I like that the optimal word here is 'strong' emotions as it doesn't specify whether those emotions were good or bad. Most of these shouldn't be surprise anyone as I have talked about them a lot before, but we do have some on here that I have either never talked about or haven't mentioned much.
We've got a good range of books that made me cry, made me laugh, and made me extremely angry. What books gave you a strong emotional response?
This prompt was originally a Top Ten Tuesday post by The Broke and the Bookish.
Here we go!
The House in the Cerulean Sea
Surprise, surprise, we have House on the Cerulean Sea on this list. My emotions were all over the place while reading this. For a good amount of the book I was frustrated with Linus because of his view on the world, but when I hit the 80% mark I was trying not to cry for the rest of the book. If you want a book that is going to tear your heart out but in the best way possible and are looking for a good cry, then look no further than this.
Sorcery of Thorns
I felt such a strong to connection to this book. Everything about it just screamed that this is the book for me. By the end of it I was so emotionally invested and I was left with wanting more (in a good way) and was devastated that is was only a standalone. Luckily, she has a new book coming out that I both equal parts ecstatic and terrified to read.
Demon Slayer
This manga lets you know from the start that it isn't going to be merciful, and boy does it ever put you through the ringer. At one point I was curling into myself and making audible sounds because I was so nervous about what was happening. This series just pulled me right in and I had to hold on for dear life because of what it made me go through.
Crescent City
I haven't really talked about this book much because I read it a while ago now, but it was the first SJM book I read as it was released when I was starting to really get back into reading. I was really into the plot because I liked that there was a murder mystery included in it which was a different change of pace compared to her other series.
I went into the book not knowing the plot though, so needless to say I was very shocked by the catalyst of the book even though it is stated right in the summary. If you want a wow factor though, I would suggest you dive right in without reading the summary either. By the end I was really into what was happening and I almost cried for a second too.
Love Advice from the Great Duke of Hell
I am not someone who gravitates towards comedy at all really, but the deadpan humour in this was simply perfection. I have never cracked up so much while reading something. If I'm ever in a bad mood, I would probably pick this up to make myself feel better by having a good laugh. I am a bit sad though because I haven't seen any news about there being a S3 yet, so if you want to pick it up, just know that the series is not yet complete.
The Fault In Our Stars
I read this book years ago because at the time everyone else was and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. My mistake was that I read it while I was with my parents visiting my aunt and uncle who had their neighbours over for company as well. This was a mistake because when I got to the end I was trying very hard not to cry (and I don't think I was very successful).
I don't know how I would feel if I were to read the book now though... Books that you know are setting you up for sadness are something that I don't think I'll ever be in the mood for.
Me Before You
Now we're shifting tones to a book that enraged me when I finished it. I went into this wanting a nice romance and what I ended up leaving with was a bad taste in my mouth. The way the romance was set up just baffled me because in no way shape or form did I think that it was okay.
I do think that it put forth some interesting commentary on disabilities, euthanasia, and life, and death, but I just didn't like how the story was told and I'm still mad about it. Not even Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin can save this story for me.
First Grave On The Right
I read this for a group reading challenge on Goodreads and suffered through the entirety of it as I had to finish the entire book even though I really, really, didn't want to. A general rule of thumb for reading is that people like what they like, and I won't judge you for what you read, but I am kind of baffled that people love this book despite the fact that there is some extremely questionable content in this. To beat around the bush, this book romanticized sexual assault, and that is a line we just don't cross.
BONUS ROUND
I wanted to include a bonus round to this post because I wanted to talk about some shows/movies that made me emotional but I have yet to read the work they are adapted from. I would say that they would still count because I am going to assume that they will make me equally as distressed.
Violet Evergarden
This anime is absolutely stunning in both its animation and its simple but emotionally trying storyline. This was adapted from a light novel that I am planning on reading in order to compare the two. In this, you follow our titular character who becomes an Auto Memory Doll after her time as a soldier was over in order to find her purpose in life. An Auto Memory Doll are people who are commissioned to write letters for people.
The business of writing personal and intimate letters for people can be a very emotional thing, and this anime does exactly that. There were some stories in this that almost had me bawling my eyes out because they were so sad. If you are looking for a slice of life anime that is both tragic and heartwarming, I would suggest you give this a shot.
If you know, then you know. This Studio Ghibli movie was just pure devastation in the form of a punch to the chest. Don't let the fact that this is Studio Ghibli fool you, because by the end of the movie you are probably going to be an emotional wreck. This provides you with one of those moments when you sit there and go, 'oh no, oh no, no, no, no, no.'
The fact that this was based on a semi-autobiographical short story doesn't help either, as you realize that someone actually went through this. Will I pick up the short story...maybe? It is a short story so if I have to suffer, at least it won't be for too long...right?
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