_{In Why Are We Attracted to Sad Music, Sandra Garrido explores why sad music is so popular and what it is about sad music that people are drawn to. As expected, Garrido points out that there is not one reason in particular as to why people like sad music, but Garrido is still able to make some inferences and present her theory on the matter in a very clear cut and concise manner.}

_{Garrido does so by first discussing the various views of how we are impacted by music and what makes music sad to its listener. When doing so, Garrido also points out that little research has been conducted on the subject of why we are attracted to sad music, but Garrido explains her own research to the reader, and connects that research with current and past exploration of the topic. Interestingly, Garrido points out that our bodies respond physiologically to sad music even though it is still somewhat unclear as to why. Sad music, and music overall, also has the ability to impact our mental states, and this is where Garrido gets deeper into her research, not surprisingly making connections between mood, depression and mental health. Garrido explains that there are various human characteristics that impact not only our attraction to sad music, but also why we tend to listen to sad music and how such music makes us feel. There is a connection between liking sad music and empathy, to the point where some people enjoy the feelings of sadness that sad music can evoke. At the same time, this is more common in people who have high scores in rumination (a focus on the negative). Therefore, depending on ones personal disposition, ones tendency to ruminate, Garrido points out that listening to sad music can have negative effects on people with tendencies towards depression. At the same time, music can promote group cohesion and social bonding, but also group rumination. It is noteworthy that people who have a tendency towards depression and rumination are more likely to therefore listen to music not only for its social connection, but also in order to engage in group rumination. Nostalgia is also connected to depression as a sense of nostalgia is often triggered by depression and can therefore be part of both healthy and unhealthy coping mechanism depending on the person.}

_{Garrido ends with again asserting that there is little consensus as to why we listen to sad music, and that more empirical research is needed. At the same time, because of Garrido’s research it is possible to point out that listening to sad music triggers physiological changes in the body, that there are biological mechanism in play, and that people respond differently to sad music based on culture, the lyrics of the song(s), personal experiences, ones personality, ones tendency to ruminate and a person’s proneness to nostalgia.}

_{Garrido has written a book that is interesting and provides the reader with numerous studies that discuss attraction to sad music. The book is a valuable resource in the study of psychology, especially when a person is suffering from depression. The insight provided in regards to the link between listening to sad music, depression, nostalgia and rumination is fascinating.}

_{© 2017 Hennie Weiss}

_{Hennie Weiss has a Master’s Degree in Sociology from California State University, Sacramento. Her academic interests include women’s studies, gender, sexuality and feminism.}