Top Ten Tuesday : Top Ten Book If You Are in the Mood For Something Sad or Touching

 

Below is a list of books which I feel should be read, if you are in the mood for something touching and well, sad. These are not my favorite books, nor are they in any order, these are just books which when I read, I was touched and I’d want others to read it too. Also, the list contains mostly lesser-known books because let’s face it, we all know about TFiOS and Eleanor and Park and If I Stay and Me Before You; so what’s the good in listing those?

1. The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri

Jhumpa Lahiri’s writing is top-notch, and the story suspenseful and emotional. The book deals with the life of two brothers, wide apart in their ideals and beliefs, a country torn by an impending revolution and family ties which come above all. A beautiful, sad story coupled with Lahiri’s writing – this book is a must read.

2. Making A Mango Whistle by Bibhutibhushan Bandopdhyay

A heartbreaking story about a family living in poverty, a brother and sister eager to explore the world and all the severity and hardships which came with the life they had to live. It’s one of my favorite books, and probably also one of my most re-read books.

3. Not Without My Daughter by Betty Mahmoody

This is an epic tale about a woman’s conviction to save herself and her daughter from the clutches of her husband and his family, and the struggle to free both of them. Well-written, gripping, and intensely suspenseful.

4. The Room on the Roof by Ruskin Bond

Ruskin Bond’s writing is unparallel, and his stories full of depth and insight. This book is about a young boy’s endeavour to find freedom, fight away from the clutches of his guardians and find happiness and friendship. A moving coming-of-age tale very brillianty capturing the adolescent hopes, passions and dreams.

5. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

I first read this when I stole my mother’s copy of the book, in seventh grade, and till this date, it probably is my most re-read book and the book which is closest to my heart. It is the heart-wrenching story of a woman who finds all the happiness of her life in a young girl, a girl whose world is snatched away from her in the blink of an eye, and a love which fights hard to remain alive. Set in Afghanistan, the book is haunting, mesmerizing, and oh my god the writing.

6. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

No less touching than A Thousand Splendid Suns, this books tells the tale of two brothers, torn apart by money, social status, and one mistake made out of uncertainity and fear. A moving story of repentance, guilt and forgiveness, The Kite Runner taught me quite a few things in life, and that’s the reason it is so close to me.

7. The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes

You’ve probably heard about Jojo Moyes (she wrote Me Beofre You), and this book is no less touching or emotional than MBY. This book is a story of two women, of two different centuries connected by one painting, which speaks of beauty and short-lived love.

8. Annie’s Song by Catherine Anderson

A deaf ”idiot girl’ shunned by everyone, including her parents, and misunderstood even by her own self. A young man who is shocked to learn that his younger forced himself upon the ‘idiot girl’. Result – a marriage of convenience, which soon blossoms into undying love. Probably one of the most beautiful books I’ve read.

9. The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

I thought about including My Sister’s Keeper in the list, but figured that that was pretty well-known. The Storyteller, though dealing with different themes, is equally touching and heart-breaking. Set partly in the present, and partly in WWII, it’s a story of hope, guilt and most importantly – justice.

10. Still Alice by Lisa Genova

Written from the perspective of Alice Howland, who suffers from early-onset of Alzheimer’s, the book deals with the struggles and tribulations which come with it but most importantly – gives an insightful awareness of the disease.

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Tell me about some of the books you found touching!