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Tiny Beautiful Things (10th Anniversary Edition)  By  cover art

Tiny Beautiful Things (10th Anniversary Edition)

By: Cheryl Strayed
Narrated by: Cheryl Strayed, Steve Almond - introduction
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Editorial review


By Madeline Anthony, Audible Editor

TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS FINDS UNIVERSALITY BY HONORING THE SPECIFICS

This insightful book, a compilation of advice columns for online literary magazine The Rumpus, penned by critically acclaimed author Cheryl Strayed under her beloved pseudonym 'Sugar', is one I find myself drawing wisdom from time and time again. Somehow, it’s as if the people in these stories are not strangers but close friends who just so happened to reach into the void (aka the internet) for guidance. I first discovered Tiny Beautiful Things while browsing an adorable shop in my neighborhood, and after leafing through its pages, I knew I had to read it. That same weekend, I planned to make the eight-hour drive from Brooklyn to my hometown in upstate New York, so I opted to listen to the audiobook, making Strayed, who narrates her work, my sage companion for the ride.

My hunch is that the unique staying power of each column has a lot to do with the uniqueness of 'Sugar' herself. Rather than take on the role of All-Knowing Guru, Strayed bares her soul, sharing her deeply personal experiences so that the advice seeker may mine her life for wisdom rather than take advice the way one might take a pill. She is refreshingly honest, affirming the letter-writer's feelings two breaths before telling them why they are wrong. Listening to Strayed, I was reminded of one of my wisest and truest friends who, whenever I approach her for advice, will listen intently, tell me she loves me, and then announce, "I’m gonna scrape your face against reality," before dispensing some profoundly helpful but often uncomfortable tough love. The columns and stories are tangible threads, intertwining specific yet universal human experiences with such poignancy I couldn’t make it through the introduction without tearing up.

While most letters stand firmly on their own, independent countries in Sugar’s world of wisdom, one section of the book responds to multiple letters at once, all centering on the topic of yearning to leave relationships that don’t have any glaringly ugly problems. In this chapter, the individual letters seem to be in conversation with each other—words penned by people on opposite sides of the country seeming to effortlessly finish each other’s sentences. The result is a feeling of kinship with a largely unknown world. How can one deny the universality of the very problems that make us feel so alone when listening to these converging stories, one after the next?

Of course, certain columns spoke to me more than others, but I was pleasantly surprised by my ability to relate to nearly every selection in some way or another. While the column "Write Like a Motherf---er" spoke to me on a gut level, unsurprisingly, as the focus was on a woman in her late 20s who was struggling to move forward as a writer, a column about a long-married woman whose husband had betrayed her left me equally teary-eyed as I shifted through newfound feelings around the concept of forgiveness.

Strayed has often said of her work, "the only thing I ever hope to do as a writer is to make people feel less alone," and that is precisely what she has accomplished with this radically empathetic collection.

Continue reading Madeline's review >

Publisher's summary

NOW A HULU ORIGINAL SERIES • NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK • An anniversary edition of the bestselling collection of "Dear Sugar" advice columns written by the author of #1 bestseller Wild—featuring a new preface and six additional columns.

For more than a decade, thousands of people have sought advice from Dear Sugar—the pseudonym of bestselling author Cheryl Strayed—first through her online column at The Rumpus, later through her hit podcast, Dear Sugars, and now through her popular Substack newsletter. Tiny Beautiful Things collects the best of Dear Sugar in one volume, bringing her wisdom to many more readers. This tenth-anniversary edition features six new columns and a new preface by Strayed. Rich with humor, insight, compassion—and absolute honesty—this book is a balm for everything life throws our way.

©2012 Cheryl Strayed (P)2012 Random House

Critic reviews

“To say that Cheryl Strayed is an Internet advice columnist does not do her justice. Tiny Beautiful Things is a gob-smacking high, a brilliant reinvention of the Miss Lonelyhearts genre. . . . This collection of poignant insights into the complexities of the human heart offers a form of radical empathy and inspired compassion from a fellow traveler—one who not only feels the pain of others but leads them toward light and art.” (Elizabeth Taylor, The Chicago Tribune)

"These pieces are nothing short of dynamite, the kind of remarkable, revelatory storytelling that makes young people want to become writers in the first place. Over here at the Salon offices, we're reading the columns with boxes of tissue and raised fists of solidarity, shaking our heads with awe and amusement." (Sarah Hepola, Salon)

“In this collection of her columns, Strayed proves herself to be an astute amateur psychologist, as well as a compassionate, thoughtful and occasionally tough counselor. As with all personal advice columns, the questions that readers pose to Sugar are at least as intriguing as the answers. Strayed . . . uses her own foibles and misdemeanors to show that ‘we all suffer, we all fail, we all struggle and triumph and struggle again.’” (Cynthia Crossen, The Wall Street Journal)

Featured Article: The Audible Essentials—The Top 100 Well-Being Listens of All Time


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What listeners say about Tiny Beautiful Things (10th Anniversary Edition)

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    3 out of 5 stars

A Spoonful of Sugar

Always leary, am I, when non-clinicians start openly penning generalized advice (beyond dealing with biscuits that won't rise or resistant scuff marks) to people with problems that could be potentially serious or life-threatening--we don't need to look very far to see the inherent problems with such an approach. But after listening, I report that Miss Sugar is wise enough to always advise some medicine with her spoonful of sugar, and for the most part, in her essay-esque responses, directs her sweet peas toward professional counsel/support if needed. Miss Sugar is indeed wise, as well as compassionate and poetic. (*Strayed does have life-experience, obvious in her book Wild.)

