Matt Haig

Matt Haig (born 3 July 1975) is a British author and journalist who writes for both adults and children. He is known for his novels, memoirs, and children's books that often explore themes of mental health, family relationships, and the search for meaning in life.

Haig gained significant recognition for his non-fiction works about his own struggles with depression and anxiety. His memoir, Reasons to Stay Alive (2015), became a bestseller and is widely credited with opening up conversations about mental health and providing comfort to readers experiencing similar difficulties. Notes on a Nervous Planet (2018) expands on these themes, examining the impact of modern life on mental well-being.

His fiction often blends realism with elements of fantasy and science fiction. Notable novels include The Midnight Library (2020), a novel exploring the concept of parallel lives and the choices we make, which achieved widespread popularity and critical acclaim. Other novels include The Humans (2013), a satirical science fiction novel, and How to Stop Time (2017), a story about a man with a rare condition that makes him age very slowly.

Haig has also written extensively for children, with books such as A Boy Called Christmas (2015), The Girl Who Saved Christmas (2016), Father Christmas and Me (2017), and Evie and the Animals (2021). These books often feature themes of hope, kindness, and the importance of believing in magic.

His work has been translated into numerous languages and has garnered several awards and nominations. Haig is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and uses his platform to encourage open discussion and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness.