Tiny Beautiful Things (10th Anniversary Edition): Reese's Book Club: Advice from Dear Sugar

so many mixed emotions… obviously, extremely well-written and interesting concept. but, honestly, i found it to be so prestigious and condescending. basically just continuously exploiting these people’s real concerns and real traumas as a way to talk about herself. the pet names DROVE ME CRAZY, i literally took a whole point off for that. she has such a strong voice, she’s an incredible writer, and she’s been through so many admirable things in her life but this book felt like a cheap way to basically write another memoir and it was definitely giving white savior.

Book club pick for August 2023 - pick your favorite letters for discussion. I must be one of the rare people left who hasn't read Wild, or watched the movie. I don't think it kept me from appreciating this book which is a collection of reader letters from and advice column and the author's responses and advice to the dear readers. Some of the letters were truly heartbreaking, some letters had me tear up because I could feel the pain through the letters. I thought Cheryl Strayed's responses were heartfelt and influenced by her own life's experiences. Who can say if she is wrong or right, as after all its all a matter of opinion. The letters that most touched me were The Black Arc of It, about a guy engaged to be married but his wife is still in grief over the loss of her mom (pg 94). The Human Scale, dealing with why bad things happen to people if there is a God, and how do you know God exists? I really liked her response to this, as its a question I find myself asking a lot these days - perhaps its not rooted in the bad things that happen but the good responses around us (pg 148). Tiny Revolutions, a woman in her mid fifties recently separated having body issues (pg 178). The Ghost Ship That didn't Carry Us, a letter that strongly spoke to me as it is about "for those of us who aren't luck enough to "just know," how is a person to decide if he or she wants to have a child?" Finally, The Obliterated Place, a truly heartbreaking list instead of a letter from a father trying to handle the loss of his 22 year old son. This letter and her response have me tearing up just typing that sentence. (pg 241) I believe that if you are in need and looking for answers, an advice column may not be for everyone (I read some negative reviews about her responses after i finished the book), but if this is what someone needs to move on in life from trauma, or make sense of their life and choices, there is absolutely nothing wrong with reaching out to someone you think may be able to help you. I loved her sage advice which can be boiled down to 1. we have to help ourselves / do it for ourselves / no one can do it for you 2. Go, because you want to. I had the 2022 Vintage book Ed paperback (less) [edit] Aug 05, 2023

This may be a yearly read. I love it so very much. Moved me to tears many times and left me carrying pieces of wisdom through my days. Must read. Humanity is so vast and so beautiful.

May 2023 Book - Sam

I am not one for advice columns, but I picked this book up looking for some inspiration. It ended up being so beautifully honest that at times it brought me to tears because I was so moved by the way each letter from an asker and each response from Strayed could validate and challenge my innermost thoughts. This is a book that shows the true strength of human connection, and I would recommend it to anyone. I will be thinking about it for a long time.