Tissues Required: The Top 20 Books That Will Make You Cry Your Heart Out

Books have the incredible power to evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy and laughter to sorrow and tears. For those who appreciate the cathartic experience of shedding a few tears over a compelling story, we've compiled a list of the top 20 books that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you reaching for the tissue box.

1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green:

A poignant tale of two teenagers, Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters, who find love and hope amid the challenges of living with cancer.

2. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara:

This novel delves into the lives of four college friends in New York City, exploring the enduring impact of trauma on one of them, Jude St. Francis.

3. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes:

The heartwarming yet heart-wrenching story of Louisa Clark, a young woman who becomes a caregiver for a quadriplegic man, Will Traynor.

4. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak:

Set in Nazi Germany, this novel narrated by Death follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl who steals books and shares them with her neighbors during the horrors of World War II.

5. One Day by David Nicholls:

Dexter and Emma meet on July 15th for two decades, and the novel chronicles their lives on that day each year, exploring the complexities of love and friendship.

6. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold:

Told from the perspective of Susie Salmon, a young girl who was murdered, this novel explores the aftermath of her death on her family and friends.

7. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman:

Ove, a grumpy yet endearing old man, finds new purpose and unexpected connections in his neighborhood after a series of life-altering events.

8. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro:

Set in a dystopian world, this novel follows the lives of three friends who discover the dark truth about their existence and the inevitable fate that awaits them.

9. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini:

Amir, haunted by a childhood betrayal, returns to Afghanistan to confront his past and seek redemption for the sins of his youth.

10. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein:

Enzo, a philosophical dog, narrates the life story of his owner, Denny Swift, a race car driver, and the profound bond they share.

11. Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng:

The mysterious death of Lydia Lee unravels family secrets and explores the impact of societal expectations on identity.

12. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult:

Anna Fitzgerald sues her parents for medical emancipation when she discovers that she was conceived to be a donor for her leukemia-stricken sister.

13. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini:

This novel follows the intertwined lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, as they endure the hardships of life under the rule of the Taliban.

14. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah:

Set in World War II, this novel tells the story of two sisters in France and their struggles, sacrifices, and resistance against the German occupation.

15. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer:

Oskar Schell, a young boy, embarks on a quest through New York City to uncover the secrets left behind by his father, who died in the 9/11 attacks.

16. Ordinary People by Judith Guest:

The Jarrett family grapples with the aftermath of tragedy as they try to rebuild their lives and confront the complexities of grief.

17. The Road by Cormac McCarthy:

In a post-apocalyptic world, a father and son journey through a desolate landscape, facing unimaginable challenges as they strive for survival.

18. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson:

A heartrending story of friendship and loss, this novel follows the imaginative adventures of Jess and Leslie in their secret kingdom of Terabithia.

19. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi:

A memoir by a neurosurgeon facing a terminal illness, this book reflects on life, death, and the search for meaning in the face of mortality.

20. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart:

A gripping tale of a privileged family's summer on a private island, filled with secrets, lies, and a devastating twist that changes everything.

Conclusion:

These 20 books, with their powerful narratives and emotional depth, have the ability to move readers to tears. As we immerse ourselves in the lives of these characters and the challenges they face, we discover the profound beauty that lies in the shared human experience of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. So, grab a cozy blanket, find a quiet corner, and prepare to embark on an emotional journey through the pages of these unforgettable novels. Just don't forget the tissues!