Sonder. Chrysalism. Anemoia. These sound like words from the dictionary, right? Well, they are, but not just any dictionary: John Koenig’s Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. For years, first on his Tumblr and YouTube and then in this book, the author has created words to encapsulate emotions and sensations there was no word for.

I discovered Koenig’s work on his tumblr yeaaaaars ago, and waited for years for a physical-book-version. I was so happy when it happened! This is such a gem of a book. I did read it quickly, but it’s the kind of book best left by your bed to peruse now and then. It holds a lot of poetry and thoughtfulness. The one thing I would have to say is that while European roots for words are played upon, words taken from non-European languages are usually left as they are but with a new meaning. It felt like a missed opportunity, because for speakers of these languages, the word is already known. But that’s very minor. All in all this is a gorgeous book for bibliophiles and would make a lovely Yuletide present.