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Books matching: heartbreaking story

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
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    "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell is a heartwarming story set in the 80s about two misfit high school students, Eleanor and Park, who form an extraordinary love bond despite coming from different worlds. The book beautifully captures the emotions of young love, friendship, and bravery as the characters navigate through their struggles at home and in school. Written in alternating voices, the novel engages readers with realistic dialogue, achingly believable characters, and poignant moments that explore themes of first love, adolescence, and overcoming challenges.

    He could get back to New Wave in November, after he got his driver’s license. His parents had already said Park could have his mom’s Impala, and he’d been saving up for a new tape deck. Once he starte...

  2. #2

    Before I Die by Jenny Downham
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    'Before I Die' by Jenny Downham is a poignant and emotional story about a 16-year-old girl named Tessa who is battling leukemia and has only a few months left to live. Determined to make the most of her remaining time, Tessa creates a list of things she wants to experience before she dies, including risky and unconventional activities like casual sex, shoplifting, and falling in love. The novel delves into Tessa's raw emotions, her relationships with her family and friends, and her journey of self-discovery as she navigates the complexities of life and death.

    The book is written in a candid and honest style, portraying Tessa's inner turmoil and struggles with a terminal illness in a realistic and unflinching manner. Through Tessa's perspective, readers witness her challenges, desires, and moments of joy amidst the harsh reality of her impending death. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, acceptance, and the fleeting nature of life, offering a powerful and moving portrayal of a young girl's journey towards the inevitable.

    I wish I had a boyfriend. I wish he lived in the wardrobe on a coat hanger. Whenever I wanted, I could get him out and he’d look at me the way boys do in films, as if I’m beautiful. He wouldn’t speak ...

  3. Teasing Secrets from the Dead: My Investigations at America's Most Infamous Crime Scenes by Emily Craig is a memoir that delves into the author's life as a forensic anthropologist, detailing her experiences working on various crime scenes and disaster sites. The book provides a fascinating insight into the study of forensic anthropology, showcasing how it is utilized to identify victims of crimes and tragedies. Emily Craig's writing style is described as intense, emotional, clinical, and unflinching, offering a unique blend of art and science in her storytelling. Readers are taken on a journey through the author's training, her work on challenging cases, and her efforts to bring closure to families of victims.

    The narrative is filled with heartbreaking stories, depicting the author's dedication to her job and her ability to provide a sense of resolution to some of the most tragic situations. Despite the difficult and at times graphic content, the book is praised for its authentic descriptions, well-written chapters, and the author's ability to balance the scientific aspects of her work with emotional empathy. From dealing with decomposing corpses to leading the morgue triage team after 9/11, Emily Craig's memoir offers a compelling and insightful look into the world of forensic anthropology.

    MY FIRST CASE STARTED just as so many cases begin for me today—with an unidentified victim. A couple of bass fishermen had found some decomposed and partially skeletonized remains on the edge of West ...

  4. #4

    Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart
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    Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart is a gritty and heartbreaking story set in working-class Glasgow, focusing on the life of a 15-year-old boy named Mungo. Living with his alcoholic mother, abusive brother, and genius sister in the post-Thatcher years, Mungo navigates through domestic abuse, alcoholism, and sectarian violence in his community. The novel delves into themes of difficult family relationships, queerness, masculinity, and finding tenderness in harsh environments, particularly exploring Mungo's forbidden and dangerous love for his Catholic neighbor, James.

    The writing style of Young Mungo has been praised for its ability to evoke strong emotions in readers, making them feel fully immersed in the scenes throughout the book. The narrative captures the innocence of young love, the brutal realities of life in 1990s Glasgow, and the complexities of relationships within a dysfunctional family, creating a hard but beautiful read that lingers with the reader long after finishing the book.

    As they neared the corner, Mungo halted and shrugged the man’s hand from his shoulder. It was such an assertive gesture that it took everyone by surprise. Turning back, Mungo squinted up at the teneme...

