Deep dive into Matt Haig's The Midnight Library with these curated book club questions on regret, alternate lives, and finding your true purpose.
Generate a complete book club kit in 30 seconds — discussion questions, icebreakers, food pairings & more.
Generate Your First KitImagine standing in a library where every single book is a version of your life if you'd made a different choice. One book represents the life where you didn't quit that band; another is the one where you stayed in your hometown; another is where you actually followed through on that dream of becoming a glaciologist.
That's the premise of Matt Haig's The Midnight Library, and it's exactly why this book is a goldmine for book clubs. It doesn't just tell a story; it forces every person at the table to confront their own "Book of Regrets."
If you're hosting a meeting for this one, you don't need a generic list of plot questions. You need prompts that bridge the gap between Nora Seed's journey and your members' actual lives.
The heart of The Midnight Library is the crushing weight of "what if." Nora's experience in the library is a visceral exploration of how regret can paralyze us—and how the version of the life we think we missed out on is often a fantasy.
When discussing this, move beyond the plot. Ask your group:
Get The Midnight Library book club kit to get a full set of printable prompts for these specific themes.
One of the most compelling parts of the book is the sheer variety of lives Nora tries on. From the fame of being a rock star to the quiet intensity of being a glaciologist, Haig explores how our identity is tied to our choices—but also how some parts of us remain constant regardless of the circumstances.
To keep the conversation flowing, try these angles:
If your group loves these kinds of introspective reads, you might also enjoy our guide on how to handle book club disagreements, because philosophical books like this often spark some very passionate debates.
It's impossible to discuss The Midnight Library without addressing the heavy themes of depression and suicide. Haig handles this with a lightness and hope that makes the book accessible, but it's still a potent topic for a group setting.
Approach this section of the discussion with care:
For those who enjoy books that tackle these deep emotional waters, we've curated a list of the best literary fiction books for book club that prioritize character depth and emotional honesty.
Because this book is so atmospheric, your meeting should be too. Think "cosy library" meets "existential crisis."
The Menu: Since the book is set in a liminal space between life and death, go for "comfort foods" that feel timeless. Warm tea, a large platter of buttery shortbread, and perhaps a deep red wine to match the mood of a midnight study. If you need more inspiration, check out our ultimate book club food pairing guide.
The Activity: Have everyone write down one "small regret" on a slip of paper, fold it, and put it in a bowl. Take turns pulling them out and discussing how that specific regret might actually have led to something positive in the long run.
Whether you're diving into The Midnight Library or looking for your next great read, the hardest part of running a book club shouldn't be the prep work.
Search for your book on Instant Book Club and get a complete kit in 30 seconds—including discussion questions, themed recipes, and printable decorations—so you can spend less time on Pinterest and more time actually talking about the books.
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