I love Dear Sugar on the Rumpus, and have been a fan for a while. I was excited when Sugar "came out" as Cheryl Strayed and shared her story with the world in Wild (which I haven't read yet, but it is on the pile!). But when I saw this book, I couldn't wait to read it! And it is a gem!
This book is filled with letters she has chosen as the best ones from her column, and she is very good and choosing wonderful letters (well, some are very sad) and responding to the problems and questions of real people. She is tough, she is strong and she is tender. I folded down my page corners, for future reference and have already found myself thinking about what she's said to others in my own life.
She quotes Emily Dickinson. She is brutally honest and unfailingly loving at the same time. Who wouldn't love someone who writes this: "You need to do the same, dear sweet arrogant beautiful crazy talented tortured rising star glowbug"! I want to write like this! She is a genius! "Find a way to weave your father's failing into the new tapestry of your lifelong bond." This stuff makes me cry, I swear, I wept several times throughout this book, even in the dentist's office!
You don't need to be a fan, or even to know who Sugar, or the Rumpus, or who Cheryl Strayed is to LOVE this book. There were countless moments in this book where I just felt she was speaking to me, about my life, my family, my children, etc. She has a way, and it is wonderful. I look forward to so much more with Sugar, and I will cherish this book and always keep it around. This would also make a fine gift for a friend that you were close to.
5 stars
advanced reader copy provided by Amazon
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