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Reasons to Stay Alive
- Narrated by: Matt Haig
- Length: 4 hrs and 26 mins
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Summary
Whether you suffer from depression yourself or hope to gain a better understanding of someone who does, Reasons to Stay Alive is an unfailingly honest account of life at its bleakest, but one that simultaneously manages to deliver a powerfully positive message.
What does it mean to feel truly alive? Aged 24, Matt Haig's world caved in. He could see no way to go on living.
This is the true story of how he came through crisis, triumphed over an illness that almost destroyed him and learned to live again.
A moving, funny and joyous exploration of how to live better, love better and feel more alive, Reasons to Stay Alive is more than a memoir. It is a book about making the most of your time on earth.
'I wrote this book because the oldest clichés remain the truest. Time heals. The bottom of the valley never provides the clearest view. The tunnel does have light at the end of it, even if we haven't been able to see it.... Words, just sometimes, really can set you free.'
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- Dougster
- 02-04-15
Company and Catharsis
Congratulations to Matt Haig for being a survivor of such a horrible illness. Thanks for providing an account of your own experience which can give company to those going through their own. I hope you found catharsis in sharing it and I wish you - and all readers - respite from the black dog.
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23 people found this helpful
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- MISS
- 15-03-15
Moving and inspiring
Having suffered from anxiety before, I bought this after hearing Matt talking on Radio 2 to Simon Mayo. So glad I did, this was a moving and inspiring exploration of depression and anxiety. Highly recommended to anyone who has suffered or supported anyone with these issues.
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13 people found this helpful
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- tiggrie AKA Sarah
- 24-06-16
Possibly useful book let down by dreary delivery
Is there anything you would change about this book?
Different narrator. I realise this is a personal story, but the flat, dreary delivery is awful. If Haig is not capable of an engaging narration, he'd do better to let someone else read it. It's not his métier, and it shows.
What didn’t you like about Matt Haig’s performance?
Flat, dreary and monotonous. Not what I want when feeling low or depressed.
Any additional comments?
I may buy the book to read myself, but listening was painful.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Wayne Flint
- 14-09-15
Brilliant book
I really like the descriptive and sometimes no nonsense approach to this book. Some of the chapters are short, but more powerful for that fact. Being a volunteer with Samaritans it's always great to read a newly insightful and open book about depression and anxiety and how it can deeply affect people. How Matt has tried to analyse and break down what happens and why, which must have struck a chord In many readers.
So good, that like some others I've listened to on audiobook, I order a hardbound too. A quality reference book.
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- Scampy
- 20-08-15
This book can save a life
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Everyone should have to read this book. With 1 in 4 people suffering from a mental illness the chances are that everyone has either experienced depression personally or knows a friend or family member who has.
Matt's personal story and reflections on his experiences offer a window into the mind of someone who is experiencing depression and anxiety and breaks the common misconception that depression is just feeling very sad.
This book helped me find the words to explain to the people close to me what some of my experiences were like when I was ill and why I couldn't just simply snap out of it.
It also gives hope to those currently experiencing depression that things can and will get better and also the form that recovery will take - in small almost unnoticeable day to day changes that add up over time rather than waking up one day and everything being fine.
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- Amazon Customer
- 23-08-16
fantastic account, real but hopeful
beautiful real account of depression, anxiety. must read for everyone whether a sufferer or not
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- Lexx
- 24-04-19
useful if you're struggling with your mind
not always easy to listen to, especially if you're contemplating suicide. full of mechanics and tools so that you don't. hugely useful and uplifting.
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- Mooma
- 04-12-18
Fantastic
Thank you Matt Haig
Another 15 words? It would be wonderful if you could take a look at my blog, it’s called Taking the Air and it’s about stuff that keeps you alive only not kissing. Shame.
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- Cori
- 24-09-18
great book!
it has given me a different perspective on depression. I now have a better understanding on myself amd others around me
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- Darren
- 10-02-17
Eye opening.
I loved this book purely for its honesty. !
As A person with mental health issues or as he says in the book 'no one is 100 percent healthy mentally '. I found it life changing. Making me feel less alienated and hopeful about my future. Thank you Matt haig. Thank you !
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