20 Enchanting Books Like “The Midnight Library” For Dreamers
“The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig is a captivating novel that explores the unlimited possibilities of life. In the story, Nora Seed gets to experience different lives she could have lived through books in the library. This book is a beautiful blend of hope, regret, and the essence of existence, making it a favorite among readers.
If you’re searching for similar books that examine the human condition and dance between reality and fantasy, you’re in luck. Here are 20 books that are just as mesmerizing as “The Midnight Library” and will take you on journeys through different lives and destinies.
Top 20 best books to read if you liked “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig
1. “Life After Life” by Kate Atkinson
Ursula Todd is born on a snowy night in 1910, only to die before she takes her first breath. Remarkably, Ursula is born again and again, living through the tumultuous events of the 20th century in numerous incarnations.
Elements in common with The Midnight Library:
- Exploration of alternate lives and possibilities.
- A deep dive into the human condition and how choices shape destinies.
- A blend of historical events with personal, introspective journeys.
2. “Oona Out of Order” by Margarita Montimore
At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, Oona Lockhart finds herself mysteriously leaping to a random year of her life, living her life out of sequence but learning to embrace her unpredictable journey.
Elements in common with The Midnight Library:
- A unique premise that offers a fresh take on life’s unpredictability.
- Themes of self-discovery and accepting life’s twists and turns.
- An engaging narrative that explores identity and personal growth over time.
3. “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger
This poignant narrative chronicles the love story between Clare and Henry, who suffers from a rare genetic disorder that unpredictably catapults him through time, forcing them to live a life of longing and uncertainty.
Elements in common with The Midnight Library:
- A heartbreaking exploration of love and loss across different timelines.
- The impact of time on relationships and personal growth.
- An inventive approach to understanding fate and free will.
4. “Elsewhere” by Gabrielle Zevin
After fifteen-year-old Liz is killed in a hit-and-run accident, she finds herself in Elsewhere, a place where the deceased age backward until they become babies again and are sent back to Earth.
Elements in common with The Midnight Library:
- A whimsical yet profound exploration of life after death.
- Themes of redemption, second chances, and the meaning of life.
- An imaginative and heartwarming narrative that offers comfort and reflection.
5. “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab
In a bid for freedom and to live forever, Addie LaRue makes a deal with the darkness but at the price of being forgotten by everyone she meets—until, after 300 years, she meets someone who remembers her name.
Elements in common with The Midnight Library:
- A deep, introspective journey through time and memories.
- The exploration of existence, loneliness, and love.
- A compelling narrative that deftly intertwines history with fantasy.
6. “This Is How You Lose the Time War” by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
In this epistolary novel, two time-traveling agents from rival futures wage a war across time and space, until they begin exchanging letters and form an unexpected bond that could spell disaster for their missions and their lives.
Elements in common with The Midnight Library:
- A unique narrative exploring time, choices, and consequences.
- The blend of speculative fiction with profound emotional depth.
- Themes of love, rivalry, and the paths not taken.
7. “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
Living a life of isolation and routine, Eleanor Oliphant’s uneventful existence changes when she and an office colleague save an elderly man who has fallen on the sidewalk, leading her to confront her past and open her heart.
Elements in common with The Midnight Library:
- An exploration of loneliness, trauma, and the power of small acts of kindness.
- The journey of self-discovery and transformation.
- An uplifting story that balances humor with poignant moments.
8. “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune
Linus Baker, a by-the-book caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, is given a classified assignment to observe six dangerous children in an orphanage, including the Antichrist, leading to unexpected discoveries about family and love.
Elements in common with The Midnight Library:
- A heartwarming tale about finding your place in the world and the families we create.
- Themes of acceptance, belonging, and the joy of the unexpected.
- A charming and optimistic look at life’s possibilities.
9. “The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August” by Claire North
No matter what Harry August does or the decisions he makes, when death comes, he always returns to where he began, a child with all the knowledge of the lives he has already lived.
Elements in common with The Midnight Library:
- A thought-provoking exploration of rebirth, knowledge, and the impact of our choices.
- The ability to live life over and over, each time with the chance to make different decisions.
- A captivating story of life’s endless possibilities and the quest for meaning.
10. “The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake” by Aimee Bender
On the eve of her ninth birthday, Rose discovers she can taste her mother’s emotions in the lemon cake she has made, leading her on a path of discovering the secret ingredients of her family’s life.
Elements in common with The Midnight Library:
- A magical realism narrative that explores underlying family dynamics and secrets.
- Themes of empathy, sorrow, and the bits of joy found in the mundane.
- An evocative and lyrical style that invites readers to ponder the nuances of life.
