Soul Crushing Must Reads
This is strictly for the readers who are looking for a good literary-induced cry.
Once you’ve broken the threshold of sobbing while reading, you have made it to the emotionally devastating side of literacy. Despite the pain of it all, you’ll yearn for that exact feeling with each new literary/contemporary fiction title you pick up.
Here are five books that I’ve finished with tissue in both hands and a heavy heart!
Don’t Cry for Me by Daniel Black
This is a series of letters from a father on his deathbed to his gay son as he recounts his own life, tragedies, unspoken truths, and a desire to gain peace.
Daniel Black’s writing allowed the reader and the father, Jacob, to become one and experience his battles through his humanity and masculinity.
Perish by Latoya Watkins
The matriarchy of a broken family is passing away and it requires each family member to face their trauma head-on. Many of them have not seen one another in over a decade and they’re all at different peaks of desperation to find resolve.
Latoya Watkins writes with a bounty of emotion at the tip of her tongue.
The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi
Vivek’s death is expected, it’s in the title. However, Vivek narrates the story with acceptance and steadily embracing the solace that is Osita, Vivek’s cousin.
Akwaeke Emezi never seizes to amaze by marrying triumph with liberation.
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
A story of past and present that’s centered around what separates and binds one Southern family.
Jesmyn Ward's portrayal of family, hope through dreams, and drug abuse exceeded my expectations in how it drove the story.
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
Inspired by Florida’s Dozier School for Boys where reform is loss and punishment supersedes.
To know me is to know that Colson Whitehead is my favorite author, he writes historical fiction in a way that transports readers — every time!
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