Matt Haig
Born: July 03, 1975 – Sheffield, England, United Kingdom
Matt Haig is a British author whose work spans fiction, non-fiction, and children’s literature, often exploring themes of mental health, hope, and the human condition. Best known for The Midnight Library, which has sold over ten million copies and been translated into more than fifty languages, his writing has had global impact.
Biography & Author's Journey
Matt Haig, born in Sheffield in 1975 and raised in Newark, Nottinghamshire, is an acclaimed English author and journalist celebrated for his work across both fiction and non-fiction. He studied English and History at the University of Hull, later completing a master's degree at Leeds. Before his literary breakthrough, Haig briefly ran an internet marketing company and managed a nightclub, but his life took a dramatic turn in his mid-twenties when he suffered a severe bout of depression while living in Spain. This experience, nearly fatal, would become a defining moment in his personal and professional life, deeply shaping his writing voice and thematic focus.
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Popular Books
Reasons to stay alive
Matt Haig
A raw, honest memoir of battling depression and finding hope, offering solace and inspiration to those struggling with mental health.
Notes on a Nervous Planet
Matt Haig
A thought-provoking exploration of modern life's impact on mental health, offering insights to navigate our anxious world.
The Midnight Library
Matt Haig
A poignant exploration of life's choices, regrets, and second chances through a magical library of alternate realities.
Comfort Book
Matt Haig
A soothing collection of wisdom, hope, and comfort for navigating life's challenges, written by bestselling author Matt Haig.
Life Impossible
Matt Haig
Elderly woman's supernatural awakening transforms life on sun-drenched Ibiza.
The Humans
Matt Haig
Alien discovers humanity's chaotic beauty is our greatest cosmic strength.
How to Stop Time
Matt Haig
Living for centuries: immortality's bittersweet gift or ultimate prison?
Reasons to stay alive
Matt Haig
A raw, honest memoir of battling depression and finding hope, offering solace and inspiration to those struggling with mental health.
Notes on a Nervous Planet
Matt Haig
A thought-provoking exploration of modern life's impact on mental health, offering insights to navigate our anxious world.
The Midnight Library
Matt Haig
A poignant exploration of life's choices, regrets, and second chances through a magical library of alternate realities.
Comfort Book
Matt Haig
A soothing collection of wisdom, hope, and comfort for navigating life's challenges, written by bestselling author Matt Haig.
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Books Recommended by Matt Taibbi
Explore Matt Taibbi's book recommendations—sharp fiction and fearless non fiction that expose power, provoke thought, and challenge the status quo.
BeFreed team
10 Best Mental Health Books to Read in 2026
Explore the 10 best mental health books to read in 2026—powerful picks to boost self-awareness, emotional resilience, and personal growth.
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Mental Health, Behavior & Memoirs
Mental Health, Behavior & Memoirs
This plan bridges clinical science with the human experience of recovery and growth. It is ideal for anyone seeking to break destructive patterns, heal from past trauma, or gain deeper empathy through the power of storytelling.
Bio, Memoir, Neuroscience & Tech Explorer
Bio, Memoir, Neuroscience & Tech Explorer
This plan bridges the gap between human experience and scientific advancement, offering a unique look at how personal stories and neural architecture shape our world. It is ideal for curious minds, tech professionals, and lifelong learners eager to understand the future of the mind and machine.
Best Goodreads Choice Awards Books
Discover the best Goodreads Choice Award winners—gripping fiction and nonfiction books readers love. Find your next unforgettable read today.
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Mind, Body, Love & Self-Improvement
Mind, Body, Love & Self-Improvement
This comprehensive guide is designed for individuals seeking a holistic approach to personal development. It bridges the gap between mental health, physical wellness, and social intelligence to create a balanced, high-performing life.
Mind, Habits & Growth: A Holistic Guide
Mind, Habits & Growth: A Holistic Guide
This guide bridges the gap between neuroscience and practical self-improvement for anyone seeking a data-driven approach to change. It is ideal for high-performers and individuals looking to master their habits and rewire their cognitive patterns for long-term success.
Habits, Psychology, Investing & Health Guide
Habits, Psychology, Investing & Health Guide
This guide is essential for high-performers looking to align their mental frameworks with their long-term goals. It bridges the gap between behavioral science, financial literacy, and longevity research, making it ideal for anyone seeking a data-driven approach to personal mastery.
Community Voices
"Matt Haig is an English author and journalist known for both fiction and non-fiction, often in the speculative fiction genre"
— Wikipedia
"Haig’s memoir Reasons to Stay Alive was a number one Sunday Times bestseller in the UK"
— Wikipedia
"Haig's signature genre-bending style swirls sci-fi, magical realism, and mental health themes"
— She Reads
"Matt Haig is the internationally bestselling author of The Midnight Library, How to Stop Time, and The Humans"
— Bookreporter
"Matt Haig has written several award-winning books for both children and adults"
— Speakers Associates
"Matt Haig's The Midnight Library was called the 'It’s a Wonderful Life of the modern day."
— She Reads
"Matt Haig became an advocate for mental health awareness after writing several self-help books"
— Speakers Associates
"The Guardian described Haig’s A Boy Called Christmas as an ‘instant classic"
— The Guardian
"Matt Haig's books have been translated into over fifty languages worldwide"
— Bookreporter
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
