Matt Haig

Like nearly one in five people, novelist Matt Haig suffers from depression. After contemplating suicide and very nearly killing himself, Matt Haig spent much of his twenties trying to return to normalcy. REASONS TO STAY ALIVE is Matt’s life-saving and inspirational memoir of how, minute by minute and day by day, he overcame the disease with the help of reading, writing, and the love of his parents and his girlfriend (and now-wife), Andrea. And eventually, he learned to appreciate life all the more for it. Everyone’s lives are touched by mental illness: if we do not suffer from it ourselves, then we have a friend or loved one who does. Matt’s frankness about his experiences is both inspiring to those who feel daunted by depression and illuminating to those who are mystified by it. Above all, his humor and encouragement never let us lose sight of hope. Speaking as his present self to his former self in the depths of depression, Matt is adamant that the oldest cliché is the truest—there is light at the end of the tunnel. He teaches us to celebrate the small joys and moments of peace that life brings, and reminds us that there are always reasons to stay alive. During an interview, Matt can discuss: • The most challenging part of writing REASONS TO STAY ALIVE • The differences between writing a novel and a memoir/self-help book • What influenced him to write REASONS TO STAY ALIVE • What he wants people to take away from reading his book • How REASONS TO STAY ALIVE is different from other books about depression • What the feedback has been like since the book came out in the UK As a novelist, Matt Haig is able to give voice to those who aren’t able to articulate what they’re experiencing. His frankness about his past is inspiring for anyone who feels daunted by depression and illuminating for those who feel confused by its effects. Above all, his humor and encouragement come from having lived through depression, so he never lets the reader lose sight of hope. About the Author: MATT HAIG is the internationally bestselling writer of five novels, including The Dead Father’s Club, The Humans and The Radleys. He has also written award-winning children’s books. His work has been translated into thirty languages. REASONS TO STAY ALIVE, a runaway bestseller in the UK, is his first work of nonfiction. He lives in England.