The 10-year anniversary edition of Matt Haig's warm, witty and honest manifesto for staying alive, whatever your demons

10th anniversary edition, revised and updated with a new introduction from the author

THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
WINNER OF THE BOOKS ARE MY BAG READERS AWARD FOR NON-FICTION

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FEEL TRULY ALIVE?

Like millions of others, Matt Haig has experienced the depths of depression. This is the account of his breakdown and subsequent recovery from suicidal despair and the lessons he learned. The story of how he came through crisis, triumphed over life-threatening mental illness and learned to live again. Moving, funny and even joyous, this is more than a memoir.

A number one bestseller that helped change the conversation on mental illness. It offers a raw but hopeful insight on depression and panic disorder - whether you've experienced it yourself, or love someone who has. It's a story of learning about life through the toughest times, and a reminder that even in the darkest moments there are reasons to stay alive.

Details

ISBN13: 9781837264629
Format: Paperback / softback
Number of Pages: 288
Edition: Main
Publication Date: 10 Jun 2025
Publisher: Canongate Books
Publication City, Country: Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Dimensions (cm): 31.4(H)x27.4(L)x3.4(W)181
Weight (gm): 181

Author Biography

Matt Haig is the number one bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive, Notes on a Nervous Planet and six highly acclaimed novels for adults, including How to Stop Time, The Humans and The Radleys. Haig also writes award-winning books for children, including A Boy Called Christmas, which is being made into a feature film with an all-star cast. He has sold more than a million books in the UK and his work has been translated into over forty languages.

@matthaig1 | matthaig.com

Reviews

A very special book that has provided a beam of hope to so many in their darkest days -- DOLLY ALDERTON
Brilliant and salutary . . . should be on prescription -- REV. RICHARD COLES
Warm and engaging, and shot through with humour . . . a valuable contribution to the conversation * * SUNDAY TIMES * *
Every word he says resonates -- FEARNE COTTON
I've had some of the most life-affirming experiences reading this book -- WILL POULTER
For anyone who has faced the black dog, or felt despair, this marvellous book is a real comfort, dealing sympathetically with depression, written with candour and from first-hand experience. I think it is a small masterpiece. It might even save lives -- JOANNA LUMLEY
An intensely individual, creative response to a period of profound crisis * * GUARDIAN * *
This book is permanently on my bedside table. It is a balm for my soul -- BRYONY GORDON
Short, positive, accessible * * DAILY MAIL * *
A really great read, and essential to our collective well-being -- JO BRAND