Top 5 Tuesday is hosted by the wonderful Shanah @ Bionic Book Worm.
I tend to gravitate toward sad novels and, consequently, I have read so many books that have emotionally drained me. I decided to share some of the best emotional books that I have read so far this year. I love when I connect to a book that it moves me to tears in some way. All of these books did that for me this year!
Women Talking by Mariem Toews
The fact that Women Talking is based on a true story makes it that much more difficult to read. Knowing that real women experienced what the characters in this book are going through it absolutely devastating and infuriating. Women Talking gives these victims a voice and I found it to be very empowering. I was blown away with how Miriam Toews shared their story.
The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker
The Silence of the Girls was so honest and brutal that I found myself putting it down in order to digest what I had just read. I think a lot of retellings glorify Achilles but The Silence of the Girls does not shy away from showing all sides of him- the good, the bad, and the ugly. Seeing the story from the perspective of a woman was eye-opening for me.
The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row by Anthony Ray Hinton
This book made me so angry! I actually cried tears of anger and frustrating! The injustices that Anthony Ray Hinton endured are so infuriating and my blood is boiling just talking about it!!
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is another novel that is based on a true story and it was devastatingly beautiful. It is a love story that develops in the most harrowing of circumstances and I was truly moved by it. One of my favourite love stories of all time.
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
A Monster Calls is just as emotionally as everyone warned me it would be. I listened to the audiobook and I was a crying mess the entire time. It is also very charming!
GREAT post, Kristin! I’m always interested in books that evoke strong emotions. Your reaction to The Sun Does Shine is what’s had me reluctant to open that book. Checking out your other titles except Tattooist, which I already have on audio.
Thank you! The Sun Does Shine is definitely infuriating but it is also hopeful. I am in awe of Hinton’s spirit and strength. I highly recommend it!
A Monster Calls made my list as well. I haven’t read the other ones but since they made your list I need to look into them!! Added you to the list 🙂
Thank you! A Monster Calls was the first book that I thought of!
I haven’t read any of these books but “A Monster Calls” and “Silence of the Girls” are on my TBR… Still I can say this is a great list 🙂
Here’s mine: https://lilisblissfulpages.wordpress.com/2018/11/21/top-5-books-that-drained-my-emotions/
Thank you! I think you will love both of those books!
Hopefully. 🙂 🙂
Patrick Ness does it again.
I love Miriam Toews! I’m reading “All My Puny Sorrows” right now – it promises to be devastating.
Ah Patrick Ness! He knows how to play with my emotions!
I have not read anything else by Toews but I am planning to! I am curious to see what your thoughts are on All My Puny Sorrows!
I would like to read When a Monster Calls.
You must! So beautiful and heartbreaking!
Great list! I’d really like to read The Sun Does Shine soon, along with some other books on the subject. Patrick Ness is such a talented YA writer.
Thank you! It is a really great book!
I need to read more from Patrick Ness!
Wow The Sun Does shine seems pretty emotional and unfair indeed!
It truly is! If you read it though you will be amazed by Anthony Ray Hinton. He has so much strength!
So agree with you about a monster calls!!
So good but soooo sad!
Yes!!
Silence of the Girls is on my wish list but those other books are new to me. Great list, I’m taking notes as I’m always eager to read more though provoking books. Thanks for sharing it with us. 😊
That is great, Vera! I really think you’ll love Silence of the Girls!
A Monster Calls really sounds like a draining kind of book, that’s why I am so nervous to read it, hahaha. I’m happy you enjoyed it though – it’s still a must-read on my TBR and I’m eager to get to it 😀
Oh it really is draining but it’s really beautiful! I put it off for the same reasons but I am so happy that I got to it!