Grab a Tissue! 8 Novels Guaranteed to Make You Cry

One of the best things books can do for a reader is to bring forth an emotional reaction or connection that makes them cry. It may seem counter intuitive to fall in love with a book that makes you weep, shake, and snot all over the place whether you’re in your bed or on the bus, but for those of us who have done it on multiple occasions, we understand that those are the best books to read.

Prepare to read through thick, hot tears that blur your vision, because these eight books are going to make you cry.

1. Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala

In the wake of the 2004 tsunami that struck Sri Lanka, Sonali Seraniyagala describes the physical pain and emotional anguish of  the tragedy that overtook the country as well as her personal life. The raw, well crafted descriptions are sure to keep you crying through the novel.

Source: Amazon

2. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

One of the first books that I recall crying over while reading is the story of a boy and the two hounds that he spends his time training. It illicites more than tears, but downright sobbing and  gushing of hot, salty cries.

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3. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Henry’s unexpected travels through time are the setting for an unconventional love story. For those gooey romantics at heart who are looking for something a little different, this tear-jerker is for you.

Source: Amazon

4. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

While the popular story of two cancer ridden teenagers did not capture my heart the way it has for many, there is no question that whether you cry like a baby or eek our a few tears, this book will tug on your heart strings and make you cry.

Source: Amazon

5. Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

As thirteen year old Sal’s story unfolds at her grandparents home in Ohio, she weaves the tale of Pheobe, whose life is filled with the mystery of strange messages and a missing mother. This is one of those childhood stories that has never left me, it’s impact being so strong.

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6. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

The first Harry Potter installment where Rowling’s supreme gift for handling death hit home. As the epic story takes a dramatic change, the last few chapters are chilling, heavy with darkness and a signal for what is to come. With the first death that Harry, and the reader, witnesses, tears will flow, and they will not stop until you have come to the end of the series.

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7. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

In Nazi Germany, when the world has fallen apart, Liesel discovers the power of books. Taught by her foster father to read, Liesel begins to share her stolen volumes with her neighbors in this heart warming story of how books can get us through the most difficult situations that the world can give to us.

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8. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

When I read the description of this novel, I was not expecting to ugly cry in public, but it proved to be just the ticket. Written from the perspective of man’s best friend, a dog recalls his life while he reaches the end. An epic tale off loss and love, this book will definitely have you reaching for the tissues.

Source: Amazon

Pick up a box of tissues, a blanket, and possibly, a stuffed animal and get ready to cry like a baby over these emotionally jarring reads.