The Reading Lounge : All Time Favorite Emotional Reads

Why I love reading "sad books"

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Hello,

As you know, I’m a mood reader and something I’m always in the mood for in my reading is to be moved emotionally. I want to be so invested in the story and/or characters that I’m brought to tears. In short, if a book moves me to tears, I will almost always say that’s a 5 star read. And if I’m left a sobbing mess, that book will make it’s way onto my 5 star bookshelf at home where I can gaze at it, and someday revisit the story knowing I will be devastated all over again. Because I love exploring the psychology behind just about anything, I decided to find out what it is about reading sad books that has me hoping my next read will leave me in tears. And if you feel the same, let’s dive into the reasons behind our love for reading books that evoke emotions… those somber tales that stay with us long after we've turned the last page, and often make us shed a tear-or two. I’m also sharing 12 of my favorite tear jerkers at the end!

WHAT IS THE ALLURE OF SAD BOOKS?

You know the ones - the tearjerkers, the heartbreakers, the stories that tug at our heartstrings and leave us reaching for the tissues. It might seem a bit counterintuitive to actively seek out stories that make us feel melancholic, but there's something compelling about exploring the depths of human emotions, even the sadder ones. I’ve compiled and condensed some thoughts below based on research from various sources. A few of the reasons definitely resonated with me, how about you?

• Catharsis and Emotional Release: One of the main reasons we're drawn to sad books is the concept of catharsis – the emotional release that comes from experiencing strong emotions in a safe environment. Reading about heartbreak, loss, and struggles in a fictional setting allows us to process our own emotions vicariously. It's almost therapeutic, giving us the opportunity to tap into feelings we might be suppressing or struggling to express in our real lives. The act of shedding tears can be cathartic, helping us relieve stress and gain a sense of emotional balance.

• Empathy and Connection: Human beings are wired to connect with others, and sad stories offer a unique way to foster empathy and connection. When we read about characters going through challenging experiences, we can relate their feelings to our own, building a sense of understanding and empathy. This connection reminds us that we're not alone in our emotional journeys and that others have faced similar struggles, too. It's as if the sadness in the story creates a bridge that helps us relate to the broader human experience.

• Appreciating Complexity: Sad books often explore the complexities of human emotions and relationships, portraying the real and unfiltered aspects of life. We're drawn to these narratives because they mirror the multifaceted nature of our own experiences. Just as in real life, these stories don't shy away from the messy, contradictory, and sometimes painful aspects of our lives. This level of realism can be both refreshing and captivating, as it adds depth and authenticity to the story.

  This really resonates with me, I often find myself saying I love reading complicated, complex stories

• Beauty in Vulnerability: There's a certain beauty in vulnerability – both in real life and in literature. Sad books capture moments of vulnerability and raw emotion, which can be incredibly moving and impactful. When characters reveal their true selves, flaws and all, it creates a sense of intimacy that draws readers in. Witnessing characters confront their pain and navigate through challenges can inspire us to do the same in our own lives, encouraging personal growth and resilience.

  This is so true and not something I had thought about in these specific ways before- some of my favorite characters have been so flawed though and I think that makes them especially memorable

• Artistry of Suffering: Some readers are drawn to the artistry of suffering and find a unique allure in the melancholic atmosphere that sad books often create. This fascination with the darker aspects of life can be attributed to the contrast it provides against the more mundane or cheerful elements of our everyday lives. It's a way to explore the depths of the human psyche and experience emotions that might not always have an outlet in our regular routines.

  This also speaks to me, my top book of the last decade which I’ll share below is filled with human suffering and goes to some very dark places. I have a background in psychology and criminology so exploring the depths of the human psyche is something I will always look for in my reading

  To sum up, reading sad books isn't just about seeking out sadness for its own sake; it's about engaging with the full spectrum of human emotions and finding solace, connection, and personal growth within those experiences. What do you think about the reasons I shared? Did anything especially resonate with you or do you any additional thoughts?

12 OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE SAD BOOKS

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara - I read this in 2015 and I STILL think about the characters often. This book changed me, it consumed me for the 4 days I spent reading it, it left me sobbing for over an hour - in short, THIS is my top book of the last decade

One Day by David Nicholls - I read this in 2011 and I’m still a bit mad at David Nicholls but I loved every second of this bittersweet love story

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb - one of four memoirs that made my list, while the book as a whole isn’t sad, there was one patient whose story left me in tears and I still think about her years after reading this book

The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton - another memoir, this is about Hinton’s wrongful conviction and subsequent 30 years on death row. His story is heartbreaking, but also one of the most inspirational stories I’ve ever read

Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley - If you’ve read this you know why this is on my list. Lily is the dog in the story - I’m a huge dog person and this book wrecked me. BUT it also made me laugh out loud many times. I actually think I’ll do a re-read of this on audio someday as I read it in print years ago

Dancing at the Pity Party: A Dead Mom Graphic Novel by Tyler Feder - A short book that packs a huge punch. This was my first ever graphic novel and I actually listened to it and really loved it in that format despite not seeing the pictures. If you’ve lost anyone close to you this will speak to you

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi - another memoir (I’ve really read some amazing, memorable, moving memoirs over the years) and one that is not only beautifully written, but also filled with amazing stories about his work as a brain surgeon. Impactful yet sad, he managed to capture an entire spectrum of human emotions in his story

The Book Thief by Marcus Zuzak - A long book that I flew through many years ago. I never intended to read this, but picked it up when one of my sons was assigned it to read in middle school. Narrated by death, this is an incredible story that yes left me sobbing one fall afternoon

We Are the Light by Matthew Quick - This is the most recent book I’ve read on this list as I read it last fall when it was released. This story has many dark elements as mentioned in the reasons above, and it also captures human suffering and triumphs brilliantly. I loved all of the story, but it was an airplane scene toward the end that had me grabbing the tissues

The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne - I read this a few months after reading A Little Life and whereas Jude from A Little Life is a character I often think about, this book had Cyril Avery who is also a character that has held a special place in my reading heart for many years. Another book with a voice and story that hooked me from the opening pages

Writers & Lovers by Lily King - A story about losing and finding oneself, grief, and love, it was the beautiful way Lily King explored grief that brought me to tears many times.

The Bright Hour: A Memoir of Living and Dying by Nina Riggs - This book is a tough read, but another beautifully written memoir that eloquently captured the need to appreciate the everyday wonders of life while contemplating one’s mortality. It was stunning.

I would love to know what sad books you’ve loved, if you have a second leave a comment!