Gold foil illustration of stars

About the Author

John Koenig created The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows in 2009. What started as a blog grew into a YouTube series and, in 2021, a book. He's a writer and designer whose work spans graphic design, creative writing, and voice acting. Born in Idaho and raised in Geneva, Switzerland, he now lives in Minneapolis with his wife and daughter.

"It’s undeniably thrilling to find words for our strangest feelings…Koenig casts light into lonely corners of human experience…An enchanting book."

—The Washington Post

The Kick Drop

Cover image for the The Kick Drop word card on the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

Wenbane

a person standing on a ledge looking at a city skyline

Midsummer

a person standing in a garden holding a clock

Ledsome

Cover image for the Ledsome word card on the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

Adomania

a person riding a horse

Vulture Shock

Cover image for the Vulture Shock word card on the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

A book that poetically defines emotions that we all feel but haven't had the words to express—until now.

Buy On Amazon