect blend of humour, sci-fi and touching human experiences, making it one of Matt Haig’s most beloved works.
The Midnight Library (2020)
2020’s The Midnight Library opens with Nora Seed, a woman overwhelmed by the regrets of her life, who decides to end it all. However, instead of death, she finds herself inside the Midnight Library, a mystical space between life and death. Here, she discovers a neverending array of books, each of them representing a different she could have had based on the decisions she made.
As Nora explores these alternate realities, she is given the opportunity to see how different paths could have shaped her life and whether true fulfilment is ever possible. The Midnight Library delves into themes of mental health, the nature of happiness, and the importance of self-acceptance. Through Nora’s journey, The Midnight Library encourages readers to reflect on their own lives, the power of choice, and the reality that it is never too late to make a change. With a charming blend of magical realism and deeply moving insight, Haig delivers a powerful message about finding peace in the lives we lead.
Check Out The Best Books Like The Midnight Library
How To Stop Time (2017)
How to Stop Time by Matt Haig introduces readers to Tom Hazard, a man who appears to be in his 40s, but is actually over 400 years old. Due to a bizarre condition that slows his ageing, Tom has lived through centuries of history, witnessing both the beauties and tragedies that come with the passage of time. As he navigates life in the present day, Tom struggles with the weight of his long life and the secrets it holds.
Haig deftly blends historical fiction with contemporary themes as Tom’s journey explores the complexities of living through time – finding love, losing loved ones, and attempting to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of history. Throughout his life, Tom has done all he can to hide from the spotlight; but, when his past catches up with him, he must confront his deepest fears and decide how to live with the weight of immortality. One of the most poignant Matt Haig books, How to Stop Time explores what it means to live, embracing both the moments we cherish and those we regret.
The Radleys (2010)
From the outside, the Radleys appear to be an ordinary suburban family. But, in reality, they are vampires who have opted to live a blood-free lifestyle. The parents, Peter and Helen, have raised their two children, Clara and Rowan, to suppress their vampiric urges and live as normal a life as possible.
However, when a mysterious event forces the Radleys to confront their true nature, the family must deal with the dangerous consequences of their hidden identity. As secrets unravel, each family member wrestles with their desires, fears, and the consequences of their long-held rejection of who they truly are. With a unique twist on horror, humour and emotional depth, The Radleys examines the struggles of fitting in, coming of age, and accepting your true identity.
The Dead Fathers Club (2006)
First published back in 2006, Matt Haig’s The Dead Fathers Club is told through the perspective of Philip, a thirteen-year-old boy grappling with the sudden death of his father. As he struggles with his grief, Philip begins to experience strange and disturbing occurrences – his father’s ghost appears to him, urging him to avenge his death.
The ghost reveals to Philip that his uncle, who he had once looked up to, was responsible for his father’s murder. Torn between loyalty and a need for justice, Philip’s journey is further complicated by the growing tension between the living and the dead. As he navigates this turbulent emotional landscape, he must confront not only the mysteries surrounding his father’s death but also his own coming-of-age journey. One of the first Matt Haig books to put the British novelist on the map, The Dead Fathers Club examines the ways in which we cope with grief and how the past continues to haunt us.
The Life Impossible (2024)
When retired maths teacher Grace Winters is left a run-down house on a Mediterranean island by a long-lost friend, curiosity gets the best of her. She arrives in Ibiza with a one-way ticket, no guidebook and no plan to lean on.
Amongst the rugged hills and golden beaches of the island, Grace sets out on a quest to discover all there is to know about her friend’s life, and how it ended. What she uncovers is far stranger than she could ever have imagined. But, to dive into this impossible truth, Grace must first come to grips with her own past. One of the best fantasy books from 2024, The Life Impossible is brimming with wonder and wild adventure and is a tender story about hope and the life-changing ability of a new beginning.
The Comfort Book (2021)
The Comfort Book is a soothing collection of reflections, quotes and personal insights, tailored by Matt Haig to provide solace in times of struggle. Drawing on his own experiences with mental health and the challenges of life, Haig compiles a series of gentle reminders, uplifting thoughts, and comforting ideas to help readers work through life’s difficult moments. The book is structured like a comforting companion, offering small pieces of wisdom on topics such as self-care, hope, and finding peace in the past, present and future.
With its emphasis on mental well-being, The Comfort Book provides a source of calm for those who feel overwhelmed by the complexities of life. It encourages readers to embrace imperfection, let go of the past, and focus on the simple, everyday joys that have the potential to heal. Through Haig’s trademark warmth and insight, this book serves as a poignant reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always something to hold on to for comfort. This collection is perfect for anyone looking for inspiration and reassurance, offering gentle advice and reminders to cherish every moment that brings peace and joy.
A Boy Called Christmas (Christmas #1) (2016)
A Boy Called Christmas follows the journey of Nikolas, a poor boy living in Finland, who embarks on an extraordinary journey to find his father, who has disappeared whilst searching for a mythical place known as the North Pole.
Along the way, Nikolas faces magical creatures, hazardous challenges and surprising friendships, all while maintaining his belief in both hope and kindness. With the aid of his loyal reindeer companion, Blitzen, and a few other unexpected allies, Nikolas discovers the true meaning of Christmas and the power of love, generosity and the holiday spirit. With a charming blend of adventure, fantasy and festive charm, this reimaging of the origins of Santa Claus is a delightful read for anyone looking for a whimsical and heartfelt read that captures the magic of Christmas.
Notes On A Nervous Planet (2018)
In Notes on a Nervous Planet, Haig reflects on the stress, anxiety, and constant pressures people feel in today’s ultra-fast, hyper-connected society. Through a mix of personal anecdotes, research and reflections, Haig examines the impact of technology, social media, and the constant noise of modern existence on our mental health.
Delivered with humour, vulnerability and compassion, Haig offers practical advice on how to cope with the pitfalls of modern life. He encourages readers to slow down, embrace simplicity and prioritise self-care. One of the best Matt Haig that doubles up as a comforting companion and a practical handbook, Notes on a Nervous Planet is for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of the world and searching for reassurance that it’s okay to not have everything figured out.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
