Summary
Tiny Beautiful Things is a collection of essays compiled from Cheryl Strayed's popular advice column "Dear Sugar," which she wrote anonymously for the literary magazine The Rumpus from 2010 to 2012. The book offers wisdom, humor, and profound insights on love, life, and human experiences through Strayed's raw and honest responses to readers' letters seeking her guidance.
The "Dear Sugar" column quickly gained a devoted following for Strayed's compassionate yet unflinching approach to addressing complex emotional issues. The book compiles some of the most powerful and resonant essays from the column, along with new material written specifically for this anthology. Strayed's candid sharing of her own personal struggles and triumphs serves as a balm for readers navigating life's challenges.
Celebrated for its literary merit and emotional depth, Tiny Beautiful Things has been widely acclaimed by critics and readers alike. It was adapted into a stage play by Oscar-nominated writer and actress Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) in 2016 and a Hulu miniseries starring Kathryn Hahn in 2023. The 10th anniversary edition includes a new preface by the author and six additional columns, further enriching this poignant and timeless collection of advice that has inspired countless individuals worldwide.
Themes
Love and relationships
Life's difficulties and hardships
Resilience and perseverance
Self-discovery and personal growth
Honesty and vulnerability
Seeking advice and wisdom
The power of storytelling and shared experiences
Setting
Tiny Beautiful Things covers a broad range of personal experiences and advice spanning the years of 2010 to 2012, when Cheryl Strayed wrote the "Dear Sugar" column. The book does not have a specific geographical setting, as the advice columns were written and responded to online. However, Strayed's personal experiences and stories draw from her life in various locations across the United States, including her upbringing in rural Minnesota and her later years in the Pacific Northwest region and other parts of the country.
Quick facts
Cheryl Strayed took over the "Dear Sugar" advice column from her friend Steve Almond in 2010 and wrote it, anonymously and without pay, until the column ended in 2012.
Tiny Beautiful Things includes both popular and Strayed's favorite essays from the column, as well as some that were never published on the website.
Strayed revealed her true identity as Sugar in February 2012, a few months before the book's publication.
Tiny Beautiful Things debuted at #5 on The New York Times bestseller list in the advice and self-help category.
Strayed revived her "Sugar" persona in a podcast called Dear Sugars with Steve Almond, which ran for four years.
In 2020, Strayed launched a new podcast called Sugar Calling in response to readers' requests to bring back Sugar.
Adaptations
Tiny Beautiful Things was adapted into a stage play by Oscar-nominated writer and actress Nia Vardalos and Marshall Heyman. Directed by Hamilton Tony winner Thomas Kail, the play premiered Off-Broadway at The Public Theater in November 2016 and had its Canadian premiere in Kelowna, British Columbia, in February 2023. In 2022, Hulu ordered an adaptation of the book. Starring Kathryn Hahn, the limited series premiered in April 2023.
About the author
Cheryl Strayed (1968-) is an acclaimed American writer and podcast host. She is best known for her memoir Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, which became an international bestseller and was adapted into an Academy Award-nominated film starring Reese Witherspoon. In Wild, Strayed chronicles her 1,100-mile solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail in 1995, following the sudden death of her mother and a period of personal turmoil. Wild was selected for Oprah Winfrey's Book Club and spent seven consecutive weeks at the top of The New York Times bestseller list. In addition to Wild, Strayed has written the novel Torch and the nonfiction works Tiny Beautiful Things and Brave Enough.
Strayed was born in Pennsylvania and raised in Minnesota. Her life experiences, including her mother's untimely death and her personal struggles with addiction, have profoundly shaped her writing and perspective. Her works often explore themes of grief, resilience, self-discovery, personal growth, and the transformative power of facing life's challenges head-on. In addition to her writing, Strayed has hosted two popular podcasts, Dear Sugars and Sugar Calling, where she offers advice and insights on life's challenges. She has also taught writing workshops and been involved in various feminist and progressive causes.
