I am one of those readers who can weep bitterly over a book. Sometimes, the book leaves such a deep impact that it is hard for me to come out of the main plotline. Just like me, many other readers adore such tearjerkers. Such books make you experience sadness but also deliver life’s important lessons by the time they end. Here is my choice of the best books that can break your heart but also put its pieces back together again.
“The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig (2020)
Matt Haig’s “The Midnight Library” shares the journey of Nora Seed, a woman whose life is full of regrets. She finds herself stuck in a magical library between life and death. Each book in the library gives a glimpse into how her life could have unfolded. The novel talks about themes of mental health, our choices, and the roads not taken. Haig perfectly balances despair and hope, teaching that life is full of pain and possibilities to move ahead.
“A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara (2015)
Hanya Yanagihara’s “A Little Life” is a tale of friendship, trauma, and the effect of the past on the present. It follows four college classmates as they move through the complex life of adulthood. The book particularly focuses on Jude, a brilliant yet troubled lawyer with a mysterious past. It is unflinching in its explanation of pain and suffering yet talks about the resilience of the human spirit.
“The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah (2015)
“The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah is an absolute heartbreaker. It is a poignant narrative of the lives of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, based in World War II France. Both women resist the Nazi occupation in their ways. Hannah’s novel showcases the courage and sacrifice these two women made in such horrific times. I had a tough time getting over this book and would advise you to go slow, allowing the story to grip you.
“When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi (2016)
Paul Kalanithi’s memoir “When Breath Becomes Air” is a heart-wrenching take into the life of a neurosurgeon who is suffering from terminal cancer. Kalanathi’s reflections on his journey from being a doctor to a patient show the fragility of life. The memoir was completed posthumously by his wife and is a moving portrayal of mortality and life’s tragedies.
“All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr (2014)
Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We CanNot See tells the tale of a blind French Girl and a German Boy during World War II. The novel highlights the tragic impact of war on individuals and the beauty of the human spirit and kindness. Its intricate story illuminates the ways in which people continue to strive for goodness and connection.
“My Sister’s Keeper” by Jodi Picoult (2004)
This book is not as recent as others, but it touches hearts. It is the story of a girl conceived to be a genetic match for her sick sister. Due to parental pressures, she endures the same medical struggles as her elder sister. Picoult explores the dilemma of all characters, which is deeply moving, and the end would make you take out the tissues.
“Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel (2014)
Station Eleven is a post-apocalyptic novel that weaves the lives of characters before and after a flu pandemic wipes out humanity. Through the intertwined stories, the novel explores themes of memory, connection, and the power of storytelling. Mandel’s writing shows the beauty of human existence and hope that emerges from staying desolate.
Summing Up
Books can be wonderful companions when it comes to understanding life. The above novels may be tearjerkers, but they also instill a sense of hope and courage in readers. Once you start them, there is no looking back, and the story keeps you haunted forever. So start your literary journey with these lovely, heart-touching books, and let me know if you adored them too.
Garima Bais, a content creator since 2015, delivers unmatched quality with a personal touch. She is an expert in niches like beauty, fashion, digital marketing, health, parenting, travel, and home improvement. An Extremely positive person, she wishes to extend a helping hand to people dealing with problems who have no one to share them with.
