Review: Tiny Beautiful Things

Title: Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on love and life from Dear Sugar

Author: Cheryl Strayed

Date Completed: 2/8/2016

This book has been recommended repeatedly for years on multiple podcasts I listen to on a regular basis. I hesitated in reading it because (A) the whole "Dear Sugar" thing sounded incredibly cheesy and (B) I don't tend to share book taste with the people that recommended it. However, I am incredibly glad I decided to pick it up at last.

Cheryl Strayed has not had an easy life, but has done a lot of living. She's screwed up in big ways and small (drugs, sex, relationships, you name it she probably has a story about it). Survived an abusive childhood. Overcame the loss of her mother young. Worked hard on her marriage. Became a mother later in life. And more. Depite all of this, she did not become a bitter self-protective person; she became a very compassionate and wise woman.

She's not a Christian, so I don't agree 100% with all of her advice (especially not all the sex stuff...a bit kinky and promiscuous for my morals). But I admire how she compassionately and kindly addresses root issues, vulnerably shares her own past to connect with others in similar situations, and helps readers consider different angles on their problems without preaching at them.

Much can be learned from the "how" of her writing and method of engaging with her readers. She provides perspective and encouragement. She's able to be honest and point out problems without being unkind. She always empowers her readers to do something, make a change, and become better people despite all life may throw their way. She recognizes the mess that is humanity, but doesn't let the darkness and suffering be an excuse to give up.

I liked the book enough to buy a copy of it for future reference. I can't possibly include all the quotes and passages I found inspiring and insightful here, but here's a link to some reader selected quotes on GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/18330294-tiny-beautiful-things-advice-on-love-and-life-from-dear-sugar