Melissa Broder
Biography of Melissa Broder
Full Name and Common Aliases
Melissa Broder, often known by her social media alias @sosadtoday, is a contemporary American writer and poet whose work has resonated with a wide audience due to its raw honesty and dark humor.
Birth and Death Dates
Melissa Broder was born on August 3, 1979. As of the latest available information, she is alive and continues to contribute to the literary world.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Melissa Broder is an American author, poet, and essayist. She is also known for her work as a social media personality, particularly through her popular Twitter account, @sosadtoday, which has garnered a significant following for its candid and often humorous exploration of anxiety and existential dread.
Early Life and Background
Melissa Broder was born and raised in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. She grew up in a family that valued education and creativity, which played a significant role in shaping her literary aspirations. Broder attended Tufts University, where she studied English and creative writing. Her academic background laid the foundation for her future endeavors in writing and poetry. After completing her education, she moved to New York City, where she immersed herself in the vibrant literary scene, further honing her craft.
Major Accomplishments
Melissa Broder's career is marked by several notable accomplishments. She gained widespread recognition with the publication of her poetry collections, which include "When You Say One Thing But Mean Your Mother" and "Scarecrone." Her work is celebrated for its unflinching exploration of themes such as mental illness, desire, and the human condition. In addition to her poetry, Broder has made a significant impact with her essays and novels. Her essay collection, "So Sad Today," based on her popular Twitter account, received critical acclaim for its raw and honest portrayal of her struggles with anxiety and depression.
Notable Works or Actions
One of Melissa Broder's most notable works is her novel "The Pisces," published in 2018. The book tells the story of a woman grappling with heartbreak and existential ennui, who embarks on a surreal and transformative journey involving a merman. "The Pisces" was praised for its unique blend of humor, fantasy, and introspection, earning Broder a dedicated readership. Her essay collection, "So Sad Today," is another significant work that delves into her personal experiences with mental health, relationships, and identity. The collection's candid and relatable essays have resonated with many readers, further cementing her reputation as a voice for those grappling with similar issues.
Impact and Legacy
Melissa Broder's impact on contemporary literature is profound. Her willingness to confront taboo subjects with honesty and humor has opened up conversations about mental health and the complexities of modern life. Through her writing, she has provided a platform for discussing issues that are often stigmatized, offering solace and understanding to those who feel isolated by their struggles. Broder's work has inspired a new generation of writers to embrace vulnerability and authenticity in their storytelling, challenging traditional narratives and expanding the boundaries of literary expression.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Melissa Broder is widely quoted and remembered for her ability to articulate the intricacies of the human experience with wit and candor. Her social media presence, particularly through @sosadtoday, has made her a relatable figure for many who find comfort in her words. Broder's quotes often capture the essence of existential angst and the search for meaning in a chaotic world, resonating with those who seek to understand their own emotions. Her work continues to be a source of inspiration and reflection, making her a significant figure in contemporary literature and a voice for those navigating the complexities of modern life.
Quotes by Melissa Broder
Melissa Broder's insights on:

I, myself, had a very complicated relationship with emptiness, blankness, nothingness. Sometimes I wanted only to fill it, frightened that if I didn’t it would eat me alive or kill me. But sometimes I longed for total annihilation in it – a beautiful, silent erasure. A desire to be vanished.

I loved him too. But at the same time, who knew what love was exactly? I still didn’t have it figured out. I remembered what Dr. Jude had said. The question is not what is love, but is it really love I’m looking for?

Did anyone ever say that life was to be enjoyed and not suffered? What if the suffering was the point? But I didn’t want to suffer anymore. I couldn’t take it. That was clear. So I was going to try to be happy, even if it brought me more suffering.

There I was, a woman on the rocks by the ocean, wrapped in a blanket, waiting for the return of her lover. Everything I knew about art would say that I was a painting. I was certainly a poem. Sappho was too – her life, perhaps, unknowable, but her feelings were mine. I was mythic.

I don’t watch a lot of porn, but a typical search term for me is “fat lesbians.” What a beautiful fantasy: to be accepted and embraced and adored as your biggest self, the most you, by a woman who is her fullest her.

Let’s pretend you are capable of being who I think I need you to be: a love story.

Maybe that’s all that prayer was anyway – a cosmic google. In that case, any iPhone could be a synagogue.


