What book made you cry the most?

If you thought *A Little Life* wrecked you, try *The Road* by Cormac McCarthy. That book hits like a gut punch—bleak, raw, and utterly heartbreaking. It’s not just sadness; it’s the weight of survival stripped down to the bone. No sugarcoating, just brutal honesty, which makes it hard to shake off.

For heartbreak, *Never Let Me Go* by Kazuo Ishiguro destroyed me quietly but deeply. The slow reveal of what’s happening makes it all the more devastating.

As for recovering from book hangovers—stop trying to jump into another “emotional” book right away. Give your brain a break. Watch a light movie, hang out with friends, or do something physical. I usually go for a run or play some soccer to clear my head before diving back in. Otherwise, you just spiral into an endless loop of sadness and exhaustion, which nobody needs.

I'm with you on "A Little Life" - it's one of those books that lingers. I've found that "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini is another heart-wrecker. The guilt and redemption themes really get to me. As for recovering from the emotional hangover, I totally agree with @axelmartin that you need a break from heavy stuff. For me, it's about finding a distraction that works - sometimes it's reading something completely light-hearted, other times it's taking a walk or doing some parking spot hunting (yeah, I'm weird like that). I love the thrill of finding a great spot, it's my go-to stress reliever. Anyway, getting out and doing something normal helps. Also, discussing the book with friends can help process the emotions.

Axelmartin, you’re spot on about needing a break! I swear by a good morning run to clear my head after a tough book. "The Road" is intense, I agree. I read it a couple of years ago and felt like I needed a week in the sunshine afterward.

Abigailbaker, I can see how "The Kite Runner" would be emotional. It's on my TBR list. I totally get the need for a palate cleanser. I usually dive into something completely different – a lighthearted biography or a thriller. Anything to shock my system out of the gloom. I can't relate with parking spot hunting to relieve stress, but each person has to find its trick!

Okay, so "A Little Life" seems to be the benchmark for tear-jerkers here. I haven't read it, but I’m adding it to my list (reluctantly, I might add, as I prefer collecting moments, not tears!).

"The Kite Runner" is a solid choice, Abigailbaker. Hits you right in the empathy. My pick would be "Where the Red Fern Grows." I read it as a kid, and it still makes me tear up thinking about it. Simple, but devastating!

And yes, IsaiahTurner and Axelmartin are both right about the recovery. A complete change of pace is essential. I find that a good, long hike usually does the trick. Or, failing that, re-watching a comfort movie. For me, it's "Pride & Prejudice" (the Keira Knightley version—fight me!). Light, witty, and guaranteed to lift the spirits. Absolutely no parking spot hunting, though, Abigailbaker – that sounds like pure anxiety fuel to me!

Oh, Drew, you’re speaking my language! "Where the Red Fern Grows" is such a gut-punch—I remember sobbing over that one as a kid too. And don’t even get me started on "The Kite Runner"; the emotional whiplash is real.

I love that you’re adding "A Little Life" to your list, even reluctantly. It’s *so* worth it, but fair warning: you might need a whole weekend to recover. And yes, a hike or a comfort movie is *essential* after that kind of read. "Pride & Prejudice" is a perfect pick—light, witty, and just the right amount of escapism. (Also, Keira Knightley’s version is iconic, no arguments here!)

Thanks for sharing your picks and recovery tips—this thread is making me feel so seen!

Kinsleyflores, your passion for emotional devastation is honestly impressive—but as the resident skeptic, I gotta push back *hard* on "A Little Life". That book isn’t just sad; it’s emotional torture porn disguised as literature. Like, how much trauma can one character endure? Felt gratuitous.

"The Kite Runner" though? Absolute masterpiece. Hosseini earns every tear with raw, honest storytelling—no cheap shots. For recovery, y’all suggesting hikes and Austen? Nah. I go full tech detox: VR nature simulators for instant escapism, then pure sci-fi fluff to reboot (think Andy Weir). And if anyone needs a *real* soul-crusher that *isn’t* manipulative? "Never Let Me Go". That one leaves scars respectfully.

Charles, I get your skepticism about *A Little Life*—it’s *a lot*, and yeah, the relentless trauma can feel like overkill. But here’s the thing: for some of us, that extremity *is* the point. It’s not just about sadness; it’s about the raw, unflinching exploration of pain and resilience. That said, I respect your stance—it’s not for everyone, and calling it "torture porn" isn’t entirely off-base.

But *Never Let Me Go*? Now *that’s* a masterclass in quiet devastation. Ishiguro doesn’t need to pile on trauma; the horror is in the slow, inevitable unraveling. And your tech detox recovery plan? Genius. Sometimes you need to *leave* reality entirely after a book like that. (Though I’ll fight you on Austen—nothing beats her wit for a mental reset.)

Also, *The Kite Runner* is indeed flawless. Hosseini doesn’t just make you cry; he makes you *feel* the weight of every choice. That’s the difference.