I don’t know why, but the last few books I just plowed through without any real emotional connection (am I reading too fast for the characters to connect? am I picking the wrong books?). I had to dig a little into my bookshelves for these picks, and now I’m an emotional wreck, so please excuse while I find an acceptable middle ground.
[1]
Where they Found Her, Kimberley McCreight
Click cover for Goodreads info. Click here for my review.
I was pretty nervous about the fact that this book’s mystery revolved around the body of a dead baby being found (not a pleasant thing, ever). Then this mystery/suspense novel took me on an emotional ride not only about the whodunit but about neglectful parents and overachieving daughters and I was just kind of emotionally drained (but satisfied) by the last page.
[2]
The Rose & The Dagger, Renée Ahdieh
Click cover for Goodreads info. Click here for my review.
My love for Shazi and Khalid just went ever deeper in this novel. My eyes were literal hearts for their relationship. By the time I got to the last third of this novel, I was scared to turn pages to see the ways Ahdieh could break my heart apart.
[3]
Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock, Matthew Quick
Click cover for Goodreads info. Click here for my review.
This book made me feel emotionally twisted and drained. I have never felt so absolutely wrecked after a read. For more thoughts, see my review because I don’t think I can be coherent about this book again.
[4]
The Hate U Give, Angie Thomas
Click cover for Goodreads info.
I knew this book was going to hit me in all the feels. I just didn’t realize how fast and how thoroughly. Starr’s lessons on race and prejudice (learned from her father, society, and Khalil’s death) were wholly accurate. And her family was goals, and a great depiction of a non-nuclear family (never mind a Black family).
[5]
Hurt Go Happy, Ginny Rorby
Click cover for Goodreads info.
I read this when I was about fourteen, and learned for the first time the details behind animal testing. (Huge part behind why I shop cruelty-free now!) Joey Willis is Deaf, and Hurt Go Happy is about her journey to learn sign language (when her family does not support her) and the young chimpanzee she meets and protects.
What books have drained your emotions? Do you know any of the books on my list?
I loved The Hate U Give and The Rose and the Dagger!!! My post will only be up in about one hour but you have some solid choices here Sha! 😉
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THUG is such a emotionally draining read, I don’t know how I forgot about it! And I STILL need to read Wrath and the Dawn
*hides
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I will keep slipping this book into all my lists to casually but not casually remind you until you read this book. And you need to pick a book to torment me about until I read it, to be fair hahaha 😉
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Lol that is the most perfectly diabolical plan ever. And I SHALL!!
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Looking forwards to it! I need a Kaya recommendation!
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Lol I shall do my best to provide a good one!!
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I have read zero of these. I think I have read more books, which had really draining moments, and when you mention them, I get tears in my eyes. Such as: The Serpent King, All the Bright Places, Second Hand Summer, The Nightingale, If He Had Been with Me, This History of Jane Doe. But, I cannot read a whole book fraught with emotion. It’s just too much for me.
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All the Bright Places is on my TBR. If a book is really emotional, I need to take a lot of pauses, because it just drains so much out of me.
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Ugh, yes to THUG. Two other books that absolutely left me a total wreck are They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera [so far the only book of his I love?] and 180 Seconds by Jessica Park. My boyfriend absolutely had NO clue what to do with me at both occasions. :’)
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I’ve not heard of 180 Seconds. Sometimes, it’s easier to just let all the emotional out! D’:
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Exactly! Keeping tissues near is a MUST while reading – most of the time. :’)
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After reading Champion by Marie Lu my little tween self was so traumatized. To this day I still get this swell of hurt when I think about it! And so far every one of Sabaa Tahir’s Ember books has stolen a part of my heart. And I honestly love the drainage. I live for it! XD Great post, Sha!
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I… still haven’t read… anything by Sabaa Tahir. Must get on this!
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YES. YOU. MUST.
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