This is an interesting mix -- author/advice columnist, novel/inspirational stories -- but just plugging it in and listening doesn't do it justice. In large doses the stream of advice-hidden-in-a-story becomes repetitive and more about the writer and creative writing than the problem. And with so many prose-filled personal stories, you begin to feel like this columnist not only yearns for the life of a novelist (funny thing), but also lived a life manufactured specifically for recalling and expending advice, which sometimes translates as too convenient, and unbelievable. [Imagine the hint-rich Heloise advising you.."I know mahogany can be problematic, and I'm sorry you have to deal with that hard and unfair fact, I also once owned a stubborn credenza... with a flowing perfect arc, move your cloud-like, lemon-scented cloth with the graceful grain of the wood on your credenza, becoming one with the oiled glistening panel of life recorded in those mahogany rings..." you get it.] But, Miss Sugar seems to pull up, just when you think she is going to drown the question in the reflective pool of her own life, and return to advising.

On the positive side, is the positive! Strayed is a good writer, and she uses those skills to be both entertaining and inspirational. Often in this book you will pick up some sparkling gems of wisdom. I was impressed with her good-karma emphasis on not only being a better person, but hoping for better for those around you, getting the whole team across the finish line. This would be a great book to pick up every day and read a passage, also a nice gift. Strayed does a good job narrating; I liked her voice work better here than on Wild. She still has that rock-hard edginess and no problem with dropping the F, or kicking pity-partiers off their asses--be prepared for some hard hitting--but nothing below the belt. Worthwhile listen; suggested enjoying in bits rather than one long session. (Another great pick up from this book...The Rumpus! A nice on-line magazine I intend on checking out more often, including the Miss Sugar column.)

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Wise, wonderful, and beautifully written

I started listening to the Dear Sugars podcast about a year ago but somehow never felt compelled to read this book or Wild. Probably because if the whole world loves a book, the chances are that I’ll hate it (e.g., Eat, Pray, Love—which is probably my least favorite memoir of all time).

But then life took a turn for the worse as it is wont to do and I finally succumbed and spent the day in bed crying. I tried various audio books. Unable to concentrate, I decided it was time for Tiny Beautiful Things.

I was blown away—first, by the writing, which is beautiful. And I’m not what I call a “beautiful language” person. Second, by how whatever subject Strayed was giving advice about in essay form seemed to apply to me, to anyone. And I cried some more.

I listened to most of the book in one sitting. Or I guess I should say in one “lying.” And it made me feel a little better, a little less alone. I won’t forget that feeling.

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Very depressing

Got this book on a recommendation and found that when I listened to it on the subway to work I found myself hearing these stories of rape incest drugs and cheating to put me in the absolute worst mood- not what I thought it would I don't even want to Finish it quitting half way through for my own piece of mind. Would be good for someone dealing with these type of issues.

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Not as described

The descriptions indicated this was a funny while dark at time book that was ultimately inspiring. I guess that you could say that, but it is rarely funny. Very serious. Good to listen to if you are in need of a good cry, but a horrible casual listen. It's more of a self help book than expected.

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Dissapointing Narration

This book is probably better read as a hard copy. I "returned it" after listening for about an hour because the narration was really annoying. I loved "Wild" and really wanted to like this book as well. Cheryl reads the answer to every question pausing for emphasis way too often. It is as if - every. single. thing. she. says. is. so. very. important... Narrated like a state of the union address. She also inserts a lot of terms of endearment (such as "sweetpea") a little too often and at inappropriate times, which was also annoying. After listening to a lot of books with great narrators, I just could not listen anymore. Also, the book deals with some heavy subject matters (such as abuse, etc.) and I started to feel depressed.

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so-so

I struggled to get through this book not because it does not have good advice or is not well written but because it's a book you have to keep picking up over and over in order to get through it. This book is best read over a length of time and not read for a due date such as an upcoming book group discussion.

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Loved it so much that I finally wrote a review

One of the best, most beautiful works I have ever listened to. Sugar is without a doubt the most lovingly truthful person I have ever heard.

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Touching, heart-breaking, funny, wise...memorable

I believe my headline says it all, but let's see if I can add more praise. I just adored this book. The book is a series of letters and responses to and from an advice columnist called Dear Sugar (Cheryl Strayed). This is no Dear Abby/ Ann Landers/ Ask Amy type experience. This book is not strident/ pedantic as are some advice- givers. This is like advice from a wise and fabulously credentialed therapist/ best friend/ mom/ teacher.

I listen to a lot of audiobooks and most are not that memorable, although perfectly enjoyable. This one will stick with you AND make you a better person. There will be something there for you, I promise.

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What the heck was that??

Just horrible. Makes me angry that I wasted a credit. The narration was absolutely painful.

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Why Go to Therapy When You Have This Book?

Would you listen to Tiny Beautiful Things again? Why?

I already have. It's sound advice on love and life from a woman who is not only emotionally intelligent but a terrific writer. Listening to this book made me feel safe and understood and not alone.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The writer of the Dear Sugar column Cheryl Strayed of course. I love how she opens up and uses her own life experience to empathically connect with her readers. It's a beautiful thing.

What about Cheryl Strayed and Steve Almond (intro) ’s performance did you like?

I'm glad she narrated. Having her do so was a good match for the authenticity of her writing.

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

Boundaries. The importance of boundaries, and that "f-----ed up people will try to tell you otherwise but boundaries have nothing to do with whether you love someone or not. They are not judgments, punishments or betrayals. They are a purely peaceable thing: the basic principals you identify for yourself that define the behaviors that you will tolerate from others. Boundaries teach people how to treat you and they teach you how to respect yourself."

Any additional comments?

Excellent excellent excellent. Absolutely worth every penny.

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