Hi fiction lover! It didn’t seem so long ago when BTS In the SOOP season 2 came out. I remember the pandemonium about Jungkook’s dog, Bam, along with Jimin scaring J-hope in the “haunted house.” All members redefined the meaning of relaxation, and one standout moment sparked to life when Namjoon headed up to the house’s little loft and picked out The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.
Although I put this book on my TBR, I didn’t get the chance to read it until last year. I wish I had picked it up sooner! I can see why Namjoon chose this one to read, because the premise is definitely interesting. Nora Seed, our main character, finds herself in a magical library where she has a chance to experience different versions of her life, in a quest to find the one that will finally make her happy, giving her a reason to live.
Nora experiences many versions of her life, and I imagine what was going through Namjoon’s head when reading. Perhaps he thought of different possible outcomes in his life. I definitely thought of a few. While reading this book, I thought of my biggest regrets—what would’ve happened if I made a certain decision, or pursued a different path when I was younger? What if I ran with my YouTube idea in high school and was pumping out daily vlogs?
Thinking of it, there are countless paths we could’ve taken. But are we happy on our current path? I picture a world where BTS live separate lives. Maybe in that universe, The Midnight Library doesn’t exist, or at least I wouldn’t pick it up, since Namjoon wouldn’t be recommending it on In the SOOP. Thinking about these different possible paths can give you a bit of anxiety, but I felt comforted after reading the final page of the novel.
Have you also read The Midnight Library? I’m curious to hear what possible lives you thought for yourself. Maybe you would’ve chosen to train as a K-pop idol? To do something completely different from where you are now? I would love to visit the library if only to experience all these lives for a day or two.
Perhaps one of the biggest struggles in our life is finding happiness in our current situation. When hopelessness comes, we want to escape like Nora. As someone who believes in God, it gives me comfort to think about how every life has a purpose that differs from every other person’s. So although it might be tempting to compare your “assignment” to someone else’s, particularly to people online, it can smash your perspective to think of your God-given life as special—unable to be replicated, and teeming with unique opportunities and joys.
Do you also find comfort and joy through fiction? Check out my blog, and comment if you’d like another post like Namjoon recommending The Midnight Library!
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