The first two parts (Part 1, Part2) of this list had quite a few tear-jerkers and so in this recommendation list, I’ve chosen books that are angsty but not so much that they’ll break your heart. Here are some great books that you need to add to your reading lists!
PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER by Stephen Chbosky
“So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I’m still trying to figure out how that could be.”
This haunting novel about the dilemma of passivity vs. passion marks the stunning debut of a provocative new voice in contemporary fiction: The Perks of Being A WALLFLOWER
This is the story of what it’s like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie’s letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory. The world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas, and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that the perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite.
While the story has its ups and downs, and really, there isn’t a very intense plot, the reader is somehow sucked into Charlie’s head and his fascinating perspective on everything.
There’s a movie adaptation of this book too!
ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES by Jennifer Niven
“People rarely bring flowers to a suicide.”
This is a story about a girl who learns to live from a boy who intends to die.
Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him.
Violet Markey lives for the future, the present means nothing to her and all that she knows is the aching grief left in the wake of her sister’s recent death. And it’s only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink. Some might think of this book as cliché but its truly a heartbreaking and eye-opening work of art. This book will destroy you, and that’s a fact.
WONDER by R.J. Palecio
“I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.’
A normal boy, with an unusual face, starting school for the first time in his life.
August was born with facial abnormalities, went through lots of operations, but his face still looks far from normal. Now he’s about to start middle school, and because he’s been homeschooled by his mom ever since, he’s both scared and excited.
While sometimes sad and shocking, the happy definitely overshadow the sad in the book. The greatest thing about this book – in my opinion – is that there are so many perspectives to one story. August may be the main character, but you get 6 more perspectives at the end of the book.
More Recommendations –
UNDER ROSE TAINTED SKIES
THE CLOCKWORK ANGEL
A QUIET KIND OF THUNDER
NOT IF A SEE YOU FIRST
Also Read: Books that were written to Break You Part 1
