Top 10 Tuesday: Books That Made Me Cry
The official theme for this week's Top 10 Tuesday is "favorite 'awww' moments in books that give all the feels". Well there's no way my brain manages that. So, a twist is in order - I'm going with books that made me cry.
Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl is hosting another week of Top Ten Tuesday. I enjoy participating each week for a couple reasons. I'm a compulsive list maker and love a good list. And, I love a connection with other readers as I wander their book blogs. Here goes.
Let me preface this list with the fact that I rarely cry with books - TV shows are different; I'm often brought to tears by touching moments. But, it seems like the harder the book tries to be sad or touching, the less likely I am to go there. I'm more likely to tear up with an unexpected event or moment that touches me. These all touched me.
The One in a Million Boy by Monica Wood
Read Feb 2020
It's no spoiler to say that an odd but special little boy dies very early in the book. The people that he touched with his short life and the impact he left is such a touching story. Tears? Absolutely!
My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman
Read this in 2017, which was before blogging - on GR I wrote:
What a quirky, unusual format to tell a story! A story of love, of loss, of growing up. Though I wasn't sure I liked it at first, I quickly got so caught up in the story and characters that they sat in my mind urging me back to the book when I should have been working.
Using homemade fairytales, a grandmother weaves incredible stories to help her "different" (precocious) 7-year-old granddaughter cope with struggles in her life. When the granny dies, she leaves letters for her clever granddaughter to find that allow her to meet and understand her neighbors and her granny's life. An ordinary tale told in an extraordinary way. And yes, tears were shed. Highly recommended.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Read August 2020
I've read enough WWII fiction about strong women that I rarely get emotionally invested enough to cry. But this one, this one got me at the end. Tears rolling down my cheeks.
A Big Little Life by Dean Koontz
Read in 2012 on the recommendation of my sister, a dog lover
This book is a heartfelt ode to his much loved golden retriever, Trixie. It's a bit memories, philosophy, humor, and faith. And how could I not get a bit teary at the expressions of so much love?
The Lobster Kings by Alexi Zentner
Read in 2015
My GR comments from back then:
I really liked this book. It tells the story of a lobster fishing family, their sibling and parental relationships, and even has a little touch of the mystical. Well written, a strong female main character, good dialog.....an enjoyable read.
What I don't say is my memory of tears and tears at the end, though I don't remember it being an overtly sad book. Just touching.
And Every Morning The Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman
Read January 2022 - Another emotional entry by Backman
This short story is in honor of his dad and explores the relationship between a man struggling to hold onto his memories and the grandson he loves. He tries to connect as much as possible while he still can. Touching and heartwarming without being maudlin. Tears? Of course.
Monsters of Men #3 Chaos Walking by Patrick Ness
Read December 2019
I loved this trilogy and loved the two main characters. It is fantasy with lots of action, lots of social commentary and so very well written. I was surprised when I cried my way through most of the last chapters.
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
Read in 2019
I wouldn't be surprised in many people had tears in their eyes at the end of this novel about a couple working at a lighthouse who find an infant and keep her with devastating results.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Read in 2010, like most of the world at that time
Another book that 'everyone' read at the time, a heartwarming story told from a dog's perspective as he reflects back on his life with his humans. It's a great story, but honestly, the tears!!
Harry's Trees by Jon Cohen
Read in 2018
This is a book I feel like needs more attention. In the first few pages a man's wife is tragically killed and the rest of the story is him trying to find his way through that - he retreats to nature and meets a young girl trying to get over the loss of her father. The bond is rare and touching. Though starting from a sad premise, it's not a sad book, and yet, I cried at the end.
And there you have it - 10 books that made me cry. Did any of these affect you that way too? Do you see a new-to-you book on this list that you might try?
Looking forward to adding to my TBR this week as I visit your blogs and read about books that gave you "all the feels".
