Books Worth Remembering #2 - Books that are worth the tears

Books Worth Remembering is a new feature on this blog. I'll be picking a theme each week and telling you up to five books with that theme that are worth remembering and why. This week I wanted to talk about books that, whilst being incredibly sad and heartbreaking, are worth the tears. (These are in no particular order)

1. Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

What more can I say about Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour than that it is definitely worth the tears. It’s raw and heartbreaking yet optimistic. I love Amy’s recovery throughout the book, it was so realistic and the is one of the best (along with No. 5 on this list) presentation in a book of how to deal with grief. How there is a vast range of emotions and reactions and you don’t have to feel all at once or none at all. Morgan Matson did an impeccable job at dealing with all that happens to Amy, which is one of the many reasons why it is one of my favourite books.

2. The Girls by Lori Lansens

I first read The Girls about five years ago and ever since I finished it, it has been one of my favourite books of all time. It is such a unique story – the life of Rose and Ruby, who are conjoined twins. It tells their story of growning up in a small town referred to as ‘The Girls’. I have never read anything like it. It is hauntingly beautiful and compelling and it really makes you think what it would be like to be attached to someone who you love permentatly. And is an incredibly unique look at the bond of sisters/siblings.  I think this is best summed up with as Rose introduces us about their life. The first line of the book is - “I have never looked into my sister’s eyes.” Something so ordinary as being able to look your sister in the eye, or have a bath on your own, or go for a walk alone. Something that seems so ordinary to you and me is something strange and unachievable to Rose and Ruby.

3. The Fault in our Stars by John Green

Anyone who has read The Fault in our Stars doesn’t need to be told that it is worth the tears. On page it could potentially be just another issue book or just another cancer story but this is John Green we’re talking about. Hazel and Augustus don’t want you to pity them, and that’s the main message I got from the book - those who have cancer or are ill don’t need pity. They are strong, everyone is and we all have the potential to do anything we want to despite all that has happened to us such as just because we have cancer doesn't mean we can't fall in love. Also it also being hilarious is always a bonus! (Also to all you Nerdfighters reading this – DFTBA)

4. Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult is the master of tough subjects. I love how she tackles a lot of difficult questions such as ‘What would you do if your son started a school shooting.’ I love Jodi Picoult’s style of alternating perspectives, and also jumping forwards and backwards in time to show all sides of the story and give you the best presentation of all the facts. As a topic, school shootings have always fascinated me (a little morbid I know) I find it interesting how someone who has been bullied endlessly would let the instigators turn into victims.

5. Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Sarah Ockler is amazing. That is all I have to say. Once again this book would technically fall under the category of an ‘Issue book’ but it is so much more than that. It is so truthful and thoughtful and, like I said about Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour, handles the topic of grief so realistically and beautifully. It’s not clumsy or slapdash, it is an honest look at the heartbreaking story of a girl, Anna, trying to get over the loss of her boyfriend, Matt. I love the journey that we see Anna take and her dealing with trying to love someone else yet trying not to forget Matt. I always identified with this part of the story. There is this one quote from the book that I think sums it this up.

“Nothing ever really goes away--it just changes into something else. Something beautiful.” 

If you have a chance to read any of these books I strongly encourage you to do so. They are so beautiful, truthful and heartbreaking and are definitely worth the tears.