The Comfort Book

During the height of the pandemic, I became accustomed to seeking out Zoom interviews with authors. That habit has continued as the pandemic has changed courses and yet continues to rage. I watched a fascinating interview with Matt Haig about his work. I was primarily interested in learning more about The Midnight Library. At the same time, I found myself drawn into his discussion of his newest book, nonfiction, The Comfort Book.I looked at some reviews of The Comfort Book and decided I needed to read it. The deciding factor came from this line from Metro, a London newspaper: “The literary equivalent of a steaming hot chocolate on a chilly day…. The idea read for dipping into whenever you need a pick-me-up or change of perspective.”After more than a year of pandemic with frequent bad news and the continuing rage of a new variant of COVID-19, I needed what Haig is providing in The Comfort Book. The pieces range from a few lines to several paragraphs.Here are some of my favorite short pieces:“Nothing is stronger than hope that doesn’t give up.”“Forward momentum is great. But we also need sideways momentum. For instance, I just sat down and ate a pear. I have no idea what the future holds but I am very grateful that I am alive and able to lie on a sofa and eat a pear.”“You are here. And that is enough.”I read a short piece about Nelly Bly that I found interesting enough to pursue other information about her. Haig provides an intriguing quote from Bly: “Energy rightly applied and directed will accomplish anything.”On another page, Haig provides a recipe for peanut butter on toast. Now, I know how to put peanut butter on toast, yet Haig’s description is one that brought a smile to my face. One of the steps is “don’t rush it. Set the mood of appreciation by moving the knife at a steady, Tai Chi kind of pace.” I like that description.We should be mindful of small acts whether they are in making peanut butter toast or interactions with our fellow human beings.Near the end of the book, Haig reminds readers that “in troublesome moments, the beauty of life can come into sharper focus. And the things we learn in the bad days serve us in the good times. Just as the promise of good times helps us through the bad. Everything connects.”The Comfort Book is well worth a reader’s time. Dip into it again and again.

This book is a collection of interesting and thought provoking ideas. Read it a little at a time and digest it. Very positive in a world of negativity. Great to give as a gift to a friend or yourself.

I have read most of Matt Haig's books and love them! Love his point of view and what he has to say about life and people - of course Midnight Library but really all of his books are philosophical and uplifting, he's an amazing, absorbing author.His philosophy is well reflected in The Comfort Book and I'd reckon many people would like to look at it from time to time, whether kept by their bedside or toilet, as he puts it.I reckon I'm just more one to get absorbed by a novel or semi-memoir than to look at random quotes, many of which are familiar from his books.But that's just me.I hate to knock Haig just because I don't seem to be a quotes person, even when they are great ones.Just know yourself before buying... Maybe download the Kindle sample and take a look first.I bought it reflexively because of the author...

I became a fan of Matt Haig after reading the Midnight Library. You can't read that book and then read this one and not come away realizing that sometimes great stories come from hard earned experience.There's a lot in this book that will help a lot of people. I know I'm better off for having read it. Well done, Matt Haig.

This book is amazing, from beginning to the end (haven't gotten there yet) read one day, month or year, pick it up when in need of a pick me up. EXCELLENT.

I love the author's interesting point of view a lot of the time. However, the book is entitled "Comfort." So, it has a lot to live up to. That's why I gave it a three. Because some of it hits, and some of it misses, for me. Some of it is super comforting, and some of it isn't. I respect the attempt, and I appreciate the author's personal experiences with depression and his coping methods. There is much to delight in, and much to smile about, within the covers of his book. It's just a sort of clunky format without much flow, and is meant to be taken in small doses and ruminated over and savored much more slowly than how I read it. I didn't speed through it, but, I also didn't slow way way down either. I just read as I felt inclined, in starts and stops. It has much to offer, and many gems. It's still not easy or smooth. I liked a lot of it.

I borrowed it from the library thinking it was fiction. Going to buy it in e-version so I can carry it with me.

Finally someone has written something that helps me know that I am not alone, I am okay feeling what I feel and even the deepest, darkest and most hopeless and helpless times will eventually get better, you just have to be strong and courageous for yourself to never, never, never give up but experience it as it is and know you will get to that better and brighter day. I have stood at that mountain top ready to jump; awful, awful and horrifying feeling, but somehow I managed to embrace myself as I would anyone I love and let my beautiful life move forward despite this lifetime struggle with depression. I cried so much that I could only read a couple of pages at a time, the author knows what he speaks of and is remarkable at helping you see the other side of this crippling situation. I loved the page on "It's Ok", I thank him for that especially. Truly a book for everyone, we all have experienced an awful place to be in our lives and need to hear that we are special, precious, important and it's OK just to be you; we are all so important and need to be kind to ourselves and others; it makes a huge difference. Thank you, Matt, for helping me more that pills, therapy or doctors; you know what I know and give the best road to travel to feel better.

The Comfort Book by Matt Haig. I loved this book so much! The just different story, lists or antidotes to show you’re not alone while deal with your mental health. Definitely made me feel very scene.My favourite way to deal with my mental health is working out. I find my mood is always lifted after working out. Sometimes I will sit and read if I need a distraction or even talking with a close friend or my boyfriend if I feel like that’s what I need in the moment. And sometimes I just need to cuddle up my cats to get some love from them

I'm reading this book. If you are suffering from depression or you have overcome it, you may read it.The author recovered from severe depression and I could relate with most of his writings.It's a book with one-liners, quotes, anecdotes as well as small teachings. Kind of a daily journal.I bought it on an insta recommendation and I don't regret buying it.This book is like warm therapy. Easy on words and comforting to the soul.

Great book

Got the book and it's authentic as it gets !However the packaging was really scuffed and the book has a minor dental but regardless very happy with my purchase.

Se compró como regalo, es un libro muy bonito, con buenas reflexiones, la persona quedó encantada