42 The Midnight Library Book Club Questions and Snack Ideas

This post may contain affiliate links which means if you make a purchase through my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend the products I love and trust.

Find 42 best book club questions and snack ideas for The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.

The #1 New York Times bestselling novel, and worldwide phenomenon The Midnight Library is an exploration of endless possibilities. Matt Haig’s captivating novel is also the winner of the Goodreads choice award for fiction and A Good Morning America book club pick!

The Midnight Library is a celebration of the ordinary and the infinite potential seeded in everyday choices. 

It encourages you to reflect on the paths not taken and the power of perspective in shedding regrets. Nora’s journey through the midnight library serves as a metaphor for self-discovery, personal growth, and the pursuit of happiness.

 The Midnight Library by Matt Haig Synopsis

Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived.

To see how things would be if you had made other choices . . . Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets? A novel about all the choices that go into a life well lived.

Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life.

While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better?

Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. Faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, realizing her dreams of becoming a glaciologist; she must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place.

BUY NOW ON AMAZON  | LISTEN FREE ON AUDIBLE

43 Book Club questions for The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

If you could visit the Midnight Library and explore the lives you might have lived, which pivotal decision in your own life would you be most curious to change and explore, and why?”

Do you think there’s such a thing as a ‘perfect’ life? How does Nora’s journey through the Midnight Library challenge or affirm this idea?”

Throughout the book, Nora explores various paths she might have taken. How do you think the concept of regret influences our life choices, and do you believe it’s possible to live without regrets?

The Midnight Library raises the question of whether happiness is an absolute or subjective state. How do you define happiness, and do you think it’s attainable through different life choices?

Nora’s experiences in The Midnight Library make her reconsider her career, relationships, and dreams. Have you ever had a moment where you questioned your life choices? What did you do about it?

In The Midnight Library Nora is confronted with the idea that there are countless versions of herself. How do you think this concept relates to the idea of identity and self-discovery?”

The library offers Nora a glimpse into parallel lives, but she ultimately has to make a choice. How does the book explore the idea of making choices and committing to them in our own lives?

Nora’s journey through The Midnight Library allows her to see the consequences of her actions on those around her. How do our choices affect the people in our lives, and do you think it’s possible to truly understand the impact of our decisions?”

Throughout the book, Nora learns valuable lessons from her ‘alternate’ lives. What are some of the lessons you think she learns, and how can we apply them to our own lives?

The Midnight Library raises questions about the value of suffering and adversity in shaping our lives. Do you believe that hardships are essential for personal growth, or can a life without suffering be just as fulfilling?

In the end, Nora chooses a life that may not be perfect but is one she’s willing to embrace. What do you think the book is trying to say about the pursuit of a ‘perfect’ life versus finding contentment in the imperfect?”

If you had the opportunity to spend a day in the Midnight Library, what kind of life would you be most eager to explore, and what do you hope to learn from it?

The Midnight Library suggests that regrets can weigh us down. How can we learn to let go of regrets and live more in the present?

Nora’s journey in the Midnight Library highlights the importance of self-discovery. What steps can we take in our own lives to better understand ourselves and what truly makes us happy?

The book explores the idea of destiny and the role of chance in our lives. Do you believe in destiny, or do you think we have more control over our lives than we realize?

The Midnight Library is filled with infinite possibilities. How does this idea challenge or affirm the way we approach decision-making and the paths we choose in our own lives?

Nora’s journey in The Midnight Library ultimately leads to self-acceptance. How can we cultivate self-acceptance and self-love in our own lives?”

The Midnight Library touches on the concept of ‘what-ifs.’ How can we strike a balance between exploring alternative paths and appreciating the life we have?

Do you think the midnight library is a metaphor for something in our own lives? If so, what does it represent to you?”

If you could give one piece of advice to Nora at the beginning of her journey through the Midnight Library, what would it be?

Throughout the book, Nora grapples with the idea of missed opportunities. Can you recall a specific moment in your life when you felt you missed a significant opportunity, and how did it affect your perspective on life?

The midnight library offers the chance to explore ‘what could have been.’ How do you think this concept relates to the human tendency to daydream about alternative lives and possibilities?”

Nora’s journey involves revisiting her past relationships. How do you think the book portrays the impact of past relationships on our present selves, and what can we learn from this?

In The Midnight Library, Nora explores various careers and passions. If you could switch careers or pursue a different passion, what would it be, and why?

The Midnight Library highlights the role of the librarian in guiding Nora through her choices. What do you think the librarian symbolizes in the story, and how does this relate to the concept of self-discovery?

Nora’s brother, Joe, plays a significant role in her life and decisions. How do family dynamics influence our life choices, and what do you think Joe represents in Nora’s journey?

Discuss Nora’s the family dynamics of in each of her lives. 

The concept of the Midnight Library blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. How does this blending of reality and imagination affect the way we perceive the story, and what does it say about the power of storytelling?

Throughout the book, Nora experiences a wide range of emotions and states of being. How does the story explore the idea that our emotions and mental states shape our reality and choices?

In The Midnight Library Nora explores lives that are drastically different from her own. How do these alternate lives challenge her preconceptions and beliefs, and have you ever been in a situation that challenged your beliefs in a similar way?

