Sad Happens
A beautifully illustrated, celebratory anthology exploring sadness—and the transformative power of tears. When was the last time you cried? Was it because you were sad? Or happy? Overwhelmed, or frustrated? Maybe from relief or from pride? Was it in public or in private? Did you feel better afterwards, or worse? The reasons that we cry—and the circumstances in which we shed a tear—are often surprising and beautiful. Sad Happens is a collective, multi-faceted archive of tears that captures the complexity and variety of these circumstances. We hear from Mike Birbiglia on the role that grief and pain have in comedy; Jia Tolentino on how motherhood made her cry in both hormonal joy and fervent rage; and Hanif Abdurraqib on the intimacy of crying on planes. We hear from Phoebe Bridgers on poignant moments of departure and JP Brammer on the strange disappointments of success; Matt Berninger on becoming a crybaby in his adulthood and Hua Hsu on crying during a moment of public uncertainty. We also hear from everyday people in a range of professions: an actor on the tips she learned from drag queens about preserving a full face of makeup while crying; a zookeeper on mourning the animals who have died during her tenure; a bartender on crying in the walk-in; and a TV critic on the shows that have moved her. Brimming with humanity, this anthology is confirmation that sad happens—but so does joy, love, a sense of community, and a host of other emotions. By turns moving and affirming, Sad Happens is an emotional balm and visual delight.
A Celebration of Tears
Sad Happens, a beautifully illustrated anthology edited by Brandon Stosuy and Rose Lazar, explores the multifaceted nature of sadness and the transformative power of tears. This book is not your typical downer, but rather a heartwarming and insightful collection of essays, personal stories, and illustrations that celebrate the full spectrum of human emotions.
A Celebration of Vulnerability:
Instead of shying away from sadness, Sad Happens embraces it as a natural and essential human experience. The book features contributions from a diverse range of individuals, including celebrities, writers, artists, and everyday people. They share their personal experiences with sadness, exploring its various causes and expressions, from grief and loss to overwhelming joy and bittersweet nostalgia.
Beyond the Tears:
Sad Happens goes beyond the surface-level expressions of sadness. It delves into the deeper psychological and physiological effects of tears, exploring their role in emotional release, stress reduction, and even physical healing. The book also touches on the cultural and societal stigma surrounding sadness, particularly directed towards men, and encourages open and honest expression of emotions.
The Power of Connection:
One of the most heartwarming aspects of Sad Happens is its message of connection and shared humanity. By sharing our experiences with sadness, we create a sense of community and understanding. The book reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that sadness is a universal experience that connects us all.
Beautifully Illustrated:
Sad Happens is not just a collection of words; it is a visual feast as well. The book features stunning illustrations by Rose Lazar that perfectly capture the emotional nuances of each story. The artwork adds a depth and dimension to the text, enhancing the overall reading experience.
Strengths:
- Diverse and insightful perspectives: The book features a wide range of voices, offering a comprehensive and relatable exploration of sadness.
- Positive and uplifting message: Despite dealing with a complex and often difficult topic, Sad Happens never feels overly sentimental or depressing. Instead, it offers a message of hope and resilience.
- Beautifully illustrated: The artwork adds a unique dimension to the book and enhances the emotional impact of the stories.
Weaknesses:
- Limited focus on solutions: While the book does a great job of exploring the nature of sadness, it could offer more concrete strategies for coping with it.
- Some stories may be triggering for sensitive readers: Due to the personal nature of the stories, some readers may find certain passages triggering or upsetting.
Overall Impression:
Sad Happens is a beautifully written and illustrated book that offers a refreshing and insightful look at sadness. It is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this complex emotion and explore healthy ways to navigate it. Whether you are experiencing sadness yourself or simply seeking to understand it better, Sad Happens is a book that will resonate with you on a deep level.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Recommendation:
Sad Happens is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the full spectrum of human emotions. It is a beautifully written and illustrated book that offers a message of hope, resilience, and shared humanity.
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Brandon Stosuy, Author & Music Writer 
A Creative Force
Background: Brandon Stosuy serves as the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Creative Independent, a platform supported by Kickstarter that explores the creative process across various disciplines. With a background in music and editorial operations, Stosuy has been a prominent figure in the cultural landscape.
Editorial Career: Stosuy previously held the position of Director of Editorial Operations at Pitchfork, a leading online music publication. His involvement in the music scene expanded beyond editorial roles, with significant contributions to curatorial activities at renowned institutions.
Curatorial Projects: Known for his curatorial expertise, Stosuy curates the annual Basilica SoundScape festival in Hudson, New York. Additionally, he has served as a music curator at both MoMA PS1 in New York City and the Broad museum in Los Angeles, showcasing his commitment to integrating music into diverse cultural spaces.
Collaboration with Matthew Barney: For over 15 years, Stosuy has collaborated with visual artist Matthew Barney on a series of live events, objects, and publications related to their Long Island City performance space, REMAINS. This collaborative effort has included the curation of various artistic endeavors, contributing to the intersection of music, visual arts, and performance.
Authorship: Stosuy has authored several books that reflect his interests in creativity, inspiration, and the nuances of the artistic process. His anthology, "Up is Up, But So Is Down: New York’s Downtown Literary Scene, 1974-1992," published in 2006, explores the vibrant literary scene of downtown New York during a crucial period.
Apart from his literary works for adults, Stosuy has ventured into children's literature with two books, "Music Is . . ." and "We Are Music." Additionally, he has explored the theme of resilience and learning from failure in his book "How to Fail Successfully."
Personal Life: Brandon Stosuy resides in Brooklyn with his wife and two children. His diverse body of work reflects a passion for fostering creativity across different age groups and artistic disciplines. Whether through editorial pursuits, curatorial projects, or written works, Stosuy continues to leave an indelible mark on the intersection of music, literature, and creativity.
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2023
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