One reason why I love books is the fact that it is so powerful -- it can traverse you into alternate universes, it can touch your life, and it can make you feel emotions so raw, you don't have any choice but to laugh or cry in real time.
A few days ago, I have been looking for books to download on my phone. Okay, I know that I still have a lot of books to read (paperbacks, physical copies, etc) but I still feel like there should be a back up book on my phone just in case I haven't brought anything or in case there are too many people on the train (hello MRT) and I can't bring out a copy of my favorite book.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
A few days ago, I have been looking for books to download on my phone. Okay, I know that I still have a lot of books to read (paperbacks, physical copies, etc) but I still feel like there should be a back up book on my phone just in case I haven't brought anything or in case there are too many people on the train (hello MRT) and I can't bring out a copy of my favorite book.
Here is my current to-read list (except for Room and Lover's Dictionary). Obviously, I need to do a lot of catching up.
Anyway, as I was looking for titles, I realized that I wanted something that would touch my heart again. Probably something that would made me cry, or something that would leave an etch after I read it (not that I'm dramatic). I was able to find a few, but I do hope that they would live up to my standards (hehe!). If you are also looking for those kind of books, here's my list of the top five titles that had made me cry and sob like a baby. Like, yes, literally.
1. Tell the Wolves I'm Home (Carol Rifka Brunt)
Set in the 1980's, Tell the Wolves I'm Home is a story of first love, sexuality, forgiveness, and acceptance. It revolves around the fourteen year old June, and her extremely close relationship with her uncle Finn who is currently dying because of AIDS. June's life turned upside down when Finn finally dies, but through her grief, she had found an unexpected friend, who would help her overcome her loneliness and help her understand who she really is.
What I love about it: It is beautifully written and it had definitely left me speechless after reading it. It does not only trigger emotions, but it also helps people to understand a little more about the pressing issues in the society during this period (1980's) and even until now -- homosexuality and AIDS, among many others. It is a story about love, friendship, and family, and it is something that would definitely make your heart melt, in one way or another.
2. For One More Day (Mitch Albom)
Charley "Chick" Benetto has finally lost it. He is drowning in alcohol and regrets and has finally hit rock bottom -- with his wife leaving him behind and his daughter shutting him out of her own wedding. He no longer see himself worthy of being alive, so during one fateful night, he drove way back into his hometown and decided to take his own life. However, instead of dying, he comes home to his old house and finds his mother -- who had passed away eight years ago -- waiting for him and welcoming him back. What was supposed to be the last day of his life becomes a door to better opportunities and a changed view of what is ahead of him.
What I love about it: If you're feeling a little irritated with your mother, reading this book would made you appreciate every single thing that she has to offer. For One More Day will make you appreciate your parents more than you ever had, especially your mom. It shows you how much love and understanding could make a change in your life. It's about family, and how you could finally found yourself with just enveloping yourself with their love. This, by far, is my favorite title out of all of Mitch Albom's published works.
3. A Thousand Splendid Suns (Khaled Hosseini)
A Thousand Splendid Suns is a touching story that revolves around two Afghan women who had found themselves trapped of their gender, religion, and culture. It follows the lives of Mariam, an illegitimate child, who has been nothing but a secret to his father's family; and Laila, a girl who has a privileged childhood and was robbed of her freedom because of poverty. The book was written in a 50 year span, and has captured each hardships and little triumphs of both Mariam and Laila.
What I loved about it: A Thousand Splendid Suns serves as an eyeopener to those who are unaware of the situation of women in other parts of the world -- how repressed they are, and how they have lived a life serving others and never for themselves. It makes you realize how lucky you are to be free and living the way that you want.
4. Me Before You (Jojo Moyes)
Me Before You is not really a love story, but rather, it is a story about loving life, and loving possibilities. Lou is a normal girl who loves simplicity -- she's happy and contented with her life, being stuck at the same place for the longest time with her little routines and same pathways. Will, on the other hand, is a lover of life -- he lives to explore and he enjoys his freedom as much as he can. Fate let them meet in the most unflattering circumstances -- Will lost his ability to be free, and Lou lost her comfort and routine. Their heads might be on both the other ends of the world and they might believe on totally different things, but at the end of the day, they found themselves meeting halfway and finding beauty on each other's beliefs, likes, and aspirations.
What I love about it: Me Before You makes its readers believe that there is more to life than what they lack in life. It makes you believe that there is always a possibility ahead of you, and that you will never run out of chances -- you might feel like there's no way out, but in reality, there are still chances that you can take, it's just on a different form.
5. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom)
Tuesdays with Morrie is a story about a man who finds light to his life by talking to his old, dying professor and mentor. It was their weekly meet-ups where Mitch was able to find answers to questions that has haunt him for the longest time. A book filled with life lessons and wisdom from an old and experienced man, Tuesdays with Morrie is definitely one of the most inspiring novels published, like... ever.
What I love about it: Although most people find this book cheesy and some might even say that it's like "hallmark cards stuck together", Tuesdays with Morrie is, undeniably, inspirational. The book is not perfect, yes, but the message that it carries is more than what we could criticize. I loved how Morrie could hit the audience on the spot -- even he has already passed away years ago. We are all just humans, and in one way or another, the life lessons that Morrie had impart with Mitch will always be something that we could read through, and find ourselves feeling something with those simple words and simple lessons.
RUNNER UPS!
* If I Stay (Gayle Forman)
Mia has an almost perfect life -- she have a loving family, wonderful parents, a hot boyfriend, and a bright career ahead of her -- but that all changed when she found herself in a coma after a bad car accident. The accident costed her her family, but not her consciousness. If I Stay revolves Mia's struggle to stay alive or to finally let go, and that is what made it more interesting and, well, sad.
* Looking for Alaska (John Green)
It was a new world for Pudge -- a boarding school away from home, no one to talk to, nothing to hold on to except for his love for last words. From all the strangeness of his new 'home', he found himself falling for a messed up girl named Alaska, and befriending a lot of new people whom he never really imagined hanging out with. While he was already finding his light and enjoying his new life, he found himself lost again when Alaska suddenly passed away. Looking for Alaska is actually a light read but tackles the whole dilemma about life and grief. And yes, this is my favorite John Green book. #sorrynotsorry
---
How did you find my list? Have you read these books as well? And from these themes, could you recommend me good books to read for the coming days?
I hope you guys get an idea on what to read next. Don't forget to let me know if you've purchased or loved anything from my list. Have a wonderful Sunday everyone! :)
