Once a friend asked me what my favorite book genre is. Without giving it a second thought, I replied, “Sad books that make you cry”, pointing at my bookshelf. There is something special about such books that absolutely obliterate your emotions, especially the ones that leave you in a heap of snot, tears, and regret. But you can’t stop. You just can’t.
So, if you are looking for books that will break you down, leave you weeping for days, and somehow make you love them even more for it, you have arrived at the right place. This bibliomaniac has compiled some of the must-read sad books about love, familial bond, war, and heartbreak. Will you regret it? Absolutely. Will you come back for more? 100%. Because deep down, we are all emotional masochists, and these heart-wrenching books know exactly how to play us.
1. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
For those who love a story of deep emotional connections, painful regrets, and the hope of redemption.
Favorite Quote: “For you, a thousand times over.”
I have read this book twelve times. Yes, you read that right. I have ugly cried all twelve times. I also cried when I lent this book to a friend and they lost it. Long story short, I stopped talking to that friend. So yes, this is perhaps the saddest book ever written. The story of Amir and Hassan is both beautiful and heartbreaking.
Their friendship, torn apart by betrayal, is something you will never forget. It’s one of those novels where you think you’ve braced yourself for the inevitable sadness… but when it hits, it hits hard.
2. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
For those who love a raw, unflinching human exploration of trauma and friendship.
Favorite Quote: “He is so lonely that he sometimes feels it physically, a sodden clump of dirty laundry pressing against his chest.”
If you want to read something that will make you cry, pick up A Little Life. However, it’s a heavy book and it’s not the perfect one for beginners. The book revolves around four friends as they struggle with sexual abuse, addiction, childhood trauma, and depression.
Honestly, I couldn’t put it down, but I also had to take breaks because firstly, it wasn’t a light read. Secondly, it was extremely emotionally overwhelming. If you are prepared to dive deep into grief, trauma, and love in its most complicated forms, this one will haunt you long after you turn the last page. This is for those who want to read books about depression and its aftermath.
3. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
For those who love a bittersweet love story with adorable main leads.
Favorite Quote: “It would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you.”
The story of Hazel and Augustus is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Their love story is poignant and full of humor. You may mistake this book for just another life-threatening illness book but it’s much more than that. It is about life, love, and the beauty of finding connection, even in the most difficult circumstances.
If you are looking for some sad books about love, this one should definitely be on your TBR list. Also, the entire book is a treasure trove of devastating quotes. By the end, you’ll be wiping away tears and hoping to find someone who says Okay to your Okay?
4. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
For those who enjoy reading about war, survival, and quirky narration style.
Favorite Quote: “The injury of words. Yes, the brutality of words.”
This is THE book. What do I mean by that? I mean, it’s one of the books that pull your heartstrings. It is set in Nazi Germany during World War II and explores the gory reality behind the holocaust. It includes many themes, such as love, loss, and resistance. If you want to read about the biggest genocide that’s ever known to mankind but in a fictional setting, this one is the right choice.
It’s a beautifully written, emotional journey that will make you reflect on the impact of small acts of kindness and how words can change lives. If that doesn’t make you want to read this book, here is another tidbit: this book is narrated by Death.
5. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
For those who think the world is a good place, this book will challenge that belief.
Favorite Quote: “Sitting around miserable all day won’t make you any happier.”
John Boyne is one of my favorite authors. He uses children to teach adults all the things we do wrong in our lives. Hence, if you are looking for some children’s books that make you cry and teach a thing or two about humanity, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is right up your alley.
It is set during World War II when Hitler was ruthlessly killing the Nazis. It follows the friendship of Bruno and Shmuel, the former is a German kid, whereas the latter is a Jewish prisoner in a concentration camp. The book will take you on a wild emotional ride.
6. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
For the fans of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Famous Quote: “The more intelligent you become, the more problems you’ll have.”
If you think having a smart mind is the most important thing in the world, then you must read Flowers for Algernon. The book explores ambition, identity, and the price a man has to pay to gain intelligence, making it to the list of most emotionally devastating books of all time.
This is another one you can add to the list of novels that will make you cry because as you turn the pages, you are going to unfold a heartbreaking disaster.
The story follows Charlie Gordon, who undergoes an experimental surgery to increase his intelligence. As his intellect grows, he becomes more aware of his past and struggles with isolation. This book is going to make you wonder: what if the pursuit of brilliance leaves you more broken than whole?
7. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
For those who believe in the strength of women and the adversities of marrying wrong.
Favorite Quote: “One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs.”
Looking for some soul-crushing books? A Thousand Splendid Suns will do that job perfectly. It’s a story of two women, Mariam and Laila, whose lives intertwine in a powerful, raw testament to the strength of the human spirit. The tragic tale of oppression set against the backdrop of Kabul will make your heartache.
