I love Matt Haig's writing, and while I normally wouldn't go for a book like this, it came to me at the right time. A very helpful book if you're feeling low, flat or uninspired. A little repetitive, but the joy evident in the flow of Haig's writing makes up for it. Loved the quotes and segments of poetry. Overall a sweet quick read, but not something I'll pick up again. 

I read this on a long journey and back as forgot a book so downloaded the audiobook narrated by Haig himself via BorrowBox and am very happy I did so. There is no real structure instead consisting of a mixture of quotes, case studies, anecdotes, notes, messages and many more. The running theme is comfort (who’d have guessed?) and it acts like part self help, part guide, part quote book and part memoir as well and I think Haig gets a perfect balance of these aspects. He struggled heavily with anxiety and depression and injects a lot of honestly into the pages (…or recording?) which I did like - I wouldn’t say I enjoyed it as the subject matter is evidently a challenging one but the key messages of moving/looking forward were put across very well. As someone who struggles with my mental health I not only could relate to parts but picked up lots of useful tips and ideas/quotes to ponder on. I think it would’ve been more beneficial to have read this book in small chunks or one to go back to instead of within a day but oh the whole I enjoyed it and would certainly recommend it. Personally it wasn’t that amazing or life changing with content I have engaged with before but the personal touches were my favourite. 

Completed as an audiobook

This was a really lovely book. Very simple and relaxing. Topics discussed in here ranged from very new ideas, familiar concepts, and comforting stories. Some of it felt shallow and ironic, but not all insight and advice regarding mental illness and mental health will resonate perfectly. I was willing to overlook the sappy stuff to hear the more insightful and passionate sections.

Some of the things in here my therapist has told me or asked me to being practicing in my life. So if you need a place to start in healing your mental health but don't want to or can't see a therapist right now, this book has some fine advice that could get you started.