Okay, let’s be honest. Everyone loves a good cry. When I mention to my friends that I absolutely love when a book is so powerful and moving that it makes be cry they always give me strange looks. I’ve compiled a list of the best cry-worthy books that are guaranteed to crush your heart, but in a good way.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Starting off with my most recent read, this one hurt. The story follows the Greek myth and legend of Achilles during his childhood and the Trojan War but told through the point of view of Patroclus. This book is so beautifully written and heartbreaking.

They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera

Spoiler alert: yes, they do both die at the end. It was my mistake thinking the author was pulling a funny joke on the readers but nope. I think that made it even more cry-worthy because I didn’t believe it until the very end.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

If you’re involved in the book community on social media at all there is a high chance you’ve heard of this book. This book is a part of a small handful where I genuinely did not see the plot twist coming.

Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas

The name Sarah J. Maas is famous among readers for tearing our hearts out and smashing it to pieces. I only put one of her many novels (I’ve read them all) on this list but honestly, have a box of tissues near by if you plan on reading any of her books.

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

This one is a movie! This book was one of the first books I actually gave away because I wanted them to read it so bad and experience what I went through. Like most of these books I’ve listed this one doesn’t have a happy ending so be prepared.

The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith

This book comes with a major trigger warning, as it follows the aftermath of a sexual assault — but it’s a book about healing, trauma, and finding inner strength that carries a lot of meaning and is guaranteed to get you in tears.

A Little Life by Hanya Yanigahara

This book stands out from this list as most of the ones I listed are Young Adult. This one is about a group of male friends who move to New York, how friendships can change over time, and the families we are born into and the families we choose.