8. My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult
For those who would do anything for their family.
Favorite Quote: “The bottom line is that we never fall for the people we’re supposed to.”
If you want to add another book to the list of saddest books about death, this heart wrenching tale of family loyalty and ethical dilemmas is the perfect fit. My Sister’s Keeper narrates the story of Anna, who was conceived through IVF, to save her sister’s life. As Anna grows older, she questions her role and ultimately sues her parents for medical emancipation.
If you want to read some books with sad endings, this one will make you sob for hours after you finish it. It is heartbreaking, frustrating, and utterly unforgettable, perfect for anyone who loves a good emotional gut check.
9. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Septeys
For those who love historical fiction and want to learn a thing or two about resilience.
Favorite Quote: “Have you ever wondered what a human life is worth? That morning, my brother’s was worth a pocket watch.”
As a heavy reader, the best part about traveling is shutting the outside world and getting lost in the pages of a good book. When I picked Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys, I had no idea I was going to be crying my eyes out in a local train as the other passengers gawked at me in disbelief. Yes, that’s how heart-wrenching this book is.
It is another gripping historical fiction novel set during World War II. It follows 15-year-old Lina Vilkas, a Lithuanian girl deported to a Siberian labor camp by Soviet forces. As Lina faces unimaginable suffering, she holds onto hope through her art and love for her family.
10. Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott
For fans of The Fault in Our Stars.
Favorite Quote: “Everyone in this world is breathing borrowed air.”
Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott is a touching contemporary romance about two teenagers. It explores the themes of love and isolation. Stella Grant and Will Newman, both suffer from cystic fibrosis. If you want to read some of the most heartbreaking romantic books, then go ahead with this one.
Due to their condition, they are forced to maintain a strict physical distance from one another to avoid cross-infection. Surprise, surprise, they fall in love! It’s a deeply emotional yet beautiful read. The characters’ struggles with love and illness are moving and poignant. Give this book a read if you are looking for books that touch your soul.
11. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
For those who want to learn a thing or two about the history of America.
Favorite Quote: “Some folks never was meant to be loved.”
Their Eyes Were Watching God is rich with themes of love, independence, and identity, all set against the backdrop of the southern United States.
Hurston’s poetic writing and vivid characters bring the main lead’s story to life. If you appreciate stories of personal strength, empowerment, and the complexities of love, this novel is a must-read.
12. Room by Emma Donoghue
For those who want to read a heart-racing story of a mother and son.
Favorite Quote: “Scared is what you’re feeling. Brave is what you’re doing.”
Room by Emma Donoghue is one of the books that will break your soul. It is told from the perspective of five-year-old Jack, who hasn’t seen anything beyond the four walls of a room.
The novel is a beautiful exploration of resilience, love, and the bond between mother and child. The author’s ability to write through Jack’s innocent eyes is deeply moving and creates a unique perspective on a traumatic experience.
13. In Every Moment We Are Still Alive by Tom Malmquist
For those who have experienced an irreplaceable loss.
Favorite Quote: “The way I usually put it is, prayer is doubt, why else would anyone pray?”
If you are looking for some of the saddest memoirs, this autofiction is the one for you. It captures the complexities of grief and the quiet resilience a person goes through when they are dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Malmquist’s writing is raw and introspective, which helps in creating an emotional connection with the reader. The book is impactful and the narration style is unique. A must-read book if you want to cry your heart out.
14. Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell
For fans of Shakespeare.
Favorite Quote: “Time runs only one way”
We all know Shakespeare as the greatest playwright of all time. But what we don’t know are his struggles. He had a son and a daughter, Hamnet and Judith.
Shakespeare invented many words and phrases. He was known for his plays and sonnets. But his personal life isn’t talked about much owing to the fact that he was unhappy during the later years of his life. This book will tell you why. It is about Hamnet, Shakespeare’s son, who died at the age of 11. It is a fictional account of Hamnet’s death and the pain it caused Shakespeare and his wife. If you are looking for books that pull your heartstrings, Hamnet is the perfect one.
15. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
For fans of Greek mythology.
Favorite Quote: “He is half my soul, as the poets say.”
Want to know some of the fiction books that make you cry? Try reading The Song Of Achilles, a famous Greek hero who was known as the greatest warrior of all time. In this stunning retelling of the myth of Achilles and Patroclus, told from the perspective of Patroclus, Achilles’ companion and lover.
The novel brings a fresh and emotional depth to the ancient Greek story, blending romance, heroism, and tragedy with vivid character development and breathtaking prose. I personally love poetic and lyrical storytelling and if that’s your favorite narration style too, then you are sure to enjoy the unforgettable journey of love and loss.
16. All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
For those who enjoy a “boy meets girl” narrative but with World War II as the backdrop.
