Matt Haig Writes Christmas Book - A Boy Called Hope - Illustrated by Chris Mould

Canongate have acquired a splendid new children's book by Matt Haig. A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS tells the story of the early years of the world's most beloved hero. It is a gripping adventure set in eighteenth century Finland full of elves, reindeer, kidnapping and an eleven-year-old boy called Nikolas who isn't afraid to believe in magic.

'Father Christmas is the original super-hero. And Matt Haig, master of big hearted story-telling, is the perfect writer to bring his early years to life. In the utterly brilliant Chris Mould, Matt has found the perfect creative partner. I can see this book lighting up so many faces young and old this Christmas, and for many Christmases to come.'

A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS will be published in the UK in hardback on Nov 5th 2015. Canongate have paired Haig with British illustrator Chris Mould who has created over 60 illustrations which help tell this unforgettable story.

About Matt Haig: Suffered a breakdown in his early twenties. After battling depression for a long while he turned to writing. He now believes that reading and writing books saved his life, and believes that 'in a world trying to increasingly isolate us from our environment and our true selves, books are our route to freedom, and to each other'. . His novels include the bestsellers The Last Family in England, The Radleys and The Humans. His books have been translated into 30 languages. All his novels for adults have been optioned for film. He has also written novels for children, including Shadow Forest, To Be A Cat and the new YA novel Echo Boy. His next book is about his experience of depression, called Reasons To Stay Alive.

About Chris Mould: Was born in Bradford and has lived and worked there all his life. He began drawing at a very early age and hasn't stopped since. He trained in Art college for six years altogether starting in Dewsbury College and moving to Leeds, during which time he gained a joint honours degree in Graphic Design and Illustration.

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Matt Haig - Reasons to Stay Alive - Book Review + Book Trailer

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• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Canongate Books; Main edition (5 Mar. 2015)
• ISBN-10: 1782115080
• AGE: 15+
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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.'

Book Review: Reasons to Stay Alive. One reason has to be because of every book that you're going to read, especially this book. 
I never thought that I would read and enjoy this book. I know Matt Haig is a very good writer, but this book did not appeal to me one little bit. Honestly, I often find myself running away from reality and I certainly try not to gravitate towards serious issues in books. I like to read to escape from the realities of life and this book does not fit my usual criteria. However, I was won over by Matt's recent appearance on the Simon Mayo radio show. I listened to him talking about this book and was definitely intrigued. 

Many people encounter some form of depression and/or anxiety at some point in their life; it can manifest itself in many shapes and forms. This is an open and honest account written by Matt. It shares the relationship and battles that he's had to endure from his early twenties through to the present day. 

This book is beautifully written; you will pick it up unintentionally and finish it all in one go. It's very thoughtful and has obviously taken some years for Matt to be able to talk and write about living with depression. I understand that many men don't talk about this, we perhaps prefer to sweep it under the carpet. However talking about it, in my opinion, can only help and books like this can give us the positive inspiration and help that is required. Matt has shown us the light in helping us to move away from this.

In my opinion, this book gives a great insight into the human mind. I feel privileged to have been able to read a slice of Matt Haig's personal and intimate life. It's very well researched and highlights other aspects that you might not have even considered. It is very thought provoking as it could happen to anyone, regardless of background or situation, it could happen to someone you know or even yourself. No-one is untouchable to its deadly dark charms, and the large gaping hole that it leaves behind. This is further highlighted by the list of many famous people who've had or are currently suffering from depression. 

This book has taught me so many things about myself and other people. I believe that it only can make you a stronger and better person for reading this. I look forward to seeing Matt Haig running past me in the street, and I will certainly be reflecting everytime that I have a long midday shower. Thanks Matt for writing a life changing book. 

What is it like to be human?