  5. #5

    Ask Me Why I Hurt by Rene Denfeld, Randy Christensen
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    "Ask Me Why I Hurt" by Rene Denfeld and Randy Christensen tells the poignant and eye-opening stories of homeless children in Arizona and the healthcare providers who strive to help them despite numerous challenges. The narrative follows Dr. Christensen's journey as he leaves his official hospital position to operate a traveling medical van, showcasing heartwarming successes and heartbreaking situations of children living in dire conditions. The writing style interweaves personal growth stories of the physician, leader, and family man with the individual stories of homeless children and teens, providing a deep insight into the struggles faced by these vulnerable individuals.

    sheds light on the tragic situations faced by homeless teens, highlighting the lack of family support and the dedication of healthcare professionals in providing hope and care to these children. Through a mix of personal and professional stories, the authors bring attention to the urgent need to address the physical and psychological needs of homeless youth, inspiring readers to get involved in their communities and consider careers in serving the underserved.


  6. #6

    As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
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    The novel "As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow" by Zoulfa Katouh is a heartbreaking story set amidst the Syrian Revolution. The plot revolves around Salama, a Pharmacy student who is torn between loyalty to her country and the conviction to survive amidst the war. The story is a poignant portrayal of the pain, hunger, poverty, and death experienced by the Syrian people during the war. The writing style is described as realistic, offering a glimpse into the lives of the characters facing unimaginable circumstances in war-torn Syria.

    Salama's relationship with Khawf, the physical embodiment of her fear, is highlighted as a realistic and unique aspect of the story. The narrative takes the readers back and forth between the characters' current struggles and their previous lives, providing a deep insight into the impact of war on individuals. The novel is praised for being an eye-opener, offering a raw and unapologetically sad yet hopeful depiction of life in a war-torn country.


  7. #7

    Falling Down by Eli Easton
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    Falling Down by Eli Easton is a poignant story that follows two main characters, Josh and Mark, who are both struggling with their own demons. Josh, an 18-year-old homeless and depressed teenager, decides to take a journey to New Hampshire to spread his late mother's ashes before ending his life. On the other hand, Mark, a young veteran haunted by nightmares from his time in Afghanistan, finds Josh under a bridge and feels compelled to help him. As their paths intertwine, they both find solace and healing in each other's company. The writing style is emotional and authentic, delving deep into the characters' mental health struggles and the bond that forms between them.


  8. #8

    Now and Then by William Corlett
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    'Now and Then' by William Corlett is a novel that explores themes of love, regret, and self-discovery through the lens of a middle-aged man reflecting on his past. The story is set in two time periods, the 1950s and 1987, as the protagonist, Christopher Metcalfe, navigates his memories of a forbidden love in his youth and the impact it has had on his present life. The book delves into the complexities of hidden desires, lost opportunities, and the struggle to come to terms with one's past.


  9. #9

    Lie With Me by Philippe Besson
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    Lie With Me by Philippe Besson is a beautifully tragic novella that follows the story of two teenage boys, Philippe and Thomas, in a small French village in the 1980s. The book delves into their quiet, hidden relationship, exploring themes of first love, self-acceptance, and the struggles of living in a society that may not fully understand or accept their love. The narrative is split into three parts, spanning from 1984 to 2016, allowing readers to witness the evolution of the characters and their relationship over time. The writing style is described as poetic, emotional, and sensitive, with Molly Ringwald's translation capturing the essence of the original French text and bringing the story to life with simple yet sparkling language.

    It’s the playground of a high school, an asphalt courtyard surrounded by ancient gray stone buildings with big tall windows. Teenagers with backpacks or schoolbags at their feet stand around chatting ...

  10. #10

    The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
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    The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy is a dark and sad story set in 1969 in the southernmost tip of India, focusing on the lives of two innocent twins, Rahel and Esthappen, who are deeply affected by the adults around them. The novel explores themes of tragedy, family dynamics, societal expectations, and forbidden relationships, all woven together in a rich and complex narrative style that jumps around in time, place, and character.

    May in Ayemenem is a hot, brooding month. The days are long and humid. The river shrinks and black crows gorge on bright mangoes in still, dustgreen trees. Red bananas ripen. Jackfruits burst. Dissolu...

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