Favorite Quote: “Time is a slippery thing: lose hold of it once, and its string might sail out of your hands forever”
The parallel lives of a blind French girl, Marie-Laure, and a young German soldier, Werner, intersect in this hauntingly beautiful novel.
Doerr’s vivid descriptions of the world and his deeply empathetic character development make the story both heartbreaking and inspiring.
17. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
For fans of dystopian fiction.
Favorite Quote: “All children have to be deceived if they are to grow up without trauma.”
I read this book twice. Once when I was a beginner reader and the second time was a couple of years ago. It didn’t make much sense to me the first time and I couldn’t understand the hype behind it. When I read it for the second time, I found the book deeply moving and chilling.
As the story unfolds, we find out that the students of Hailsham, an English boarding school, are not ordinary children. They are clones raised for the sole purpose of organ donation. Ishiguro masterfully blends science fiction with profound emotional depth, exploring themes of identity, love, and the ethical implications of cloning.
18. Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
For those who enjoy a mixed-race murder mystery and family dynamics.
Favorite Quote: “The most important word: tomorrow”
The plot of Everything I Never Told You centers around the disappearance and death of Lydia Lee, the beloved daughter of a Chinese-American family, and the profound impact her loss has on her parents and siblings.
Ng’s writing is sharp and insightful, revealing the hidden struggles and unspoken truths within the family. It’s a poignant book from a brilliant author.
19. Beautiful Boy by David Sheff
For those who seek an honest portrayal of addiction and how it affects the family members.
Favorite Quote: “Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die.”
Beautiful Boy by David Sheff is a heartbreaking memoir that depicts his experience as a father watching his son struggle with drug addiction.
Sheff explores the devastating effects of substance abuse and the anguish a parent feels when faced with their child’s downward spiral. It’s a powerful book that will leave your stomach in knots.
20. Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
For those who love their love stories with a bit of aesthetics and passion.
Favorite Quote: “We had the stars, you and I. And this is given only once.”
Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman is a beautifully written, sensual coming-of-age novel that explores the intense and transformative relationship between 17-year-old Elio and his father’s 24-year-old research assistant, Oliver, during a summer in Northern Italy.
It’s hard hitting the way the author explores identity and first love. A haunting and poetic story of love that transcends time and place. This is one of the sad relatable books if you’ve ever had your heart broken.
21. Wonder by R. J. Palacio
For those who want to be reminded of the power of empathy and kindness.
Favorite Quote: “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.”
Wonder by R. J. Palacio will warm your heart and challenge your perspective. The story of Auggie Pullman, a young boy born with a facial deformity is a strong reminder that empathy is the key to life.
It’s a simple, easy-to-read novel, but it tackles all the heavy themes, such as bullying and insecurity. I have cried my eyes out while reading this book and I am sure you will too.
22. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
For fans of The Notebook.
Favorite Quote: “Love is like the wind, you can’t see it but you can feel it.”
A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks is a poignant read. Set in a small town, it follows the relationship between Landon, a typical teenager, and Jamie, a kind and devout girl with a secret.
Their bond grows in ways neither could have expected, making the book both a celebration of love and a meditation on loss. It’s a bittersweet book that will have you reaching for tissues.
23. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
For those who swoon over high school romances.
Favorite Quote: “You are all the colors in one, at full brightness.”
The story revolves around Violet Markey and Theodore Finch, as they bond over their struggles with grief and mental health.
On the other hand, Violet is coping with the death of her sister, while Finch battles his own dark thoughts. Niven’s writing is breathtaking and it captures the essence of depression, loss, loneliness, and love really well.
24. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
For those who want a quick read.
Favorite Quote: “Everyone has a thousand wishes before a tragedy, but just one afterward.”
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman tells the story of Ove, a grumpy, solitary man in his late sixties who has lost his wife and feels disconnected from the world. Living in a small Swedish town, Ove’s life takes an unexpected turn when new neighbors move in.
The ending is both moving and uplifting, showing that no one is ever truly alone if they allow others in. In the end, you’ll find yourself both laughing and crying.
25. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
For those who know the sufferings of the childless.
Favorite Quote: “If he can only get far enough away—from people, from memory—time will do its job.”
The Light Between Oceans is about Tom Sherbourne, a lighthouse keeper on a remote island off the coast of Australia, and his wife, Isabel, who is desperate to have a child. After many miscarriages, they find a baby and decide to keep it. What follows is a tragic tale that stays with you for a long time.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster. The moral dilemma at the heart of the story had me questioning what I would do in Tom and Isabel’s shoes. The writing is beautiful, and the setting adds to the novel’s haunting atmosphere.
26. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
For those who enjoy reading about a rich man falling for a working-class woman.
