15 Books Like The Midnight Library
Have you ever pondered the infinite possibilities that life holds?
The paths not taken, the choices unexplored, the doors left unopened?
If so, then you might find yourself drawn to the captivating world of “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig, a novel that explores the concept of alternate lives and the power of choice.
But what if you’ve already devoured every page of this tale and are left yearning for more?
To make things easy for you, I’ve curated a list of books that share similar themes and will take you on equally mesmerizing journeys through the twists and turns of fate.
Whether you’re a fan of parallel universes, existential questions, or the sheer magic of storytelling, these books are sure to satisfy your craving for literary exploration.
So, step into the library of possibilities once again, and let’s discover some enchanting reads together.
Books Like The Midnight Library
1. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
This novel tells the story of Clare and Henry, who have a passionate and tumultuous marriage, with one unique problem: Henry’s unpredictable time-traveling episodes.
These episodes take him to various points in time, often at critical moments in Clare’s life, creating a complex and deeply emotional narrative. The story explores themes of love, loss, and the inescapable nature of time, weaving a tale that’s both fantastical and deeply human.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “The Midnight Library,” “The Time Traveler’s Wife” delves into the non-linear nature of time and its impact on personal relationships and choices.
Both novels explore the profound effects of what-ifs and alternate realities on their protagonists’ lives, offering a poignant examination of destiny, love, and the paths not taken.
2. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
In “Life After Life,” Ursula Todd is born on a snowy night in 1910, only to die before she can take her first breath. Remarkably, she is born again and again, living through the events of the 20th century multiple times in different ways.
This narrative structure allows the novel to explore themes of mortality, the impact of small decisions on life’s course, and the possibility of changing our destinies through our actions.
Major Similarities:
Much like “The Midnight Library,” “Life After Life” presents a unique take on alternate realities and the idea that our lives could follow vastly different paths based on our choices. Both novels challenge the reader to consider the importance of each decision and its ripple effects through time, questioning the nature of fate and free will.
3. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” is a captivating story about a young woman in 18th-century France who makes a desperate pact to live forever, only to be cursed with being forgotten by everyone she meets.
As centuries pass, Addie learns to navigate her immortality, leaving subtle impacts on the world and the people who momentarily remember her. The narrative spans across time, exploring Addie’s struggles and triumphs, until she meets someone who remembers her name.
Major Similarities:
This novel shares with “The Midnight Library” a deep exploration of existence, the desire to leave a mark on the world, and the significance of memories and human connections. Both stories highlight the importance of individual choices and the quest for meaning in a vast and often indifferent universe.
4. Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore
“Oona Out of Order” is a fascinating take on life’s unpredictability and the beauty of living in the moment. Oona Lockhart faces an unusual predicament: at the stroke of midnight on her 19th birthday, she finds herself leaping to a random year of her life.
This pattern repeats indefinitely, forcing Oona to experience her life out of sequence, learning about love, loss, and self-discovery in a non-linear fashion.
Major Similarities:
Both “Oona Out of Order” and “The Midnight Library” play with the concept of time and how it shapes our identities and destinies. They explore the emotional and psychological effects of navigating life’s uncertainties and the value of embracing every moment, regardless of the order in which those moments come.
5. Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin
“Elsewhere” is a novel that offers a unique perspective on the afterlife. Liz is killed in a hit-and-run accident and wakes up on a cruise ship bound for Elsewhere, a place where the deceased age backward until they become babies again and are sent back to Earth to be reborn.
In Elsewhere, Liz struggles with her new reality, longing for the life and people she left behind, but gradually learns to find peace and meaning in her new existence.
Major Similarities:
“Elsewhere” and “The Midnight Library” both provide imaginative explorations of life, death, and the possibility of second chances. Each book presents a unique take on what it means to confront and accept one’s life choices and the potential for personal growth and redemption.
6. The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North
This novel introduces readers to Harry August, a man who lives his life over and over again. Each time Harry dies, he is reborn into the same life, retaining all the knowledge of his previous lives.
This unique ability allows him to make different decisions and explore various paths, leading to a rich tapestry of experiences. However, his many lives take on a new purpose when he learns of a looming disaster that only he can prevent.
Major Similarities:
Like “The Midnight Library,” “The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August” explores themes of rebirth, the impact of choices, and the exploration of alternate life paths.
Both novels delve into the philosophical and emotional ramifications of having multiple opportunities to live one’s life, challenging the concept of destiny and the importance of individual decisions.
7. How to Stop Time by Matt Haig
From the same author of “The Midnight Library,” this novel tells the story of Tom Hazard, a man who ages far slower than the average human.
Despite living for centuries, Tom must navigate the complexities of human emotions and connections, all while keeping his condition a secret. His journey through history is a quest for love, meaning, and a way to live a life that feels truly full, despite its potential for endlessness.
Major Similarities:
Both of Haig’s works, “The Midnight Library” and “How to Stop Time,” share a deep contemplation on the nature of time, life, and the pursuit of happiness.
