Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole

Cain begins Chapter 1 with a personal anecdote. What is the purpose behind its inclusion? Evaluate her true intention here.

Cain relies on questions for the book’s chapter and part titles. How would you classify this strategy and is it effective? Why or why not?

Cain provides a quiz toward the end of the introduction. Take it and reflect on the results. Do the results surprise you in any way or are they what you would expect? Why?

How would you categorize Cain’s views on longing? Are these views dependent on religion? Can one be atheist and still agree with her claims?

Evaluate the position of the immortalists Cain interviews in Chapter 7. For instance, what are the key ideas that underpin their philosophy?

What is Cain’s ultimate message about the power of sadness? How can immersing ourselves in our sorrow help us live healthier and more fulfilling lives?

Do you agree with Susan David’s claim that America values a “tyranny of positivity” (160)? Why or why not? Cain and David are mostly critical of this insistence on being positive, but are they missing any upsides?

Is the Coda section of the book necessary? Why do you think Cain includes it?