By: Tom White
Kristy Redman first penned Bitterness Can Be Sweet! Why We Do The Things We Do in 2008 as a release of her built-up emotions and an homage to her challenging past. Inspired by the ever-prevalent relatability of the book’s main characters – six women tormented by adversity and emotional strain – she re-introduced the novel to the public in June 2021, hoping to reach more lost souls and enrich the lives of readers worldwide. With vibrant personalities and diverse struggles intertwining into one impactful narrative, Kristy relies on the power of storytelling to spark inner transformations, entertain, and provoke self-reflection.
While the premise of Bitterness Can Be Sweet! Revolves around the leading causes of women’s bitterness – specifically men – Kristy’s deeper vivisection unveils an uncomfortable truth—we create our bitterness. On a mission to instill a sense of belonging, the prolific author turns each story into a mirror, empowering readers to draw parallels between the characters’ struggles and their own, helping them understand how their actions and thoughts affect themselves and those around them.
For Kristy, Bitterness Can Be Sweet! is more than a first venture into published authorship; it symbolizes her triumph over inner darkness. With her 30s filled with anxiety and destructive thoughts that wouldn’t stop racing, she sought solace in journaling, a hobby that quickly turned into her most cherished part of the day. Anytime she shared feelings with her girlfriends and trusted confidants who understood her sorrows, she would scribble the afterthoughts on paper, infusing the passages with her innate sense of humor. When re-reading the journal, Kristy saw her reflections forming into authentic stories that many women could resonate with – a realization that sparked the official book-writing process.
Bitterness Can Be Sweet! It commences with a powerful introduction that dissects childhood expectations and reality, focusing on the dismal disappointment nearly all adults experience at some point in life. This preludes into six unique stories of six exceptional women dealing with unique challenges yet united by shared sentiments, coping mechanisms, and a friendship bond that entwines their journeys. With Kristy’s organic humor, spirituality, and raw emotions, each chapter offers attainable life lessons that profoundly shift perspectives and empower readers.
Whether it’s about relationship drama, familial dynamics, insecurities, self-esteem issues, dating the wrong (married) men, not appreciating those in front of them, or sexual discoveries, Bitterness Can Be Sweet Offers an honest look into women’s minds, highlighting the why behind their reactions. Lighthearted from the beginning, readers are in for an emotional rollercoaster once they reach chapter five, with a drastic tone shift they will never see coming.
Crowing Bitterness Can Be Sweet! is Kristy’s story of adversity and self-reflection. Saved until the end, this chapter showcases the struggles of ‘practice what you preach,’ a philosophy many find challenging to implement. “Whenever my friends shared their woes with me, I always knew what to do. I knew how to analyze the situation, offer practical advice, and help them overcome hurdles,” adds the author. “But when I had an issue, I couldn’t do the same; I couldn’t see a way out.”
While diverse and touching upon polarizing issues, the six stories share the same essence and goal—to help readers realize that ‘we, as women, are often the source of our bitterness.’ Kristy’s take challenges common negative connotations associated with the word, empowering readers by helping them accept this bittersweet reality. Written like a one-on-one conversation with direct address, the author breaks the fourth wall in literature, evoking a sense of closeness and trust.
Penned to entertain, amuse, spark reflection, and make other women feel good, Bitterness Can Be Sweet! is not self-help; it’s self-care. “Depending on age, experiences, and personalities, the needs of all readers are different. But these six women hold a mirror that opens the doors to profound understanding, encouraging others to learn from their stories and maybe, just maybe, try a few self-care techniques for themselves,” remarks Kristy. “Those who immerse themselves in the world of Linda, Janet, Yolanda, and others will pocket more than an entertaining read; they will gain a group of girlfriends they didn’t know they had or needed.”
Published by: Josh Tatunay
