Have you ever found yourself on a long flight, completely engrossed in a book, only to realize you’re fighting back tears in public? 🤔✈️ Yeah, same! I recently devoured Jessica Stanley’s *Consider Yourself Kissed*, and let me tell you, the way it weaves through time and emotion had me in my feels. But that got me thinking: which books have brought you to tears? I decided to ask a few inspiring women about their tear-jerker reads, and their responses were so relatable!
Sanaë Lemoine: A Journey Through Grief
First up is Sanaë Lemoine, an incredible novelist and cookbook writer. When I asked her if she cries a lot while reading, she shared that while she doesn’t usually tear up over books, there are exceptions. Can you relate? She recalled reading *Norwegian Wood* and *The Year of Magical Thinking* during a tough breakup in college. Both books tackle grief and loss, providing her with the comfort she desperately needed during that time. Isn’t it amazing how literature can speak to us in our darkest hours?
Recently, she found herself crying on the subway while finishing *Someone Like Us* by Dinaw Mengetsu. The way the story layers memories and conversations is just magical, right? And speaking of magic, her description of *Small Rain* by Garth Greenwell—a love story set in a hospital that’s both tender and universal—gave me all the feels. Who else thinks love stories set in tough situations hit harder?
Katie Sturino: Tears of Connection
Next, we have Katie Sturino, the founder of Megababe and a novelist. When I asked her about her reading habits, she confessed to being a huge crier, especially during emotional scenes. I mean, who hasn’t had to stop reading aloud because the words just wouldn’t come? Last summer, while reading *All the Devils Are Here* with her mom, they both ended up in tears. Talk about a bonding experience!
Katie also mentioned that listening to *Not My Type: One Woman vs. a President* by E. Jean Carroll was a tough ride. She listens to audiobooks while walking, and I can only imagine how hard it must be to hold it together in public! And crying at your own book? Totally relatable! Her reflections on rewriting our stories in *Sunny Side Up* resonated with so many people, including me! What’s a moment in your life that felt like a turning point?
Jamia Wilson: The Power of Reflection
Finally, I spoke with Jamia Wilson, author and executive editor at Random House. She’s someone who feels deeply, and her emotional responses to stories are so genuine. Recently, she ugly-cried while rereading *Phenomenal Woman* by Maya Angelou after finding a note from her late mother tucked inside. Imagine the flood of memories that must have brought back! 💖
Jamia also mentioned her experience with *Wounds of Passion* by bell hooks while traveling through Italy, crying the entire bus ride. Isn’t it wild how certain books just stick with us? And she’s now obsessed with *There’s No Turning Back* by Alba de Céspedes, which resonates deeply with the struggles women have faced throughout history. It’s a powerful reminder of how literature reflects our ongoing fight for justice.
Join the Conversation!
So, what about you? Have you ever found yourself crying over a book? Where were you when it happened? I’m curious to know what stories have moved you to tears, whether on a plane or curled up on your couch. Share your thoughts and recommendations below! Let’s keep this conversation going and see which books resonate the most with us. 💬✨