Wednesday 18 November 2015

Tiny Beautiful Things




I recently visited a friend and had a long train journey home ahead. As I picked up my bags to leave my friend handed me a book and told me ‘it was one of the best books she’d ever read’. She was right. Tiny Beautiful Things is exceptional and unlike anything I’ve ever read before. It’s essentially a series of letters and replies from an advice column, but it’s somehow so much more than that. Cheryl Strayed writes responses that are raw and weaves in emotive stories about her own life.

Often when things are difficult you might look to others for advice, and they’ll usually respond sympathetically and tell you they can’t really give you the answer. What struck me about this book is that Strayed doesn’t tell you what to do but by sharing her own battles, she helps you to feel stronger, and most importantly that you aren’t alone.

I have a habit of folding down page corners if I particularly relate to a sentiment so I can come back to them later. I could have turned down every other page in this beautiful book. Strayed covers letters from people who’re heartbroken, lost, confused, exhausted, pressured, scared, angry, trapped, and often desperate. This book doesn’t trivialise small problems or wash over the often insurmountable mess that life can present. Somehow every response leaves you feeling that ‘we can all have a better life if we make one.’

Have you read Tiny Beautiful Things? What did you think?

15 comments:

  1. This sounds like a wonderful book. I will add it to my reading list. Thanks for sharing. :)

    www.chicuturnonglitz.blogspot.com

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  2. It really is such a fantastic book. It's one that I've recommended to lots of my friends so I really hope you enjoy it.

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  3. This book looks interesting! I'll try to get my hands on one :)

    http://glamorizewithsundas.blogspot.com/

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    1. It's beautifully written; I hope you manage to get your hands on a copy. I'm going to read her other book Wild next :)

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  4. Aaah thanks for this review, it sounds like such a nice book xx

    Love,
    Hannie Arden from Missing Wanderer.

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    1. It's just lovely. It would make a brilliant gift for a friend :)

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  5. Such a great book review Rachael! I haven't heard of this book, but it sounds great and really inspirational! I really want to start reading more, as it makes me feel calm me in the evenings - so this is a must.

    – http://www.veebzboo.com
    – http://www.youtube.com/veebzboo – My Autumn Matte Make-up Look

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    1. It's definitely a good read for the night time. I couldn't put it down so found myself reading it in the morning too! I hope you enjoy it :)

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  6. Great book review
    i will come book store to get it
    MarieProm UK

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    1. Yes, give it a read! 😊 I hope you love it as much as I do.

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  7. This book actually sounds so interesting, definitely want to give it a read.

    The Velvet Black | UK Style & Beauty Blog

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    1. It's so good! Nothing like the kind of responses you would normally read in a standard advice column.

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  8. this sounds really nice, definitely going to check it out!

    danielle | avec danielle

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    1. It is brilliant! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

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