Author: Susain Cain

“Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole” by Susan Cain explores the profound impact of emotions often perceived as negative, such as sorrow and longing. Cain, known for her bestseller “Quiet,” delves into how these emotions can be transformative and enriching.

Summary

In “Bittersweet,” Cain introduces the concept of bittersweetness, which she defines as a state of longing, poignancy, and sorrow, coupled with an acute awareness of the passage of time and a deep appreciation for beauty. She argues that these emotions are not just fleeting feelings but a way of being that can lead to greater creativity, compassion, and connection.

Cain uses a mix of research, storytelling, and personal memoir to illustrate her points. She draws on examples from history, literature, and her own life to show how embracing bittersweetness can help us navigate personal and collective pain. By acknowledging our sorrows and longings, we can transform them into creative pursuits and deeper connections with others¹².

Reviews

• Kirkus Reviews praises the book as a “beautifully written tribute to underappreciated emotions,” highlighting Cain’s compassionate exploration of sorrow and longing. The review notes that Cain’s work encourages readers to transform their sorrows into creative offerings and to open up about their negative feelings rather than keeping them hidden¹.
• Goodreads users have rated the book highly, with an average rating of 3.97 out of 5 from over 22,000 ratings. Reviewers appreciate Cain’s engaging writing style and her ability to make complex psychological concepts accessible. Many readers found the book to be a comforting and insightful exploration of emotions that are often overlooked².
• Book Marks offers a more critical perspective, noting that while the book covers a broad range of topics, its interdisciplinary approach can sometimes feel disjointed. However, it acknowledges that the themes Cain explores are worth delving into5.
• Four Minute Books describes “Bittersweet” as a mixed-bag book, with loosely connected sections but valuable insights into negative emotions and their benefits. The summary suggests that the book is a good overview for those interested in understanding how sorrow and longing can serve us6.

Overall, “Bittersweet” is a thought-provoking read that challenges the “tyranny of positivity” and offers a nuanced perspective on emotions that are often seen as negative. If you’re interested in exploring how sorrow and longing can lead to personal growth and deeper connections, this book is definitely worth a read.

Source:
(1) BITTERSWEET – Kirkus Reviews. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/susan-cain/bittersweet-sorrow-longing/.
(2) Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58734811-bittersweet.
(3) Bittersweet Summary – Four Minute Books. https://fourminutebooks.com/bittersweet-summary/.
(4) Susan Cain’s ‘Bittersweet’ to Transform Longing into Wholeness. https://bing.com/search?q=Bittersweet+book+summary+and+reviews.
(5) Susan Cain’s ‘Bittersweet’ to Transform Longing into Wholeness. https://paminy.com/book-summary-bittersweet-how-sorrow-longing-make-us-whole/.
(6) goodreads.com. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58734811-bittersweet.