11. “Where’d You Go, Bernadette” by Maria Semple
Bernadette Fox is a notorious architect turned reclusive genius who suddenly disappears, leading her daughter Bee on an epic quest to find her. Through emails, official documents, and secret correspondence, Bee unravels her mother’s mysteries and their life’s true adventures.
Elements in common with The Midnight Library:
- A quirky and insightful look into the complexities of family and genius.
- The exploration of a character’s life through innovative narrative formats.
- Themes of adventure, self-discovery, and the bond between mother and daughter.
12. “An Absolutely Remarkable Thing” by Hank Green
April May stumbles upon a giant sculpture in New York, launching her into Internet fame. As the mystery of the sculptures, known as Carls, deepens, April faces the dark side of fame and the challenge of uniting the world.
Elements in common with The Midnight Library:
- A modern exploration of identity, fame, and the human condition through speculative fiction.
- Themes of global connection, purpose, and the impact of individual actions.
- A compelling narrative that questions what truly matters in life.
13. “The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle” by Stuart Turton
Aiden Bishop must solve the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle and can only escape the repeating day by identifying the killer. However, every time the day resets, he wakes up in the body of a different guest at Blackheath Manor.
Elements in common with The Midnight Library:
- A high-concept story blending mystery with speculative elements.
- The theme of living multiple lives to uncover a deeper truth.
- A puzzle-like narrative that explores fate, redemption, and morality.
14. “Piranesi” by Susanna Clarke
Piranesi’s house is no ordinary building: its rooms are infinite, its corridors endless, and its ocean is locked within its walls. But when messages begin appearing, Piranesi is led to a truth that will alter his entire world.
Elements in common with The Midnight Library:
- A mesmerizing tale set in a world unlike our own, yet deeply reflective of it.
- The exploration of reality, memory, and the mysteries of existence.
- An engrossing narrative that invites profound contemplation on solitude and discovery.
15. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern
Two young magicians, Celia and Marco, are bound to compete in a magical duel within the confines of the enchanting Le Cirque des Rêves. Yet, their rivalry blooms into a deep love, threatening the circus and everyone within it.
Elements in common with The Midnight Library:
- A magical, atmospheric setting that serves as the backdrop for exploring fate, love, and choice.
- Themes of sacrifice, destiny, and the power of creation.
- A story that captivates the imagination and transports readers to a world of wonder.
16. “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman
Ove is a grumpy yet lovable man who finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous family moves in next door. An unlikely friendship develops, leading Ove to rediscover the joys of life.
Elements in common with The Midnight Library:
- An exploration of life’s meaning and the impact one person can have on many.
- Themes of grief, community, and finding light in the darkness.
- A heartwarming and humorous narrative that celebrates the unexpected.
17. “How to Stop Time” by Matt Haig
Tom Hazard may look like an ordinary 41-year-old, but due to a rare condition, he’s been alive for centuries. As he searches for his lost daughter, Tom must navigate the perils of too much time and his desire for an ordinary life.
Elements in common with The Midnight Library:
- A profound inquiry into mortality, love, and the essence of being human.
- The juxtaposition of historical events with personal, emotional journeys.
- A narrative that balances the weight of loneliness with the lightness of hope.
18. “Klara and the Sun” by Kazuo Ishiguro
Klara, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities, watches the behavior of those who come into the store where she resides and of the people outside. She remains hopeful that a customer will choose her, but her existence is fraught with profound questions about love and humanity.
Elements in common with The Midnight Library:
- Themes of existence, consciousness, and what it means to have a soul.
- A future where technology intersects poignantly with human desires and fears.
- A beautifully rendered tale that is both speculative and deeply humanistic.
19. “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry” by Gabrielle Zevin
A.J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected: his bookstore is failing, his wife has died, and his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. But when a mysterious package appears, his life takes a turn.
Elements in common with The Midnight Library:
- A love letter to the transformative power of books and reading.
- Themes of second chances, love, and the unexpected paths life takes.
- A charming and uplifting narrative that explores the stories we tell ourselves and others.
20. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
Santiago, a young shepherd, journeys from Spain to Egypt in search of treasure hidden beneath the Egyptian pyramids. Along the way, he meets a series of characters who point Santiago toward his destiny.
Elements in common with The Midnight Library:
- A philosophical exploration of following one’s dreams and listening to the heart.
- The journey itself is rich with discoveries, lessons, and the realization of one’s personal legend.
- A timeless tale that blends adventure, mysticism, and the importance of pursuing life’s calling.
Each of these books, like “The Midnight Library,” offers a unique window into the exploration of life’s vast possibilities, challenges, and the beauty of the paths not taken.
So, delve into these stories, embark on new journeys, and uncover the endless worlds that lie within the pages of a book. Here’s to finding your next unforgettable read!
