Bitter or Better: Grappling With Life on the Op-Ed Page

"You have a wonderful writing style. Very lyrical. Reminds me of Grisham, who is as smooth as they come." — New York Times Best Selling Author Vince Flynn

Caryn M. Sullivan's journey as a columnist and storyteller has been shaped by experiences that many would find overwhelming, yet she approaches each challenge with a tenacious spirit and a willingness to share what she learns along the way. From navigating the complexities of a cancer diagnosis to raising a son with autism, she writes from a place of hard-won understanding. Her columns for the St. Paul Pioneer Press dig beneath the headlines to offer readers compelling insights about family, medical crises, and the difficult situations that define our lives. Rather than offering easy answers, she invites readers to grapple alongside her, finding hope and meaning in the process.

The book Bitter or Better captures this philosophy in action, tracing an unexpected journey from a Baltimore row house to the peaks of Machu Picchu and through the personal upheavals that reshaped a life. As both an attorney and a crisis manager within her own blended household, Caryn learned early that life rarely follows a straight path. Her writing reflects a deep understanding that the same circumstances can either embitter us or make us better. Through her columns, blog posts, and speaking engagements, she shares stories of love, devotion, and the stubborn resolve required to meet unyielding challenges with grace.

Beyond the page, Caryn brings her storytelling magic to audiences across Minnesota and beyond as a speaker who tailors her presentations to inspire and connect. Whether addressing a foundation, a volunteer association, or a community group, she shares her experiences with autism, cancer, widowhood, and heart disease in ways that resonate deeply with listeners. Her talks draw on a decade of honing skills as a columnist and author, offering audiences a window into how one woman navigated roles as a patient, a widow, and a mother while maintaining a sense of hope and purpose.

At the heart of Caryn's work is a simple but powerful question: When life hands us bitter circumstances, can we choose to become better? She writes for readers who are discerning, who want to feel something real, and who appreciate stories that offer compelling insights rather than platitudes. Her blog and columns provide a wealth of content for those grappling with their own challenges, from medical crises to family transitions. Through it all, Caryn remains committed to sharing the lessons learned in the trenches, offering companionship and perspective to anyone navigating their own unexpected journey.

"This is as wonderful as your last post. You are a terrific writer." — Lee Woodruff, New York Times Best Selling Author & Speaker