Bittersweetness is a tendency to states of longing, poignancy, and sorrow; an acute awareness of passing time; and a curiously piercing joy at the beauty of the world. It recognizes that light and dark, birth and death—bitter and sweet—are forever paired. If you’ve ever wondered why you like sad music . . .
If you find comfort or inspiration in a rainy day . . .
If you react intensely to music, art, nature, and beauty . . .
Then you probably identify with the bittersweet state of mind.
With Bittersweet Susan Cain employs a mix of research, storytelling, and memoir to explore why we experience sorrow and longing, and how embracing the bittersweetness at the heart of life is the true path to creativity, connection, and transcendence. Cain shows how a bittersweet state of mind is the quiet force that helps us transcend our personal and collective pain. If we don’t acknowledge our own heartache, she says, we can end up inflicting it on others via abuse, domination, or neglect, but if we realize that all humans know—or will know—loss and suffering, we can turn toward one another. At a time of profound discord and personal anxiety, Bittersweet brings us together in deep and unexpected ways.
Availability: Book; Large Print Book; eBook in cloudLibrary Rating: ***** Stars (I loved it)
Reviewer: Shannon, Assistant Director
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GENRE: Society and Culture
WRITING STYLE: Accessible; Engaging
TONE: Reflective; Thought-Provoking
SUBJECT: Desire; Emotions; Grief; Interpersonal Relations; Melancholy; Sadness
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