What is the saddest book ever?

31 Best Sad Books That Make You Cry Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng. ... The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. ... The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger. ... The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. ... The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. ... A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. ... The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. More items... •

theuncorkedlibrarian.com - 31 Incredibly Sad Books That Make You Cry | The Uncorked Librarian

What are the 4 basic knife skills?

Here are six basic knife skills, as pointed out by Tasty, to master in your 20s. How to grip the knife properly. Before you start chopping...

Last updated Aug 8, 2018

What happens if you don't cry when someone dies?

Grief is surprising and unpredictable, and it's different for each individual person, so if you're yet to cry after the death of a loved one, it's...

Last updated Apr 3, 2019

Promotion

This post may contain affiliate links that earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Explore some of the best sad books that make you cry – both tears of joy and tears filled with empathy and heartbreak. Sometimes we are only in the mood to read fluffy rom-coms and suspenseful thrillers. Other times, we are looking for more thought-provoking books or are on a nonfiction kick. If you are in the mindset to read sad books that will teach you more, grab the tissue box for this reading list. Below, uncover books that make you cry both tears of utter sadness as well as tears of joy, especially as our characters and protagonists grow, form friendships, and overcome hardship. Of course, we’ve included WW2 and animal books that will make you cry as well as a few heartbreaking books about war, miscarriage, sexual assault, mental health, and love lost.

Please note that many of these titles come with trigger warnings.

So, what are the best sad books that make you cry? Let’s get started, and don’t forget to tell us your favorite titles in the comments. If you enjoy reading powerful stories, explore even more books that make you think more deeply. Keep reading for top sad books that make you cry and touch your heart.

Save the best emotional books that make you cry for later:

1. Book of the Month: Get the month’s hottest new and upcoming titles from Book of the Month. You might snag an early release or debut author. Along with selecting a book a month, find terrific add-ons, both trendy and lesser-known titles. 2. Audible Plus: From Amazon, listen to Amazon Originals, podcasts, and audiobooks. They add new titles every week. 3. Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans: With over 1 million titles, enjoy unlimited reading and listening. Kindle Unlimited also features magazine subscriptions and books to borrow. 4. Amazon Prime: Don’t miss Amazon First Reads – early access to Kindle books. Get fast delivery as well as movies, music, Originals, shows, and more.

31 Best Sad Books That Make You Cry

By Tori Curran

1. Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

Is anything worse than the death of a child? Ng piles on the heartbreak after the Lee’s, a mixed-race Chinese-American family, learn that their daughter Lydia has drowned. They soon discover that while they believed their daughter was popular and excelling in school, she was actually quite lonely and her grades were slipping. As Lydia’s parents reflect, we learn about the abandonment, resentment, and betrayal that has plagued the family for years – and will continue to haunt them. Ng beautifully marries her emotionally complex tale with themes of belonging and cultural identity to create this heartbreaking masterpiece. Sad books about struggle, grief, and burden won’t hit your core any harder than this.

2. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

TW: rape

Fourteen-year-old Susie Salmon takes her typical shortcut home from school when she is met by her neighbor, George. Tragically, she trusts him enough to follow him into a hideout, where he rapes and murders her. Susie’s spirit ascends to her own personal heaven, where she watches the aftermath of her murder, including what it does to her parents. One of the most popular heartbreaking books, The Lovely Bones is a beautifully balanced tale of a brutal death and the redemptive power of the afterlife.

3. The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger

Popularized by the film of the same name, The Perfect Storm attempts to narrate the events of a storm in 1991 that claimed a fishing vessel and all on board. Before reconstructing what likely happened when a nor’easter met a hurricane in the North Atlantic, Junger shares the lives of the men who eventually found themselves aboard the Andrea Gale. Not just another shipwreck story, The Perfect Storm is one of those gut-wrenching books that make you cry because it’s so incredibly human.

4. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Surprisingly, there are countless children’s books that will make you cry, even as an adult. One of our favorites, Applegate certainly tugs on our heartstrings with her story of a captured gorilla, Ivan, told from his perspective. Ivan is a gorilla living in captivity at a mall, alongside his friend, an elephant named Stella. Stella, aging and hurt, tries to open Ivan’s eyes to the quality of life they might find in a zoo. When Ruby, a baby Elephant, joins them to learn Stella’s tricks, Ivan begins to feel a sense of longing and responsibility. The Newbery winner is both gentle and eye-opening to the brutality of animals living in captivity. Out of the sad books on this list, The One and Only Ivan is also a great story about the best of friends.

5. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

TW: rape

Follow Amir, a wealthy young boy from Kabul, Afghanistan, and Hassan, who is the son of his father’s servant. Set against the backdrop of turmoil and destruction, the novel follows both the tumultuous events in Afghanistan and the unlikely, yet troubled friendship between the boys. Amir often behaves cowardly and doesn’t help his friend, but Hosseini excels in simultaneously creating sympathy for him, despite numerous betrayals. For sad books that make you cry, The Kite Runner is also beautifully redemptive.

6. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Ove is known by his neighbors as the bitter neighbor from hell. Irritable, strict, and unfriendly, Ove prefers to keep to himself. But his world will be flipped upside down when a young couple moves in and accidentally runs over his mailbox. Outgoing and friendly, Ove’s new neighbor is determined to find out what’s behind the facade of the grumpy old man. It turns out that sadness and heartbreak have plagued Ove for years. Beneath the rough exterior, is a man in deep pain. A Man Called Ove is one of those sad books that will make you cry, laugh, smile, and hug the book when finished. If you love A Man Called Ove, don’t miss even more Swedish books by Swedish authors.

7. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

You know a book narrated by Death itself is bound to join the ranks of books that make you cry. The story follows Liesel, a young German girl in Nazi Germany. She steals books and learns to read with the help of her foster father. As the war raids reign down, she shares her stolen books with neighbors, friends, and the Jewish man her family is hiding. Liesel hangs onto hope and even begins penning her own story. However, Death is unassailable, and no one is exempt.

Can humanity prevail in the face of evil and death?

For sad books about WW2 for teens and tweens, The Book Thief is a modern classic.

8. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

TW: rape, racism

One of the most emotional books that will make you cry, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings chronicles the traumatic life of Maya from age three through seventeen. After being abandoned by her parents at a young age, Maya continues to endure more hardship and trauma, including rape, homelessness, and racist oppression. With themes of identity and voice crafted within, this is also one of the most poignant coming-of-age stories. Set in Stamps, Arkansas, read even more famous books from all 50 States.

9. The Color Purple by Alice Walker

TW: rape, racism

For even more sad books that deal with heavy themes of racism and sexual assault, Walker’s epistolary novel is tragic and heart-wrenching. Fourteen-year-old African American, Celie, has and will continue to endure more trauma than you thought possible. Her father both beats and sexually abuses her before being married off to a man who continues the abuse. Celie begins to seek companionship with the other women around her, but even those relationships aren’t without hardship and sadness. Another one of those heartbreaking books that make you cry, what’s even more shocking is that it is based, in part, in truth. If you enjoy The Color Purple, explore even more books set across the South. Or, on a lighter note, read more books with colors in the title for your next reading challenge.

10. Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

There are countless World War 2-based books that will make you cry and yearn for a history not so unjust. Sarah’s Key is one of those absolutely heartbreaking WWII novels that remind you of how many were robbed of their innocence.

What is the longest video game in the world?

And the longest game turns out to be Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate – which takes an incredible 693 hours to finish, on average. Do any of the games on...

Last updated Feb 20, 2021

What is Ghost House game?

Ghost House (Japanese: ゴーストハウス, Hepburn: Gōsuto Hausu) is a side-scrolling horror-action video game developed and published by Sega, released for...

Last updated Jan 15, 2021

Promotion

Learn about Sarah Starzynski, who was arrested with her family as part of the Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup. Innocently, she locks her brother in a cupboard – hoping to release him later. She doesn’t know she’s bound for Auschwitz with the key in her pocket. Then, in a parallel story, we hear from Julia, a journalist who learns of Sarah and begins to uncover the family’s history.

11. Push by Sapphire

TW: rape, abuse

One of the most gut-wrenching stories, Push doesn’t just join the ranks of other sad books, it pushes the boundaries of them. Precious is sixteen, illiterate, and pregnant with her second child – the result of being raped by her father. Her school learns of the pregnancy and suggests that she transfer to a new school. Precious, along with other girls with troubled pasts, is treated kindly by their teacher. Despite being on an eight-grade academic level, the girls begin to learn and develop a love of writing and journaling. More trouble is ahead, though, for Precious when she gives birth and ends up on the street. Brace yourself for this one.

12. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

Jeannette Walls is a master at balancing the heartbreak of a childhood full of unfulfilled promises and reminding us of the redeeming qualities of our parents – their humanity. Walls grew up nomadic, with parents who evaded financial responsibility. What seemed adventurous to Jeannette as a child became increasingly concerning. She also woke up to her father’s alcoholism, a fact that compounded her childhood trauma. Only after Walls is out of their care is she able to reflect. Sensitive and poignant, Walls does a superb job of reminding us that sad books that make you cry can also be beautiful.

13. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

To put it simply, Doerr’s WWII novel is an epic masterpiece full of emotion, sadness, triumph, and morality. It follows Marie-Laure, a blind French girl who flees the war to her uncle’s home in Saint-Maro, and Werner, an intelligent German boy who joins the Hitler Youth. Their paths will eventually cross and Werner, especially, will encounter a moral dilemma. Doerr’s novel reminds us that the war claimed not just its victims, but the youth and morality of many. All The Light We Cannot See is one of the best WW2 historical fiction books that will make you cry.

Discover even more bestselling books about and set in France.

14. Marley and Me by John Grogan

Of course, sad books tend to include famous fictional dogs, and Marley and Me is equal parts funny and sad. Marley might be the world’s worst behaved dog. Not only is he destructive, but his behavior creates rifts in the family. That is until they can learn to accept him just as he is. The lovable lab carves a place in their home and hearts…but we know that life isn’t forever; the family is faced with immense grief when Marley crosses that rainbow bridge.

Why is it that we’re so attached to animals in stories and movies…even if we know their fate?

The perfect book for dog lovers, have those tissues ready – we warned you.

15. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

Charlie, who has an I.Q. of 68, is the first human subject to undergo surgery to increase his intelligence. Previously, the study has been conducted on animals, including Algernon, a lab mouse. As Charlie’s intelligence increases, he becomes aware of his coworkers’ mistreatment of him and of the ethics of the experiment. When Algernon’s intelligence begins to decrease, Charlie fears where he is headed and begins frantically researching.

But, will it be too late?

Flowers for Algernon began as a short story and was expanded into a novel to dive more deeply into the themes of the treatment of people with health conditions or impairments as well as the dichotomy between intelligence and emotion. For touching yet heartbreaking books, many read Flowers for Algernon in high school but gain a better appreciation for the story into adulthood.

16. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

TW: suicide

The Capulets and the Montagues are rival families who will stop at nothing to keep their teenage children, Juliet and Romeo, apart.

The lovers are doomed from the start, but nothing can stop them.

Everyone knows how this Shakespearean tragedy turns out, so while it is not necessarily one of those books that will make you cry, it’s still rather upsetting.

Forbidden love, suicide, and grieving families make for a heavy plot.

Travel across Italy with these books.

17. Night by Elie Wiesel

Translated into English by Marion Wiesel

Sad books from WWII – and one of the most famous Polish books – don’t get any more thought-provoking than Elie Wiesel’s Night. Night chronicles Elie’s experiences as a Jew who survived the terrors of the Holocaust. He chronicles the horrific and terrorizing details that he and others endured, while also philosophizing the Holocaust. Elie begs readers to think about how the events will be remembered and to consider our capacity for evil. One of the biggest takeaways is how personal the story is; it will remind you that while millions were massacred, they are not just a group of people but individuals. If you learn a lot from Night, check out even more books about Poland and Polish history and culture.

18. The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman

TW: miscarriage, stillbirth

Following the First World War, Thomas takes a solitary job as a lighthouse keeper on an isolated Australian island. He meets Isabel before beginning his job and the two soon marry, despite Thomas’s worry that she will not adjust to life in isolation. Tragedy befalls them as they struggle to welcome a child into their lives. When a dinghy washes up with a dead man and a baby, Thomas and Isabel are in disagreement about how to handle it. What follows is one of the most heartbreaking books about family and belonging.

Travel across Australia with this reading list.

19. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

TW: sexual, physical, and psychological abuse, suicide, self-harm, addiction

A Little Life is considered one of the most depressing and disturbing novels ever written. It follows four college friends and their ever-changing relationships as they each experience success, failures, love, and hardship. One of the friends, Jude, is central to the plot. Yanagihara shows his dark past through flashbacks that will affect not only Jude but his friends. For painful books that make you cry, A Little Life is deeply moving, though you may find yourself needing to put it down.

20. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George

Translated into English by Simon Pare

Jean Perdu runs a bookshop barge on the banks of the Seine River in Paris. With a knack for finding the right book for any emotional hardship, he can fix anyone but himself. Over twenty years ago, the love of Jean’s life abandoned him, and he has yet to read a single letter left by her. But, with a newfound sense of adventure and an Italian chef and young author, Jean decides to set sail in search of his long-lost lover. Equally funny and heartbreaking, sometimes books that make you cry can also make you laugh.

Travel across Paris with these books too.

Travel around the world with the Uncorked Reading Challenge. Get the best book and movie recs straight to your inbox. Sign Up Now.

21. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

For more sad books to make you cry, laugh, and feel all the feels, Eleanor Oliphant doesn’t disappoint. Eleanor Oliphant is awkward with hardly any social life. She spends her weekends drinking vodka and calling her mother and her lunch breaks doing crosswords to avoid colleagues. Life for Eleanor is fine. But when she and a coworker, Raymond, help a man in need, a friendship begins to blossom.

Trouble is, Eleanor’s difficult past resurfaces, driving her back toward isolation.

Eleanor’s past is sad, but the promise of friendship – and acceptance – is redeeming.

22. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

TW: rape

Hannah’s bestselling WWII novel – based on a true story – follows sisters Vianne and Isabelle. Both wanting to make a difference during the war, Vianne begins sheltering Jewish children (while her home is used for SS officers), and Isabelle heads to Paris to join the resistance.

But while bravery lives in both women, so will tragedy.

What is the procedure of CPR?

Check that the area is safe, then perform the following basic CPR steps: Call 911 or ask someone else to. Lay the person on their back and open...

Last updated Oct 27, 2020

Is it better to be in a cold or hot room when sick?

Staying warm when you have a sniffle seems logical, and now US scientists have discovered that a warmer body temperature actually helps fight the...

Last updated Jul 31, 2019

Promotion

Will the sisters ever reunite? And if they do, will the war have changed them for better or worse?

For emotional books that make you cry, The Nightingale is haunting, evocative, and powerful.

23. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Some children’s books are so sad that they can rock the world of the most stoic adults. Bridge to Terabithia is one of those children’s books that will make you cry. Jesse’s life is changed for the better when he meets Leslie. Previously angry and anxious, Leslie encourages him to come out of his shell. Together, they create Terabithia, a mythical kingdom in the forest where they rule as king and queen and can forget about their hardships. But when tragedy strikes, one of the friends must turn to the strength learned during the friendship to cope.

24. Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah

Joanna has recently lost her mother and battled breast cancer. Determined to get on with her life, she returns to her graduate work researching birds in rural Illinois. But soon, a child named Ursa – covered in bruises – shows up at her door, claiming she’s been sent to witness five miracles. Concerned at first, Joanna and her neighbor realize that Ursa has come with good fortune. As the fifth miracle approaches, though, Ursa’s past follows, revealing secrets. What begins as a somewhat mythical tale, quickly turns into a haunting mystery. Where the Forest Meets the Stars is surely one of the most unique sad books on this reading list.

25. Spilled Milk by K. L. Randis

TW: rape and sexual abuse

Brooke Nolan bravely and anonymously dials social services for help with the physical and sexual abuse happening in her home at the hands of her father. But she’s betrayed by the very system designed to protect her when she is forced to keep her father’s secret. Ultimately, a glass of spilled milk results in Brook confiding in her boyfriend’s mother and eventually going to counseling. Raw and gut-wrenching, Spilled Milk is another one of those books that will make you cry and yearn for a system that actually protects our kids. Tragically, it is also autobiographical.

26. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Of Mice and Men may not have a surprise ending but it’s nonetheless a tearjerker to read. Lennie and George are two migrant workers looking for their next dollar in California. They dream of one day owning their own piece of land. Lennie, who is mentally disabled, has a knack for getting the pair into trouble. Now, their new boss targets Lennie while his promiscuous wife makes things even worse. Plus, George – his friend and protector – may not be able to help this time. Of Mice and Men is ultimately a tale of true friendship and mercy. For heartbreaking books, this short classic has a deeply moving ending and essential portrayal of the Great Depression.