Favorite Quote: “You only get one life.”
Louisa is hired as Will’s caregiver, and despite his bitterness and desire to end his life, they form an unlikely bond. He falls in love with her and vice versa. The book talks about the themes of love, disability, sacrifice, and the complexities of assisted suicide.
If you want to read some books that touch your soul, give Me Before You a chance. It’s a gut-wrenching story. Also, the way Moyes addresses the ethical issues surrounding Will’s situation is both respectful and thought-provoking.
27. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
For those who are having a difficult time trying to let go.
Favorite Quote: “With books you can travel around the world without moving from your chair.”
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George follows Jean Perdu, a bookseller who runs a floating bookstore on the Seine River in Paris. He is referred to in the book as the “literary pharmacist” because he has a unique ability to prescribe books to people based on their emotional needs, earning him the title of “literary pharmacist.”
It’s a magical story that has its own gentle pace. A charming, reflective read that will resonate with anyone who has found comfort in books.
28. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
For those dealing with anxiety and childhood trauma.
Best Quote: “We accept the love we think we deserve.”
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age novel that captures the struggles and beauty of adolescence in a way that feels both personal and universal. This book is single-handedly responsible for opening my eyes to the power of vulnerability and the complexity of human emotions.
Whenever someone asks me for a good book recommendation, I suggest this masterpiece. It taught me that it is okay to not have everything figured out and that healing often comes in unexpected ways.
This is a coming-of-age novel told through a series of letters written by Charlie, the protagonist. He is a shy freshman and doesn’t know if his life is worth living. He navigates the challenges of adolescence, friendship, love, family struggles, and mental health.
29. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
For those who are struggling with mental health.
Favorite Quote: “And in the middle of the room, one desk to the left, will be the desk of Hannah Baker. Empty.”
Clay Jensen, receives a box of cassette tapes recorded by his classmate, Hannah Baker, who recently killed herself. As Clay listens, he uncovers the ripple effects of his classmates’ actions and the depth of Hannah’s suffering.
The book is a stark reminder of how bullying can damage a person’s mental health. The novel is hard to put down but also incredibly heavy, tackling serious issues with sensitivity and honesty.
30. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
For fans of Sylvia Plath.
Favorite Quote: “The silence depressed me. It wasn’t the silence of silence. It was my own silence.”
We cannot simply end our list of sad books that make you cry without mentioning a book by the author who died tragically. Sylvia Plath, the poet who ended her life by placing her head in the oven, wrote The Bell Jar while battling depression. It’s a semi-autobiography that follows Esther Greenwood, a young woman who seems to have it all; intelligence, beauty, and potential but she struggles with severe depression.
The metaphor of the bell jar perfectly captures the sense of entrapment and isolation she feels. It’s a difficult book to read and it’s high time we stop defining the poet by her death. She was and will always remain an iconic female poet.
31. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
For those who want to read an uplifting journey after losing a loved one.
Favorite Quotes: “Because horror on Earth is real and it is every day. It is like a flower or like the sun; it cannot be contained.”
The Lovely Bones is deeply emotional and haunting. It is narrated by Susie from heaven as she watches her family cope with her death. She was murdered and she has to come to terms with her own death.
The novel combines themes of love, loss, and justice. It’s one of the best tearjerker books out there. Trigger warning: the book talks about the murder in detail which may be disturbingfor the faint-hearted ones.
32. Maps for Lost Lovers by Nadeem Aslam
For those who are grappling with the complexities of cultural conflicts.
Favorite Quote: “A lie does not become the truth just because ten people are telling it.”
If I had to describe Maps for Lost Lovers in a handful of words, I would review it as: lush narratives, rich characters, and deep emotions.
The book revolves around the mysterious disappearance of Jugnu and Chanda, whose relationship is shrouded in secrecy due to cultural and societal constraints. A very powerful book that delves into the nuances of religion, identity, and freedom subtly. Add this book in your collection and enjoy its beautiful prose.
33. Wuthering Heights by Emile Brontë
For those who crave dark, intense love stories.
Favorite Quote: “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”
They say you are either a Pride and Prejudice person or a Wuthering Heights person. This was one of the biggest rivalries among devastating classic books back in the nineteenth century, and it is still discussed today. I am a Wuthering Heights person. Something about Heathcliff’s brooding character just left me spellbound.
Set on the remote Yorkshire moors, the novel is a dark and intense tale of passion, obsession, and revenge. It’s a psychological exploration of generational abuse and how obsession can transcend even death.
Conclusion
This list of sad books to make you cry will definitely hit you in all the right places. Spend some time with them, and they’ll make you laugh, cry, and ponder the nuances of life. So go ahead—grab a book, prepare for the tears, and don’t forget to wipe your nose while you sniffle cry as you turn the pages.
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