Matt Haig

I’m very pleased to say that I am Falmouth University’s Writer in Residence. I will be joining their School of Writing and Journalism from Monday 27th April until Tuesday 12th May.

My new book is called Reasons to Stay Alive. It’s out now in UK published by Canongate. Here’s the cover:

This is the blurb from the book:

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.’

It’s getting some lovely reviews:

“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

It’s going to be published in America by Viking, Germany by DTV, Canada by Harper Collins.

The UK paperback edition of Echo Boy will be published on March 26th by Corgi.

Lots of people have been saying very nice things about it:

‘highly original page turner’ Independent on Sunday

‘a cracking plot with profound philosophical questions about what it is to be human. Fearless and beautifully written, it confirms Haig as one of our best new writers of speculative fiction.’ New Statesman

Echo Boy is an exciting SF thriller, but also a rich and deeply felt exploration of the line that separates humans – creatures of love, passion, fear and hate – from mere organic simulations. The Guardian

‘It’s a treat to read such a satisfying, complex work…’ FT

‘The thrilling plot is one of betrayal, power and greed, but the theme is what makes us human — and at what cost we ignore it. I predict a sequel . . .’ Daily Mail

‘Poignant and thought-provoking.’ The Bookseller

‘A page-turning mega thriller you won’t be able to put down.’ 5/5 Flipside magazine

The book has been optioned by Tanya Seghatchian.

Humans: An A-Z is published by Canongate (UK, Jan, 2015).

Do you: Know a human?; Love a human?; Have trouble dealing with humans? If you’ve answered yes to any of the above, this book is for you. Whether you are planning a high level of human interaction or just a casual visit to the planet, this user-guide to the human race will help you translate their sayings, understand exotic concepts such as ‘democracy’ and ‘sofas’, and make sense of their habits and bizarre customs. A phrase book, a dictionary and a survival guide, this book unravels all the oddness, idiosyncrasies and wonder of the species, allowing everyone to make the most of their time on Earth.

It will be published in German (DTV), Polish (PWN) and Chinese (Xiron).

The Humans was chosen as one of the 20 World Book Night 2014 books. Thousands of copies of the book were given out for free on April 23rd 2014. Thanks to all of the World Book Night givers and do get in touch if you received a free copy.