Sometimes you just need a good cry. There have been times when I picked up a book and the ending was so unexpected that I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing or the journey that the characters go through is so perilous that I feel completely overwhelmed by it. The following 8 books are those that made me ugly cry in my room (and sometimes even in my car) and that will stick with me for years to come because of it.
Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McCallister
In my review for Wrong Place, Wrong Time, I said that it was the best book that I read in 2023. So far, I’m a few months into 2024 and I still haven’t read a book that has topped it. This book is so well done, so well written, and so heartfelt that I suggest it to everyone I meet. There is a bit of time skipping, which I know frustrated some people, but for me, it was amazing. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
The Perfect Mother by Aimee Molloy
This book hooked me from the moment that I read the back cover. The concept is so stressful, a new mom finally daring to have a night out with a few friends, and when she does- her newborn baby goes missing. This book was so well done that somehow I was completely invested in each character’s perspective as well as the main story. Apparently, this is going to be turned into a movie with Kerry Washington, so that’s exciting! Read the book before the movie so you can be one of the cool kids.
If Untold by Norelle Smith
Author Interview | Amazon Link
If Untold has a new cover now, not the one featured here, but that’s the one I have on my copy on the shelf, so I’m leaving it. This book is based on a true story and it is shocking, inspiring, heartwrenching, and beautiful all at once. I recently handed this book to my friend and told her she had to read it. I also had the pleasure of getting to know Norelle Smith and her family and she is an absolutely lovely person. I hope you’ll pick this one up.
I’m Glad My Mom Died
Jennette McCurdy’s memoir is pretty well known by now, but it’s absolutely worth picking up. The controversial title made me hesitate because I was afraid it would a sour, bitter tale about a daughter scorned. But it isn’t that at all. Jennette shares the rollercoaster of being raised by a woman with narcissism (and probably some other things going on) and how hard it was to break free from the enmeshment and navigate life after years of abuse.
Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson
This is a wonderful and heartbreaking novel. It’s hard to pull yourself away and if you are like me, you will likely read the whole thing in one sitting (or close to it.) Sadeqa Johnson did a tremendous amount of historical research preparing for this book and at the end, she shares some of it with the reader. I cried many times throughout this story and it has stayed with me. Check out my review for a synopsis of Yellow Wife: a novel.
Paper Wife by Laila Ibrahim
Fast forward in American history from the colonial days to 1923 San Francisco and follow the story of Mei Ling. This book is powerful and I definitely cried a few times during this one. I shared a lot of thoughts about this one in my review including questioning many of the choices that the characters make throughout the book. But overall, this novel is definitely worth picking up.
If You Tell by Gregg Olsen
This book is unforgettable. This is not a book where a few tears fall delicately down your cheeks, this one is a book where you will ugly cry; choking back sobs because you have to get to the next sentence and find out what happens. This is based on a true story and it is almost unbelievable. The crimes are so disturbing that I wouldn’t go into this one lightly either. I definitely felt ill reading some of the scenes. If you like true crime, you will love this book. (And it’s definitely the best book that I’ve read by Gregg Olsen.)
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
I definitely cried a few times throughout this book. Then She Was Gone is a fictional crime story with so many twists and turns. It follows multiple perspectives and each chapter will suck you in more than the last. It’s well-written, a little outlandish, and a well-done mystery.
What Books Have Made You Cry?
Thank you for reading today’s post! These are the books that have made me cry in the past few years. What books have you read recently that turned on the water works for you?
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