The Most Heart-Wrenching Book I’ve Ever Read: 20 Readers Share
By BookBub
June 08, 2023
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Have you ever read a book so captivating and powerful it moved you to tears? We asked BookBub readers to share the most heart-wrenching books they’ve ever read, and they made some great recommendations — from absorbing historical novels to beautifully written memoirs and more. Read on to see their picks, and be sure to add them to your wishlist! (Note: Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.)
The Time Traveler’s Wife
Anu says: “The greatest love story I’ve ever read. On my second read-through I thought I’d be safe reading it in public, because surely I wouldn’t cry anymore the second time around. Well, I cried, a lot, on the bus.”
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A Little Life
Michelle says: “No story has left me as heartbroken as this one. I kind of want to read it again but I seriously don’t think I’m ready.”
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Just Mercy
Nancy says: “I had to read it in fits and starts. The truths it tells and the lives that were so negatively impacted were very hard to read about, but very important for us to know. Highly recommend.”
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The Art of Racing in the Rain
Kathy says: “Truly one of the best books I’ve ever read. The story is told from the perspective of the dog. From the first page, it is gripping and heartfelt. The ending was a surprise and fantastic.”
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Shuggie Bain
Carolyn says: “Harrowing is the only word to describe this book, but I also couldn’t put it down.”
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The Island of Sea Women
Alice says: “I love that the main relationship is one between soul-friends, rather than a romantic relationship, which is usually the case. I have never been a big crier, but it totally made me cry, even just thinking about it a day after I’d finished it… I totally recommend it.”
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The Nightingale
Becky says: “The strength of the female main characters and the beautiful writing made me weep, and I can’t stop thinking about this book.”
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Unbroken
Nancy says: “An extraordinary true story of courage and survival. I sobbed.”
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The Remains of the Day
John says: “It was so staggeringly heartbreaking.”
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The Glass Castle
Valerie says: “True story and beautifully written. Later made into a film, but the book is so moving.”
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The Book Thief
Holly says: “The writing is so beautiful. How it ended was heartbreaking. I’m not a crier, but the tears streaked down my face as I read the final chapters. I continue to recommend this book to readers of all ages.”
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A Prayer for Owen Meany
Peggy says: “I have read it several times, and the ending always has me sobbing.”
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Water for Elephants
Kathy says: “I had to read the ending several times because it was so heartwarming. Loved the ending!”
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The Kite Runner
Armina says: “The Kite Runner absolutely broke me. I remember having to pause reading to get a drink of water because I was sobbing.”
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The Grapes of Wrath
Vanessa says: “I read this book in high school and enjoyed it. I read again as an adult, and it was profound in its message. I was sobbing at the end of the book.”
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Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
Colette says: “At times, while reading, I was crying. Never had a book moved me that much.”
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Atonement
Hill says: “A book never made me cry before that, but the ending broke me wide open. Many, many years later I still think about it and feel betrayed and devastated.”
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The Ladies’ Midnight Swimming Club
June says: “Three women all have the chance to begin again. Emotional read. Great story.”
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Birdsong
Margaret says: ”Had me gripped and terrified when they were in the trenches. Listening with stethoscopes for the enemy. So moving.”
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A Gentleman in Moscow
Kathy says: “An incredible story of the value of freedom and the human spirit.”
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Abycats' Thoughts 