What Ugly Cry Books Should Everyone Have On Their Reading List?

For a heart-wrenching experience that should be on everyone's reading list, I bring 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah into the spotlight. This book is set during World War II and follows the lives of two sisters in occupied France. The dual narratives add depth; you find yourself completely engrossed in their struggles and resilience. It’s gut-wrenching but also unbelievably empowering, and there were moments I couldn’t help but tear up. The sacrifices and bravery depicted illustrate what love and family mean in times of dire circumstance. The finale? Oh, it’s a punch in the gut. Every time I finish reading it, I come away feeling both a sense of loss and appreciation for what those characters endured—an emotional whirlwind that leaves a lasting impression.

There are certain books that pack a real emotional punch, and one that always tops my list is 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green. This novel follows Hazel Grace Lancaster, a teenager living with cancer, who meets Augustus Waters in a support group. The way their relationship unfolds is utterly heart-wrenching yet beautifully poignant. I think about the moment when they are in Amsterdam; it’s just so raw and real. You end up laughing through the tears, which is something truly special. I remember slumping on my couch, thinking I’d just read a fun romance, only to be walloped by the gut-wrenching realities of their lives. To me, that’s the magic of Green's writing; he balances hope, love, and despair so brilliantly.

Another gem that deserves a spot on your shelf is 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara. Now, before you dive into this, just know it's an emotional rollercoaster, and not a cheerful one. It poignantly explores themes of trauma, friendship, and resilience through the lives of four college friends in New York City. Jude St. Francis, the central character, has a past that’s painful to unravel, and seriously, some of the scenes had me sobbing like a baby. The labyrinth of emotions can be overwhelming, yet there’s something profoundly beautiful about how the bonds of friendship are tested and strengthened. I’ve never experienced a book that felt so exhausting yet so rewarding at the same time. It’s like you carry a piece of the story with you long after you’ve closed the last page.

Then there’s 'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens, a beautiful blend of mystery and coming-of-age tale. Kya Clark, the “marsh girl” who grows up isolated in the marshes of North Carolina, holds the reader’s heart as you journey through her loneliness and the brutal reality of abandonment. The prose is lush, and the way the environment shapes Kya really resonated with me. There's this moment of revelation when you see how Kya survives in such solitude, and then when tragedy strikes, it’s utterly heartbreaking. I find myself returning to passages, feeling the weight of her experiences all over again. Every time I read it, I come away with something new, and it leaves me both devastated and in awe of how life can be so beautifully tragic.

If you’re seeking books that hit hard and elicit the ugly cry, there's no way I can't mention 'Me Before You' by Jojo Moyes. It’s such a compelling story about Louisa Clark and Will Traynor. Lou is this quirky, relatable character who ends up being the caregiver for Will, a man who lost his zest for life after an accident. The journey is filled with witty and heartfelt moments, but the conclusion, oh boy! It’s like I was just casually plodding along when BAM! The ending hit me like a freight train. It stirred an emotional storm inside me, leaving me grappling with all these feelings about love and loss. I vividly remember clutching the book like it was a life raft, dealing with this unexpected tide of emotions.

Another poignant pick would be 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. Set in Nazi Germany, this story narrated by Death introduces us to Liesel Meminger, a girl who finds solace in stealing books. The unique perspective is mesmerizing, but the friendships she forges during such a tumultuous time will tug at your heartstrings. I swear, when I reached the later chapters, I was a complete mess, sobbing uncontrollably. It brilliantly captures the beauty and horror of life, showing how stories can heal and provide comfort amidst chaos. Plus, Zusak’s writing style is simply captivating! Every time I revisit it, I find myself mourning the characters all over again, as if they are old friends I’ve lost touch with. There's this lingering ache that keeps drawing me back, and each time I read it, I end up feeling even deeper.