Books That Will Prove People Who Say “I Don’t Cry” Wrong and Make You Cry While Reading

We warn you in advance. Be sure to have a box of tissues by your side while reading these books! We have compiled books that will make you unable to hold back your tears, make your heart ache, and take you on an emotional journey. Enjoy reading!

1. The Kite Runner — Khaled Hosseini

Afghan-born American author’s first work, The Kite Runner, was released to readers in 2003. This work holds the distinction of being the first novel written in English by an Afghan.

At its core, the novel revolves around universal themes such as friendship, love, betrayal, and peace. Hosseini masterfully handles the complexities and emotional depths of human relationships in this striking and poignant story. This novel offers readers a range of emotional experiences on both personal and societal levels.

2. The Nightingale — Kristin Hannah

This work by Kristin Hannah centers on two sisters struggling to survive in France under the shadow of World War II. Growing up without a mother and father, Viann and Isabelle experience different facets of life. Viann continues her life with her childhood love, Antoine, while Isabelle, full of rebellious spirit, is expelled from or runs away from schools.

When the sparks of war flare up, Viann’s husband is called to the front, and expelled Isabelle is forced to take refuge with her sister. However, the war creates rifts between the two sisters. Isabelle joins the resistance movement, saves countless lives, and falls into an unexpected love.

3. My Sweet Orange Tree — José Mauro de Vasconcelos

Considered one of the cornerstones of Brazil’s literary world, ‘My Sweet Orange Tree’ is seen as José Mauro de Vasconcelos’ most important work. The life story of Zezé, who resists the restrictions of the adult world with his imagination, is filled with poverty, pain, and hope, and bears deep traces of the author’s childhood experiences.

Five-year-old Zezé discovers almost all aspects of life on his own: not just playing marbles and chasing cars, but also reading and the melodies of street artists. His closest friend is a sweet orange tree sapling, which Zezé has named Minguinho, that listens to his stories.

4. Of Mice and Men — John Steinbeck

‘Of Mice and Men’ tells the story of two itinerant farm workers, clever George Milton and strong but mentally disabled Lennie Small.

These two dream of owning a small piece of land and living an honorable life. Their story is a deeply emotional tale of friendship and solidarity.

5. Full Tilt — Emma Scott

‘Full Tilt’ is a story that touches the depths of your heart, narrating the unique combination of sacrifice and love. This story takes readers on an emotional journey, showing what it means to experience both deep pain and indescribable joy simultaneously.

It narrates the process of finding oneself and then getting lost again, emphasizing the boundlessness and eternity of love. This is not just a story but also an emotional recital that will bring readers to tears, depicting the complex dance of love and life.

6. Serenade for Nadia — Zülfü Livaneli

Zülfü Livaneli’s ‘Serenade for Nadia’ centers on a 60-year love story while highlighting political issues like the Jewish Holocaust, familiar to many, or the Blue Army, known to few. It underscores the fact that humans are always the greatest loss.

Serenade is a deeply affecting work, showcasing Livaneli’s most prominent writing trait: the balanced narrative where individual and societal histories intertwine perfectly.

7. The Museum of Innocence — Orhan Pamuk

The story of Istanbul’s wealthy child Kemal and his humble relative Füsun begins in the spring of 1975 and extends to the present day. The Museum of Innocence captivates readers with its speed, dynamism, plot structure, detailed characters, humorous elements, and meticulous exploration of the human soul.

This book is not just a one-time read but a masterpiece you will not want to put down, worthy of being read repeatedly.

8. Firefly Lane — Kristin Hannah

In this book, Kristin Hannah skillfully captures the dynamism and vibrancy of the 70s and 80s. She portrays the enthusiasm and energy of this era so deeply that readers find themselves in the midst of the intimate friendship of two women.

Hannah’s writing, while narrating the friendship of these two women, successfully conveys the spirit of the period. Thus, readers immerse themselves in the story and feel the atmosphere of the era.

9. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas — John Boyne

John Boyne’s heart-wrenching novel ‘The Boy in the Striped Pajamas’ addresses the Nazi Holocaust through the story of 9-year-old Bruno. The story begins when Bruno’s father is appointed as the commandant of the largest concentration camp, Auschwitz.

After moving to their new home, Bruno goes exploring and meets Shmuel, a boy of the same age, wearing striped pajamas. However, a barbed wire fence separates the two children.

10. My Sister’s Keeper — Jodi Picoult

Famous New York Times author Jodi Picoult crafts a story where family bonds, passionate love, and human frailties clash. The story of Kate, who suffers from leukemia, and her genetically matched sister Anna, delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the power of love.

Anna has been around to save her sister’s life from the day she was born. However, as she steps into adolescence, she begins to question her own identity and purpose. This process leads to a decision that could pose a life-threatening risk for her sister Kate.