So yesterday I was reading at the gym, and I am just about to the end of my book and something horrible happens. It starts with a little catch in my throat, then I can feel my eyes starting to fill up...and I realize that I am about to cry over a book in public. And not just anywhere, at the gym, in front of all the ladies going to zumba and the body builders lifting weights. I avoided the full out break down (thank goodness a character didn't die or I would have had to leave immediately and go cry in my car) and I hope that anyone who saw just thought I was sweating from my eyeballs from my workout. When I am not in public, I love a good book that can make me cry. I weep pretty much every time a character dies, and if I don't, there is something wrong with the book. I will cry at just about anything, that is how emotionally invested I can get in my books. So today, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite weepers. (spoiler alert I think all of these involve someone dying)
Theme: Suicide
13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Clay receives a box from a girl a school, Hannah, who has recently killed herself. They box contains cassette tapes that Hannah recorded before committing suicide, and they explain the reasons (and people) that forced her to make her decision. This one is an emotional roller coaster, obviously, need I say more?
By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters
Daelyn has already attempted suicide several times, her last "failure" has left her mute. As she plans her "final" attempt she meets a new boy, but can he show her a good reason to live, before it is too late? You can't help but cry several times in this book as Daelyn describes the bullying she has dealt with her whole life.
Theme: Illness
Before I Die by Jenny Downham
Tessa is sick, she only has about a year to live and she decides to use it wisely. She makes her bucket list and adds things like "fall in love" and "say yes to everything for a day". I don't know why I am surprised at the end of these books, because they tell you that they are going to die on the first page, but it always sneaks up on me!
Deadline by Chris Crutcher
Ben is given six months to live, which means he might get to see graduation if he is lucky. But since he is 18 his medical diagnosis is his own to share, and he decides not to tell anyone. In his last months Ben decides to do all the things he has been to scared to try (football, asking out the hottest girl in school). After all, what does he have to loose?
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
Lia has just been released from treatment for her anorexia. Her doctors believe she is getting better, but almost immediately after arriving home she goes back to her old habits and becomes even better at hiding it from her parents. Each time she wakes up at 4am to workout on the stationary bike in the basement, or denies herself food, your heart will break just a little more.
Theme: You'll Never See It Coming
Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher
TJ, a multiracial teen growing up in a small town in the Midwest, has had to battle racism and bullying his whole life. But when the school bully picks on another student TJ has had enough. He starts a swim team to show the students at his school that anyone can be a winner! This one has a twist that you will never see coming, and if you can walk away with dry eyes you must be a robot.
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Miles is the new, shy student at Culver Creek Prep School when he meets a colorful cast of characters. But the most colorful of all is Alaska, a wild and unexpected girl who changes Miles' perspective on life. Once again, keep that Kleenex box handy as you approach the end of the book!
Theme: Just Plain Sad
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
There really is no way to summarize this book. But it is about war, and we all know what happens in war, people die. I won't spoil it if you haven't read it yet (but honestly what are you doing reading this post, go pick up this series in stead), but dang, I don't think I ever stopped crying for the last 50 pages.
Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott
Alice was kidnapped by Ray when she was just ten years old, on a school trip to zoo. For years, Ray has kept her hidden in his apartment, abusing her emotionally, physically and sexually. Now he is offering her a kind of freedom (death) if she finds him a new little girl as a replacement. Need. I. Say. More?