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  • The Comfort Book

  • By: Matt Haig
  • Narrated by: Matt Haig
  • Length: 3 hrs and 5 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (626 ratings)

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The Comfort Book

By: Matt Haig
Narrated by: Matt Haig
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Summary

Reflections on hope, survival and the messy miracle of being alive.

It is a strange paradox that many of the clearest, most comforting life lessons are learned while we are at our lowest. But then we never think about food more than when we are hungry, and we never think about life rafts more than when we are thrown overboard.

The Comfort Book is a collection of consolations learned in hard times and suggestions for making the bad days better. Drawing on maxims, memoir and the inspirational lives of others, these meditations celebrate the ever-changing wonder of living. This is for when we need the wisdom of a friend or a reminder we can always nurture inner strength and hope, even in our busy world.

A book of timeless comfort for modern minds.

©2021 Matt Haig (P)2021 Canongate Books Ltd

What listeners say about The Comfort Book

Average customer ratings
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Nothing is stronger than a small hope

This is a short and messy collection of musings on life narrated, as all deeply personal books such as this should be, by the author himself. It was recorded at Matt Haig's home, in his daughter's bedroom, using cushions and pillows for soundproofing and this makes the listening experience very intimate indeed. He is painfully honest about his battles with depression and listening to this is like reading the personal journal in which he recorded his most intimate thoughts ranging from inspirational quotes such as "you can't climb a mountain that you pretend isn't there" and "the best thing about hitting rock bottom is the rock", lists of inspirational films and music, a recipe for hummus and how to practice mindfulness whilst making a peanut butter sandwich.
Nothing, it seems, is stronger than a small hope that never gives up. This is a remarkably eclectic book. Five stars.

40 people found this helpful

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A loving hug

This book has given my such warmth in a cold and lonely period of my life. While I do currently have my mental health just about stable, the feeling of impending doom is a frequent visitor.

I know that this a is book I will listen to over and over again in times to come, becoming a comfort on my own List of Comforts. I’ve already recommended it to everyone I care about.

Honestly, it’s nothing revolutionary, more a loving hug and listening ear of a close friend who knows all your woes.

Many many phrases and quotes that I will be putting actively into my brain to pull out and draw upon as and when they are needed. I will be buying a hard copy of this book purely to highlight the bits I love and to walk past it every day on my bookshelf.

34 people found this helpful

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Just wonderful

As ever, the best way with words. A hug in a book. It will live on my bedside table

18 people found this helpful

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good to hear that other men have the same feelings

although I found that I am doing a lot of what Matt talks about. it was really good to hear his perspective. this is a definite read for those guys who are struggling. just knowing that every day things can cause stress and anxiety this book will really help you through it I promise

13 people found this helpful

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Another great book by Matt Haig

I wasn't sure if this style of short chapter book would work as an audio book. I needn't of feared. Great book, great quotes and anecdotes.

10 people found this helpful

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Like words from my own heart

I loved everything about this book which I’ve now consumed in paper form and audible. Thank you Matt for sharing your words of comfort. I know this is a book I will dip back in to often <3

9 people found this helpful

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  • Ms
  • 19-11-21

A lot of comfort in a little book

Many wisdom snippets from a real person. I have bought a copy for my depressed friend and will be pecking at the paper version.
Thank you Matt.

6 people found this helpful

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This book is a gift for everyone

I had this book recommended and am so glad I listened to it.
It is truly amazing and has solved my Christmas list. Everyone will get a Comfort Book.
Thanks Matt. Thanks for your honesty, wisdom and kindness in sharing what you have experienced.
I will also use with my clients.

6 people found this helpful

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Narration wonderfully warm and uplifting!

What makes us most human, I think, is our power of choice, even in dark, terribly painful moments. In The Comfort Book, Matt Haigh helps us to consciously navigate the choices that surround us at every moment, and thereby veer away from negative or self deprecating thoughts, moving towards self love, hope and self acceptance. Matt communicates this with immense sincerity.
This book teaches me that, even when I feel crushed by the weight of fear and circumstance "I am enough" - enough to push open the doors to possibility and enter the transformation of my life. And I believe him!

6 people found this helpful

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humorous and insightful

Matt spoke with a broad viewpoint on depression and hope and what those mat mean to you if you take an objective look at life

5 people found this helpful

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  • Caoi
  • 09-03-23

Akin to ramblings from a diary

The author Matt Haig has managed to have published what would be, for anyone else, a series of dot notes and ramblings in a diary. This includes favourite songs, reasons why Ferris Bueller was a great movie, movies to see when depressed to uplift one's self (including any Mission Impossible movie because of watching Tom Cruise contort himself), interspersed with tiny bits of 'wisdom' which were similar to quotes that might be found on social media platforms.

Haig writes of the depressed times that he has gone through in the past, almost as justification for the writings in the book and certainly, there may be some wisdom in there for some readers. However, I feel that most of it caters for those with limited attention and looking for quick one liners.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 03-06-22

The Hope found in Uncertainty

I loved this. Brilliant and insightful encouragement. Thank you, Matt, for giving us something we can breathe in and out with relative ease.

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  • Kindle Customer
  • 28-04-22

A beautifully narrated guide to self-forgiveness

This book is a hug. It is a balm for the weary soul, an encouraging word to the broken spirit. To love and accept yourself is something you often learn after much pain. This book tells you it is ok to be you. That in itself is lifesaving.