27. The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer

Told in split perspective, Rimmer’s novel follows both Alina and her granddaughter Alice. Alina is a farm girl from Poland in love with Tomasz. As Germany invades Poland, she endures years of heartache as her life becomes unraveled. Alice is an American mother struggling with both a special needs and a gifted child. She heads to Poland after her grandmother has suffered a stroke. With her visit comes the unearthing of a secret held tight for 80 years – a secret that will disrupt all Alice has ever known. If you enjoy sad books like The Nightingale and Lilac Girls, pick up The Things We Cannot Say.

28. Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig

When Matt Haig was 24, life as he understood it changed; he felt the world around him caving in. After three days of not sleeping, he found himself on the edge of a cliff. Feeling as if his life was too full of pain, he decided to end it.

But as he stood there, those he loved came flashing forward.

What follows is a self-examination of acceptance, love, and a deep understanding of depression and anxiety. Haig is also the author of The Midnight Library – another one of those sad books that make you cry – or break your heart – but also uplifts and teaches you more about living.

29. The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien

The Things They Carried is a collection of short stories concerning a platoon of soldiers fighting in Vietnam. The compilation reads as sad stories of love lost, war trauma, camaraderie, reluctance, and guilt. While some stories deal with friendship and humorous encounters, many shine a light on the horrors of the Vietnam War, the pressure and guilt behind killing, and what it was like to lose your fellow man. One thing is clear; the men of Vietnam carried much more emotionally than physically.

30. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

Nine-year-old Oskar loses his father in the September 11th attacks. He subsequently finds a key in a vase belonging to him and attempts to find what it unlocks. With the only clue being the last name Black, he sets out to meet everyone in New York City with the same surname. It’s one of the most heartbreaking books that will certainly make anyone cry because it reminds us all of the innocence of the children affected by 9-11 and the lack of closure it gave. But the book transcends the events of 9-11 and touches on family drama, relationships, and loss in general.

Explore even more contemporary books set in New York.

More sad books from Christine

31. Spinning by Tillie Walden

TW: Bullying, homophobia, bullying, depression, and sexual assault

One of the most gutwrenching graphic novels for young adults – that adults can also appreciate – Spinning will bring you back to high school and into the world of competitive skating. Tillie hates those early morning wakeups, much of the sport, and the fact that her parents show no interest in her life. The skating moms are just wretched too. It’s an understatement to say that Tillie is struggling, and the adults in her life are largely failing her. Not to mention that Tillie and her family have relocated to Texas, and she has not told anyone she is gay – or that someone is bullying her at school.

Can Tillie take charge of her life and find happiness? Can she decide who she wants to be – for herself?

For heartbreaking books and poignant LGBT graphic novels, Walden’s memoir is certainly it. While Tillie’s story ends well enough, it’s one of the more somber titles on this sad books reading list.

Save These Books That Make You Cry For Later:

Did you find new sad books to read? Save this list for later, and tear up around the world with The Uncorked Librarian.

Grab the best sad books that you make you cry for later:

Thank you to TUL contributor, Tori Curran from Explore With Tori

Tori (pronouns: she/her) is a children’s librarian and mom to two boys living in New York. She’s an avid traveler, nature enthusiast, and writer encouraging families to get outside and start exploring the world. When she’s not hiking or traveling, you can find her lost in a historical fiction book, watching Bravo reruns, or obsessively decluttering her home.

What heartbreaking books do you recommend?

What sad books did you enjoy and recommend? Let us know in the comments.

theuncorkedlibrarian.com - 31 Incredibly Sad Books That Make You Cry | The Uncorked Librarian

How much is a pocket WiFi?

Pocket WiFi Price Range in the Philippines The wifi price in the Philippines is from ₱995 to ₱44,000 including famous 5g pocket wifi brands. You...

Last updated Dec 22, 2019

What are the 5 P's of effective communication?

No matter what your size, keeping these 5 P's in mind when communicating change will help, especially when scale is adding to the stress: Plan,...

Last updated Oct 22, 2021

Promotion

How do you survive survivalists?

Put all your walls down and now, you have something to work towards in the long term. Build Every Recipe You Can. ... Fully Explore Your Island To...

Last updated Apr 3, 2019

Promotion

Is a lighter or heavier bow better?

If you choose to go with an ultralight bow, just remember that heavier bows tend to hold steadier. With a light bow, it's possible for shooting...

Last updated Feb 11, 2022