Thursday, May 5, 2022

Book Review: Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole; Susan Cain

 

Crown - April 2022

I was a huge fan of this author's book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, so, this book was a must read for me.   Although this book is very well researched and written, it just didn't resonate with me in the same way Quiet did.

Bittersweet -- "a melancholic direction"; "a tendency to states of longing, poignancy, and sorrow; an acute awareness of the passing of time and a curiously piercing joy at the beauty of the world."

This books seemed to be part memoir but, it also covers other experiences such as trauma, loss of a loved on, grief etc.  There seemed to be quite a bit of spirituality infused as well.  Finally,  readers could take a "Bittersweet" Quiz to see whether you identify with the Bittersweet type. I took the quiz and, I'm definitely more the sanguine type.  I guess that was the reason, in some ways, I had difficulty relating to this book.  I still think this book was worth reading and will appeal to many readers.

Rating - 3.5/5 stars

Note: The eGalley download was made available by the publisher (Crown) and Edelweiss in exchange for my unbiased review.

14 comments:

  1. Sounds like lots of interesting topics in there.

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    1. Yes, I can see how this book would work for many readers.

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  2. I'd read this book to see which type I fit into!

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    1. The quiz was interesting and it definitely helped me understand why this book didn't work well for me. I just don't tend dwell on sad, unfortunate situations when they occur.

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  3. This doesn't seem to be getting quite the same raves Quiet did. I'd like to take that quiz before deciding whether or not to read it. Makes sense that it could influence your ability to appreciate the book.

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    1. Yes I didn't look but perhaps someone has it posted somewhere. I've never been the sentimental sort but, have always had a positive attitude knowing others have endure far worse things than me.

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  4. I didn't read the book but I already know I'm the sanguine type. My motto is "It could always be worse".

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    1. Same here Vicki. I've always had a positive attitude and look to what others have had to endure.

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  5. I think I'd rather just reread Quiet (which I loved).

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  6. I reckon I could be marginally bittersweet. It would be interesting to take the test. I do need to read Quiet I think.

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  7. Maybe someone has printed the quiz on line, haven't checked.

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  8. I can see how this book would have appeal for many people, but I don't think it is for me. Thank you for the review.

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