Besides learning something new, one of the reasons we read is to feel something. It is only those stories that emotionally move us that keep burning in our minds. Plus, there are always those sappy tear-jerkers. However, what we really want to focus on in this article is those novels that are forever stamped in our hearts.
Those books that emotionally damage, yet teach us something about the world around us. Read along to unpack the five books that still leave us emotionally reeling years after we have read them.
Trigger Warning: This article contains spoilers for the novels listed below. This content also includes instances of death, police violence, and racism.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Sometimes we expect a happy ending — and when we receive the opposite, the results are devastating. The last few chapters of this book can chip even the coldest of hearts. Following the star-crossed lovers, Hazel and Augustus, readers root for an ending where these two lovebirds can fulfill their lives and live out their years. But author John Green has other plans for our hearts. While the story is tragic, it is also a call to action to live each day to the fullest and enjoy every minute we have with those we love.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Known for her depictions of dystopian worlds, Atwood’s finest work is extremely unsettling, especially during recent current events when human rights are uncertain. Although written in 1985, the disturbing view of a United States set in a fictional future is renamed The Republic of Gilead — a civilization where women have lost all rights and are controlled by men in power in a Christian Nationalist society. Some may say that Atwood has been warning her readers for years, and rereadings of this modern classic are enough to crawl under your skin and leave an impact.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Also tackling a perspective of current events, Thomas’ novel gives an inside look into the aftermath of police violence against a member of the Black community. Thomas writes in a way where we feel connected to the characters in the story — we get to know the struggles Starr Carter goes through when she loses her childhood friend Khalil. It is a book that expands society’s understanding of the turmoils largely experienced by people of color in the United States.
A Man Named Ove by Fredrik Backman
Recently adapted into a film starring Tom Hanks, this Swedish story shares the story of Ove, an elderly man living alone after losing his wife. At first glance, Ove is not the most likable character. But once you get past his toughened exterior, your heart melts for the pain Ove is living through. Backman’s tale reflects the loneliness of old age and how important community is to get you through difficult times.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Meant to be a young readers’ novel, Lowry’s classic tale had no business of ripping our hearts out the way this one did. Set in a utopian community in the future, this novel depicts a civilization where only one person, named The Giver, holds all the memories of pain and joy caused by humanity. Jonas, a twelve-year-old boy who grew up in this world devoid of emotion and color, stumbles upon a journey that opens his eyes to the truth.
Have you been personally victimized by any of these books? What books do you find utterly devastating?
Do you wanna read more about sad stories? Check out our article Bookstr Team Reflects: Saddest Fictional Character Deaths.
Many of these books are considered “banned”. Discover more banned books in our bookshelf: Banned Books: Because We Stand With the Well Informed.
