Perhaps it's her down to earth writing. Perhaps it's the human-ness of the book - real people with real problems (or ordinary people with extraordinary situations?). Perhaps it's the use of blessings to confirm life itself. Perhaps it is a confirmation of Judaism (liberal or traditional) as a path to live a more fulfilling life even when life "isn't fair." Perhaps it is a realization, as we mature, that bad does happen (and, sometimes good does come out of bad). Also, human pain is real and common - and, becomes easier to live with in a caring community.