3 Books That Made Me Ugly Cry in 2025
I love a book that makes me cry, and this year had a few that absolutely did. Grab the tissues — these are the three novels that wrecked me in the best way possible.
Sometimes I can see it coming — my lip starts to tremble, and I do a quick check to make sure my kids aren’t watching me with a look of concern.
Other times, it hits out of nowhere — tears everywhere, total mess.
No stopping that disaster folks!
It’s that kind of cry that comes from connection — when I’m right there with the characters, feeling everything they feel.
It’s both heartbreaking and weirdly euphoric.
When an author pours so much of themselves into a story that it pulls tears from me, it feels special — like we’re connected somehow.
So get your tissues ready... here are the 3 books that gave me the biggest cry in 2025.
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
This book drew tears of joy, loss, and desperation — a full spectrum of emotion. The characters endured unimaginable pain, yet faced it together, which made their suffering feel achingly nostalgic.
The courage to fight for justice and love mingled with the most tragic kind of loss.
Broken Country quickly became one of my all-time favorites.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Kya Clark, aka The Marsh Girl, had every reason to give up — abandoned, isolated, and forgotten.
Day after day, she survived out of love for her land, for herself, and for the faint hope that her family might one day return.
This is a story of love and loss, of solitude and resilience.
A girl who built her own world from strength and courage alone.
A must-read. (And yes, bring the tissues.)
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Ove is probably the grumpiest old man on the planet — and he’s ready to end it all.
But through the persistent kindness of his neighbours, he finds reasons to keep living.
This story explores grief and mental health in older men with honesty and compassion. When the structure of life collapses — when love, routine, and companionship disappear — what remains?
With every connection, Ove’s heart softens, and so does yours. His grief is heavy, but the warmth that follows is unforgettable.
You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, and you’ll fall in love with Ove.
Books like these remind me why I read in the first place — to feel something real.
They cracked me open and left me changed in the best way.
Here’s to more stories that make us cry, heal, and remember what it means to be human.
Now, go grab a blanket, a cup of tea, and let the tears fall!
Until next time,
Sheila