They examine the significance of making the most out of the time we have, whether it’s through the exploration of countless lives or the extended lifespan of a single one.
8. Replay by Ken Grimwood
“Replay” revolves around Jeff Winston, a 43-year-old man who dies and wakes up back in his 18-year-old body in 1963, with all his memories intact. He relives his life with the knowledge of the future, making different choices and experiencing different outcomes, only to die again and restart the cycle.
This repeating process allows Jeff to explore various paths and the consequences of his choices, all while searching for meaning and true contentment.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “The Midnight Library,” “Replay” offers a narrative centered around the idea of living life over, with the knowledge of what could happen.
Both novels tackle themes of regret, the desire for a different life, and the quest for understanding and personal fulfillment amidst the possibilities of existence.
9. The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult
Dawn Edelstein’s story begins with a plane crash that forces her to confront her mortality and the choices she has made in her life. She is given the opportunity to return to two very different paths: one in Boston, where she lives with her family, and another in Egypt, where she once worked as an archaeologist.
This narrative explores Dawn’s journey as she navigates love, desire, and the roads not taken, all while delving into themes of destiny, love, and the complex tapestry of human relationships.
Major Similarities:
“The Book of Two Ways” and “The Midnight Library” both grapple with the idea of alternate realities and the pivotal moments that define our lives.
Each book invites readers to reflect on the choices that lead to different futures and the profound impact of contemplating “what might have been.”
10. The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
In this innovative murder mystery, Aiden Bishop is trapped in a time loop, reliving the day of Evelyn Hardcastle’s death in the bodies of different guests at a manor house party. To break the cycle and solve the mystery, Aiden must identify the killer. But with each reset, the rules change, and the stakes get higher.
This novel combines elements of classic detective stories with a unique twist on time travel and existential exploration.
Major Similarities:
“The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle” shares with “The Midnight Library” a fascination with the concept of reliving moments and the opportunity to alter outcomes through different perspectives.
Both novels offer a deep dive into the nature of choice, consequence, and the quest for redemption within the confines of a predetermined path.
11. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender
This novel tells the story of young Rose Edelstein, who discovers at the age of eight that she can taste the emotions of people through the food they prepare.
This gift reveals the hidden feelings and struggles of her family members, particularly her mother’s deep unhappiness. As Rose grows up, her unique ability affects her relationships and understanding of the world around her, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
Major Similarities:
Like “The Midnight Library,” “The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake” explores the complexity of human emotions and the unseen, internal worlds of individuals.
Both books delve into the nuances of family dynamics, personal growth, and the quest for understanding one’s place in the world, despite the challenges and mysteries that life presents.
12. The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker
In this novel, the Earth’s rotation suddenly begins to slow, profoundly affecting the environment, society, and the lives of its inhabitants. The story is told through the eyes of Julia, a young girl who must navigate the changing world and the complexities of growing up in these uncertain times.
The novel blends a coming-of-age story with a unique dystopian premise, exploring themes of adaptability, resilience, and the human condition in the face of global change.
Major Similarities:
“The Age of Miracles” and “The Midnight Library” both examine how external circumstances can influence personal growth and life choices.
Each book offers a contemplative look at the fragility of normalcy and the impact of extraordinary events on the trajectory of our lives, urging readers to find beauty and meaning in the midst of uncertainty.
13. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
This heartwarming novel centers on A.J. Fikry, a grumpy bookstore owner whose life takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious package appears at his store. The story unfolds as A.J. discovers love, friendship, and the transformative power of literature.
Through the connections he forms and the stories he shares, A.J.’s life is changed forever, illustrating the impact of second chances and the enduring value of human connections.
Major Similarities:
Both “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry” and “The Midnight Library” highlight the profound effects of unexpected events and the potential for personal rebirth at any stage in life. They celebrate the power of stories to connect us, to alter our paths, and to provide solace and understanding in times of need.
14. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
This young adult novel follows Samantha Kingston, a popular high school senior who dies in a car accident only to wake up the next morning and relive the day of her death seven times.
With each repetition, Sam gains new insights into her life and the lives of those around her, leading to a deep self-reflection on her actions, relationships, and the legacy she wishes to leave behind.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “The Midnight Library,” “Before I Fall” explores the concept of reliving moments of one’s life with the opportunity to change outcomes and make amends.
Both stories delve into themes of redemption, the value of every moment, and the impact one’s choices have on others, offering a poignant reminder of the importance of how we live our lives.
15. The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
This novel begins in 1969, when the four Gold siblings visit a psychic who claims to be able to tell anyone the day they will die. The prophecy influences each sibling in profound and diverse ways, dictating the choices they make and the paths their lives take.
As their lives unfold, the narrative explores questions of destiny, choice, and the influence of belief on our actions, all set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing America.
Major Similarities:
“The Immortalists” and “The Midnight Library” both grapple with the themes of fate versus free will and the impact of knowing the future on present choices.
Each novel examines the complex interplay between destiny and decision-making, inviting readers to ponder how much of our lives is predetermined and how much we can control through our actions.
