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.
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About the author
Cheryl Strayed
Cheryl Strayed 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. Strayed has written four books, including the novel Torch and the nonfiction works Tiny Beautiful Things and Brave Enough.
Her memoir Wild 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. The book was selected for Oprah Winfrey's Book Club and spent seven consecutive weeks at the top of The New York Times bestseller list.
Strayed was born in Pennsylvania in 1968 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.
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