Top Ten Picks: Books That Made You Cry

In this feature, there will be a different and specific topic given each week. I will then choose 10 of my favorites from that given category, create the list, and post them up here! For this week, the topic will indeed be on 'Books That Made You Cry.' I thought this was an interesting and an easy topic for me, because it's really not that difficult at all for books and stories to make me shed a tear -- or should I say buckets of them? For me, there are just two basic -- and very simple -- levels to make a book qualify:

1st - Made me tear up a little
2nd - Made me tear up a lot

The books that belong in this list all belong on the 2nd level. Again, in no particular order..


'Books That Made Me Cry'

1. Atonement by Ian Mcewan

• Simply put, this book is good. The movie is good as well. Period. I love both so much, to the point that I can not even pick which one I prefer more. I think it goes to show that it doesn't matter what version it is, as long as the story itself -- the plot, the characters, the ending, etc -- are well-done. This is a story that will stay with you long after you're done with it. It will not be easily forgotten.
  

2. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

• To be honest, I don't remember which specific scene in the book made me cry. All I know is, there were quite a few scenarios and situations that were difficult to read. In fact, I have to say this is one of the most difficult novels for me to digest. I also think that the overall 'feel' of the book -- what it is about, and what happens to the characters -- was what truly did it for me.
  

3. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

• This was probably the first book that made me cry when I was little. I have not read it in a while, but have recently seen the movie. Of course, that made me cry too. Hmm, go figure.
  

4. Where The Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

• Yes, this one's on one of my lists again. Well, I think it goes to show this is truly something special to me. I think everyone should definitely read this heart warming (and heart wrenching) story about a boy and his two hunting dogs. Seriously, if this book does not make you cry, I really, really don't know what's wrong with you. Sorry, but it's true.
  

5. The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

• This has most definitely become one of my favorite books of all time. It is a beautiful story that is beautifully told by this talented author. The way it's written -- all the foreshadowing and the scenes leading up to its conclusion -- was actually just enough for me to tear up. As if that wasn't enough, there are the incredible, believable, and memorable characters like Liesel, Rudy, Max, and even 'Death' himself. This literally made me sob like a little girl.

6. The Road by Cormac McCarthy

• To be honest, I am still a little indifferent about this one. Actually, if I would have to give this book a rating, it would only be a 'generous' 3/5. However, I put this is here because the story itself and its conclusion broke my heart to bits.
  

7. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

• This is not only one of my favorite love stories of all time, but it is one that made me bawl, again, like a little girl. To me, the uplifting and heart breaking story of Henry and Clare is timeless, romantic, but still very believable. Most of the lines here have hit me hard -- making them some of my best-loved quotes as well. Also, the wife, Clare Abshire, as I have mentioned before, has become one of my favorite fictional characters. To me, she is the epitome of how a wife and a woman should be; patient, loving, independent, perfectly flawed but strong-willed, who takes chances and does not fear failure. Even when hurt, she gets back up, learns from the experience, and lives again. I strive to be someone like her. Her story -- with a time traveler for a husband -- makes me ache everytime I recall it.

8. Still Alice by Lisa Genova

• For my explanation as to why this made me cry, look here.
  

9. Marley & Me by John Grogan (non-fiction)

• I honestly don't think you have to be a dog lover for the story of Marley to touch you and break your heart. However, I do believe that if you have (or ever had) a pet, this will hit so very close to home. When I read this, I didn't even have our dog yet -- 1 1/2 year old Maltese named Kobe -- but I have always had a soft spot for animals ever since I was a kid. This non-fiction book reminded me of my love for them. At the same time, it also reminded me how fragile life is, and how easy it is for us to lose things we love. I realized again though, that despite this fact, what still holds true is this valuable lesson; Life is not about the time alotted, but how we use it.

10. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

• I was fourteen when I first read this. That was when I discovered one of my favorite couples of all time; Landon Carter and Jamie Sullivan. In my opinion, their story to me was one of the most believable -- not to mention one of the sweetest, cutest, adorable-est, swoon-worthy.. err.. umm.. sorry. Anyway.. the truth is, it still amazes me how these two people, um, characters -- who are only seventeen and still fairly young -- are able to have what I think is one of the most genuine love stories. Ever. Until now, I still read this every now and then. Surprise, surprise -- and I am not making this up -- I still cry every single time.
  
• If you were wondering if I have seen the movie, yes I have, and I feel very indifferent about it. To me, it did not at all capture what the book is about, and I remember being truly disappointed by it. I have to say though, I will always have respect for Shane West as an actor, as he portrayed the role of Landon Carter so well! I do wish people would take the time to read this book because it truly is special. It doesn't matter what I think of Sparks' books -- and his writing -- anymore; I will always credit him for writing this.

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There you have it for my picks for this week!

Again, if you would like to join in, all you have to do is:
1. Do a post similar to this, listing all your answers. The books for this topic does not necessarily have to be a favorite of yours, just as long as it made you cry. You do not have to include pictures or descriptions, but if you would like to do so, feel free!
2. Please sign the Mr. Linky box below with the specific URL of your post.

Important: Your last day to answer this topic is on April 20. On April 21st, which is a Wednesday, the topic will change again.
The day changed to a Wednesday because I posted this one a bit late. It is now 9PM (Pacific) here in California, and I figured it will be 12AM somewhere else.. so I think it's just fair to move the day.

Can't wait to read yours once again! :)