I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words as they tangle with human emotions. -James Michener
I love that quote. And I love books that make me laugh, but even more, I love books that make me cry.
Some books that made me laugh: River of Doubt (Candice Millard), Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt & the Crusade for America (Douglas Brinkley), The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd), Pride & Prejudice (Jane Austen).
Books that made me cry: The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd), Where the Red Fern Grows (Wilson Rawls), The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold), The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseni).
There are numerous others, but these are the ones that I remember laughing out loud as I read or bawling through. I’ll never forget driving back from a field trip to go whale watching and reading Where the Red Fern Grows, hiccuping and sobbing in the back seat while all my friends slept. I’m sure the dad driving the Suburban thought I was a basket case middle-schooler.
There’s one scene in HATSHEPSUT:FEMALE PHARAOH that should be a tearjerker for anyone not made of wood. Almost two, but definitely one. And this new book? I’ve been laughing as I write it so that’s a good sign. I think.
So here are your questions for the day. What books have made an impact on you? Do you want your readers to laugh or cry? Or both?
I want my readers to laugh for sure, and maybe a little tension (that could make the more sensitive cry). really, any strong emotions would be good with me!
I'd love to make my readers laugh and/or cry (there won't be any crying at my finished novel though). I laughed all the way through SAFFY'S ANGEL (Hilary McKay) and I still cry when I read BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA.
I loved The Kite Runner and The Secret Life of Bees. Those books had a lasting affect on me as they did you.
I laugh and cry while writing my books so much that I think I'm losing my mind. One of my sisters isn't great at catching typos so I have her mark all the times she laughs while reading, so that I can make sure my humor is playing out right. So, her copy of my manuscripts are fun to go through because I'm not looking at mistakes.
I don't like to read books that end sad, I'll admit, I'm squishy that way, but I like emotional conflict that rips your heart out even if you know it'll be resolved. I'm trying to think of some books like that, but it's still early in the a.m. Maybe I'll come back later.
If you prick us, do we not bleed… this is why I loathe vampires 🙂
There won't be any laughing in my new novel, I don't think. Alas.
I hope they cry, but mostly I hope they feel satisfied with it.
I want to make my readers perch at the end of their seats. I want them to sigh and grieve with my MC. I want them to cry, because I cry for her and cheer her on every step of the way.
Hehehe…
I just caught my husband laughing out loud while reading Hatshepsut.
A point for me!
Wendy- Your comment might just prompt a whole new post on the subject of endings. You've got me thinking!
hat books have made an impact on you? Do you want your readers to laugh or cry? Or both?
Loved this post. Here are some books that made me smile and cry:
1. Chetan Bhagat's amazing novel 2 States: A Story of my Marriage
2. David Adiga's The White Tiger
3. Vikram Seth's The Suitable Boy
4. Anita Desai's A Village by the Sea
5. Manju Kapur's Difficult Daughters, Home and The Immigrant
6. Taslima Nasreen's French Lover
Both. Definitely both. Bring on the roller coaster!