Sweet Nothings by Sarah Perry is a witty and beautifully illustrated collection of essays that dives into the colorful, nostalgic, and surprising universe of candy. From the crackle of Pop Rocks to the melt of Snickers, from the old-world charm of Werther’s Originals to the sticky allure of Turkish Delight, Perry takes readers on a flavorful adventure through one hundred bite-sized reflections on taste, memory, and pleasure, all paired with delightful drawings by Forsyth Harmon.
Candy has a way of unwrapping memories and handing you a sugar rush straight from childhood. One moment you are reading, and the next you are eight years old again with sticky fingers, a wide grin, and no regrets, unless you count the dentist bills. Sweet Nothings is a joyful read that shimmers with nostalgia, grief, human connection, and life’s tiny but delicious pleasures, all described in Perry’s voice that balances humor with sincerity.
Guaranteed zero cavities, but plenty of sweet memories.
Organized by candy color, Sweet Nothings blends pop culture, culinary history, and personal storytelling into a clever and funny exploration of why sweets matter so much. Perry stirs up age-old debates like Twizzlers or Red Vines, wonders about the curious cheer of Mentos enthusiasts, and asks the eternal Narnia question: was Turkish Delight really worth selling out your siblings? Alongside the jokes and candy trivia, she also raises bigger questions about food, class, body image, identity, and joy.
A few essays stretch a little long, like an overpulled Laffy Taffy, but most are sweet, sharp, and satisfyingly chewy. My personal favorites were the meditations on Swedish Fish, forever lodged in both my teeth and my heart, bubble gum with its flavor that vanishes faster than your allowance, and Warheads, the ultimate childhood dare where pain and pride went hand in hand.
A jawbreaker of wisdom with a bubblegum center.
With a voice that is playful yet profound, Perry reflects on the candies that shaped her childhood and braids them into stories of love, loss, and longing. Both nostalgic and thought-provoking, Sweet Nothings is a celebration of small pleasures and a reminder that sweetness always lingers in memory, yes, even in black licorice.
The book reminded me of my own candy-soaked youth. My parents gave my sister and me daily money for treats, which meant endless pilgrimages to the corner store and, of course, frequent visits to the dentist. Yet even with the cavities, the sugar was worth every bite. Candy is not just a snack; it is a time machine wrapped in shiny foil.
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