Top Ten Tuesday: Books that broke my heart a little

Happy Top Ten Tuesday! Today is a freebie day, so I am doing the topic “Books that broke my heart a little.” I am easily affected by the books I read, so this list took a little more work to pare down than I thought it would initially. Nonetheless, I did come up with my list of books that broke my heart a little (some more than others).

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme started on the Broke and the Bookish blog.

They set the topic, we make the lists. Visit their site to see more on this topic

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

This book has broken my heart three times now! That’s because I have read it that many times (once for pleasure, twice for book clubs) and each time, Harold gets to me. I really feel for that man on his journey, where we learn all about his past. I just love Harold and want to hug him and say “It gets better.”

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

We have sang this book’s praises on here more than once. See here and here. Even so, I have to share it as a heartbreaking read. Yes, this book is a love story, but man is heartbreaking. These poor kids are misunderstood and have to deal with things out of their control, but still hang onto each other. It breaks my heart, but kind of in a good way.
 

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I defy you to read this book without crying. Even from the beginning you know you’ll cry, but keep reading, masochist that you are. The book is about a woman who becomes the caretaker for a quadriplegic man. They form a friendship, despite how different they are.
 

The Returned by Jason Mott

I believe on my Goodreads description of this book I said “terribly sad” as my main point. This book about deceased people returning to their families really caught me. The whole book is veiled in such sadness, yet it has its uplifting moments. The tv show Resurrection is based upon this book, but I’m not a big fan with what they’ve done with the story.
 

Love and Other Perishable Items by Laura Buzo

This book is about a teenage girl with a crush on an older man (not creepy older, just a few years really, but still in the illegal range). The book is a coming-of-age story for both characters. She idolizes him, and he likes her too, but knows he can’t go there. Unrequited love at its best.
 

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Oh my goodness, this one is based on lies and deception. The characters in this book are all lied to and must find their way in a savage world. The main character starts out in a love triangle with brothers, both of whom love her, but her mate is chosen for her. On top of that, there are zombies, wilderness, and a journey more terrifying than expected. They have to grow up fast, which is always heartbreaking.
 

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

I have never loved gorillas more than when I read this book. Ivan is a lovely gorilla held in captivity, but he has so many feelings and I just wanted to hug him. And give him crayons.
 

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

This book is eye-opening for a number of reasons: bullying, growing up, new schools, friendships, etc. Auggie is a ten-year-old with facial deformities from birth. He’s spent his whole life contained in his little family, since he has had so many surgeries. Now, going to school, he discovers just how cruel, and kind, strangers can be. I loved that there were so many viewpoints in this book, and that broke my heart a little more.
 

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

You know everyone who will die well ahead of time, some even the exact moment. Even so, it is impossible not to be attached to them and ugly-cry when they die. Oh, Liesel, she just needs so many hugs. It is a beautifully sad tale of the Nazi occupation of Germany, told in a completely original way.
 

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

This is my most recent book on this list. It was a lovely story of a widowed bookstore owner who bounces back from all of his darkness to become a pillar of his community. I loved A.J., even though his was kind of a crab. He was hyper-critical of a lot of books, and he only wanted to be left alone. Don’t worry--things change--and it’s a magical read, even if my heart broke a little.
 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Okay, I have 11. Charlie breaks my heart. Just thinking about him now. How I loved this sad boy who had almost every bad thing ever happen to him. He just wants to be loved and liked. It is hard not to be affected by this book, since Charlie is just so innocent and lovable.

Okay, now what books have broken your heart?

~Cailey