The Midnight Library offers a unique perspective on the concept of ‘FOMO’ (Fear of Missing Out). How does this fear influence our decisions and prevent us from fully embracing our current lives?

Nora’s journey through the Midnight Library raises questions about the nature of time and the concept of ‘living in the moment.’ How can we find a balance between planning for the future and living in the present?”

The book suggests that each life has its own set of problems and challenges. How does this idea change the way we perceive the lives of others, and how can it foster empathy and understanding?

Nora’s exploration of different lives in the Midnight Library prompts her to reflect on her values and priorities. Have you ever had a moment where you reevaluated your values and what truly matters to you?

The midnight library allows Nora to see how interconnected her life is with others. How does this interconnectedness reflect the reality of our own lives, and what does it say about the importance of relationships?

Throughout the book, Nora experiences moments of clarity and self-discovery. What role does self-reflection play in our personal growth, and how can we cultivate it in our daily lives?

Nora’s journey in The Midnight Library is a quest for meaning and purpose. How do you think the book portrays the search for meaning in life, and do you believe there is a universal meaning to life?

The Midnight Library introduces the idea of parallel universes and infinite possibilities. How does this concept challenge or expand our understanding of the universe and our place in it?

Nora’s experience in the Midnight Library is deeply personal, but it also has broader implications. How can her journey inspire us to make more deliberate and meaningful choices in our own lives?

 Discuss the quote : “Never underestimate the big importance of small things

 How satisfied are you with the ending of The Midnight Library?

 The Midnight Library is described as a fictional fantasy with magical realism. Do you agree?How do you describe the genre ?

Book Club Activity Ideas for “The Midnight Library”:

  1. The Library vibes: Light the library candle and listen to the midnight library playlist. 
  2. Parallel Life Mapping: Ask each book club member to create a visual representation of their own Midnight Library filled with books representing their potential life choices. Discuss what these choices might be and how they would impact their lives.
  3. Character Analysis: Choose a character from the book (e.g., Nora, the librarian) and analyze their motivations, actions, and character development. Compare your interpretations of the characters.
  4. Life Swap Discussion: Have each member choose one life from Nora’s Midnight Library journey and discuss how they think it would affect them personally if they were in Nora’s shoes.
  5. Letter to Your Younger Self: Write letters to your younger selves, offering advice or encouragement based on the lessons learned from Nora’s experiences. Share these letters and discuss what you would say to your younger selves.
  6. Regret Sharing: Encourage members to share a regret from their own lives (if they feel comfortable doing so) and discuss how it has influenced their current path. Reflect on how the characters in the book dealt with their regrets.

Book Club Snack Ideas for The Midnight Library

  • Midnight Blueberry Muffins: Serve blueberry muffins to represent the concept of the Midnight Library. You can even make them in mini muffin form for bite-sized snacks.
  • Glacier-Inspired Ice Cream: Since Nora dreams of becoming a glaciologist, consider serving ice cream, particularly flavors with a glacial theme, like mint chocolate chip or blueberry.
  • Tea Time: Host a tea party with a selection of teas and finger sandwiches.
  • Book-shaped Cookies: Bake cookies shaped like books and decorate them with titles or symbols that relate to the book’s themes.
  • Berries and Cream: Serve a dish of mixed berries with whipped cream or yogurt, echoing the idea of exploring the different lives symbolized by books in the Midnight Library.
  • ‘What If’ Beverages: Offer a selection of unique beverages to represent the idea of exploring alternate possibilities. This could include specialty teas, fruit-infused water, or uncommon soda flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Midnight Library

  • What is The Midnight Library all about?

“The Midnight Library” is a book by Matt Haig about Nora Seed. She’s a woman with many regrets and unfulfilled dreams. One day, she finds a special library where she can explore different versions of her life. Each life is like a different book. Nora has to think about her past choices and how they made her feel. 

  • Is The Midnight Library a good read?

Yes, many people say “The Midnight Library” is a good book.  The book has more than 1.5 million ratings on goodreads. People like it because it’s interesting and makes you think. It’s about imagining different lives and asking big questions about life and choices. 

  • Why is Midnight library so popular?

A lot of people like “The Midnight Library” because it has a unique idea—a library that helps you explore different lives. It also talks about things that many people can relate to, like feeling regret and wanting to find happiness. 

  • What is the lesson learned from The Midnight Library?

The main lesson from “The Midnight Library” is that it’s important to be yourself and appreciate your own life.  The book shows that everyone has regrets, but you can still make choices that help you grow and be happy.

Related posts:

28 Best Quotes From The Midnight Library

More book club posts:

21 Happy Place by Emily Henry Book Club Questions & Snack Ideas

26 Remarkably Bright Creatures Book Club Questions and Snack Ideas

31 Tom Lake by Ann Patchett Book Club Questions & Snack Ideas

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: 25 Book club Questions

29 The Silent Patient Book Club Questions and Snack Ideas

20 It Ends With Us Book Club Questions & Snack Ideas

51 Lessons in Chemistry Book Club Questions & Snack Ideas

47 The Last Thing He Told Me Book Club Questions & Snack Ideas

Stephy George
Stephy George

Hi I am Stephy ! I became a bookworm in my late twenties. So I created this little corner of books online to share my love of reading with YOU! I want to help you find the best books to read so you won’t ever have to worry about your next read!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *