Table of Contents
I’ll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson
Cry Rating: 9/10
This emotionally gripping book will dismantle your world and then piece it back together again. Follow the lives of Noah and Jude, once inseparable twins who now barely speak to each other. Experience the story through the eyes of a creative 13-year-old Noah in the past and a quiet, rebellious 16-year-old Jude in the present. Prepare for a rollercoaster of laughter and tears.
Pssst… I’ll Give You The Sun is on sale on ebook until 3/29!
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Cry Rating: 9/10
Let’s kick off this list with a tear-jerker that will leave you an emotional wreck. This life-affirming novel will not just bring tears to your eyes, but also to your heart. Mia’s life takes a tragic turn after a terrible accident, forcing her to rebuild her shattered existence and redefine her purpose after such profound loss.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Cry Rating: 10/10
Most of us have likely shed tears over the poignant story of Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters. But why not immerse yourself in this heart-wrenching tale once again? Explore the pain and beauty of having cancer as a young adult, and discover how love, even in the face of adversity, can bring solace and make life a little more bearable and exquisite.
I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman
Cry Rating: 8/10
Gayle Forman, known for her tearjerker “If I Stay,” is back with yet another emotionally devastating read. Through the perspectives of three strangers, this story unfolds in the heart of New York City over the course of a single day. It’s hard to decide which character’s pain will strike a chord with you the most, but be prepared to have your heart crushed, particularly by Harun’s journey.
The Careful Undressing of Love by Corey Ann Haydu
Cry Rating: 7/10
When a curse states that any man loved by a woman on Devonairre Street will meet a tragic end, you know you’re in for a heart-wrenching story. Lorna finds herself falling in love against her will, while also witnessing her best friend succumb to grief and superstition. This exquisitely written novel poignantly explores the intertwined emotions of love and grief, revealing how closely they can coexist.
You In Five Acts by Una La Marche
Cry Rating: 10/10
Fair warning: prepare to sob uncontrollably as you approach the last chapter of this book. Told from the perspectives of five students attending a performing arts high school in New York City, each section is addressed to a different “you.” Filled with drama, passion, and romance, this breathtaking novel will leave you breathless and red-eyed by the time you reach the end.
Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen
Cry Rating: 6/10
No list of heart-wrenching books is complete without a Sarah Dessen masterpiece. “Lock and Key” tells the story of Ruby, abandoned by her mother and determined to fend for herself, even when she ends up living with her estranged sister. As Ruby discovers, there’s a vast difference between accepting help and being able to ask for it. Sometimes, saving yourself requires reaching out to someone else.
We Are Okay by Nina La Cour
Cry Rating: 6/10
If you have experienced the loss of a friend, family member, or even an old flame with whom you’ve lost contact, “We Are Okay” will tear open your chest and gently help it heal. Marin and Mabel have drifted apart following a mysterious and traumatic event that left Marin shattered. But Mabel is determined to reconnect and assist her friend in healing from the pain of the past.
Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Cry Rating: 5/10
While this book may not make you sob uncontrollably, it will undoubtedly rip out your heart and leave you breathless. Elias and Laia come from contrasting backgrounds—one from the oppressed slave class of Scholars, the other from the privileged elite class of Empire warriors known as Masks. As their paths intertwine, their actions change the fate of the Empire. Even amidst all the action and adventure, prepare for a few heartstring-tugging moments that will bring tears to your eyes.
Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder
Cry Rating: 10/10
Get ready with a box of tissues. This graphic novel memoir will be released on April 14th, and it’s time to start emotionally preparing yourself for this heart-wrenching yet surprisingly funny read. Artist Tyler Feder shares her personal journey of grief after losing her mother to cancer. Discover how to transform a good cry into a transformative and cathartic experience. The book’s stunning illustrations beautifully capture vulnerability and honesty. For anyone struggling with loss, this book offers solace and understanding.