The Art of Crying: The Healing Power of Tears

Argentine artist and illustrator Sandwich (Las Mujeres Mueven Montañas) conveys the power of tears in this captivating study of crying. Using vibrant illustrations and research, Sandwich explores the history, science, and cultural significance of this uniquely human emotional experience. The book explores a range of physiological and emotional reasons that humans cry, the symbolism of tears in culture and art, and the healing benefits of crying. She also delves into quirky aspects of the culture around crying: tear teachers, crying memes, why people cry on planes, the origin of the term “crocodile tears.” Witty, thoughtful, and engaging as both a visual artist and writer, Sandwich is an ideal guide for the subject matter. Throughout the book she mixes in personal experiences and her own relationship to tears, infusing and balancing fascinating information with vulnerability. The book will appeal widely to readers of nonfiction for its approachable blend of subjects and meaningful themes. Readers interested in further exploring crying might also enjoy Benjamin Perry’s Cry, Baby: Why Our Tears Matter.