Top Ten Picks: Books That Made You Cry

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

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.
***
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! :)

15 comments:

  1. I think alot of your books will be on my list! I agree about atonement the film, I loved the film and slightly prefer it to the book.

    I must order where the red fern grows, I keeps seeing that book on blogs.

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  2. I agree with The Book Thief. I finished it last week and I couldn't stop crying even though I already knew what was going to happen it was still so sad. Especially, Rudy and Hans Hubberman.
    Atonement I also love both the movie and the book.

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  3. I am not a cryer so your list makes me smile. I do LOVE emotional books though, those that make me sad, angry, etc.

    I can think of 2 books.

    Lessons from a Dead Girl, Jo Knowles (I shed a tear)
    &
    Happiness Sold Separately, Lolly Winston (I was sad but didn't cry)

    I agree with Still Alice, I was affected because Alzeimers has hit home for me.

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  4. Bridge to Terebithis was the first book that popped into my head when I saw the title of this post! And I also gree wholeheartedly about Where the Red Fern Grows. I'm definitely not a dog person (I did not cry at the end of marley & me for example) but Fern just ripped my heart out. I should reread it.

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  5. I can think of a few that make me tear up but I'm not big on crying books. DeLynne reads more of those I think--- maybe she'll want to do this top ten-- or maybe split with Izzy. I'll alert both of them about this week's topic.

    Lesa

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  6. +JMJ+

    Oh, I'm not a crier at all! =P

    Well, there is one book that really made me tear up . . . and that's it: one book!

    I'm going to have to think really, really hard this time . . .

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  7. I'm not an emotional reader either. I have read four of these books -- Still Alice, twice, and put it on my 100 Best Books list.

    When I was younger I saw the movie Old Yeller--cried and my chest hurt. I vowed I would never watch another movie again that said "heart warming", so I can't remember if I saw Where the Red Fern Grows. I prefer to laugh 'til I cry. :)

    I love this meme, but never can think of 10 items. (queen bee)

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  8. I posted my list on my blog, bookaddicterviews.blogspot.com

    I haven't read all of the ones on your list, but the ones I've read are tearjerkers for sure.

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  9. @Jessica: Can't wait to read your list! And yes, I highly recommend Where The Red Fern Grows.

    @Adriana: Oh dear, I think the whole 'foreshadowing' thing made it even sadder! Because the whole time you knew how it'll end.. so as I was reading it, I was just wishing it would turn out better. Such a beautiful book.

    @MarceJ: 'Lessons from a Dead Girl' didn't make me cry, but it's definitely a book with a lot of meaning and significance.
    Still Alice was such a heart breaking book for me. I still think about it until now.

    @Carin: Where The Red Fern Grows was the first thing that definitely came to mind when I thought of this topic. I haven't read it in so long but every time I think about it, my feeling about it remains the same!

    @Lesa: It'll be fun to hear from all 3 of you again! :)

    @E: I wonder which book we're talking about here.. hm, now I'm curious! ;)

    @Kim: The problem with me is I actually hate crying and being left heart broken by books. But for some reason, it's like they "call" out to me, lol! I just keep reading them. Hm, oh well!
    And thank you! I'm glad you like the meme :) and no problem, maybe next time there will be a topic that will definitely speak to you!

    @Heather: Thanks for participating, really like all your picks. Some on yours are here as well.

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  10. Sorry I was late this week! I really love your topics!
    BTW I ordered the Book Thief! Can't wait to read it!

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  11. 3 and 4 are classics! I've read both several times and tear up EVERY TIME!

    I'm currently reading The Book Thief, hopefully I'll review it when I'm finished.

    I'm a bit pressed for time to post for this week's topic, but I'm looking forward to taking part in next week's.

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  12. +JMJ+

    It was Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes, which I highly recommend!

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  13. @OutnumberedMama: Not late at all! :D Can't wait to read what you think about the book as well!

    @Emily: Looking forward to seeing you possibly next week! :) Can't wait to hear what you think of The Book Thief as well.

    @E: Yes, that book is not on my list but it definitely made me tear up as well. Hmm you should just do a post about that one book anyway! haha.

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  14. Hey Jillian - I just didn't get time to do this one this week. I'm not much of a cryer although I did tear up during The Road, The Time Traveler's Wife and I know I cried a bit at A Walk to Remember!
    I was listening to Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison and did tear up when one of the characters died. Also teared up when Rachel lost Kisten in one of the earlier books.

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  15. I completely agree, a whole bunch of these books made me tear up (I'm not much of a crier), especially Where the Red Fern Grows...considering I was in fifth grade when I read it--it was pretty traumatizing! haha
    awesome list

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