Today's Question:
What’s the saddest book you’ve read recently?
(Is any body getting bored with this series of “recent” questions? Because I’m having fun!)
My answer:I'm a crier. Whether it's books, movies, television, even the odd commercial...if it's sad (or sometimes even if it's happy), I'll shed a tear. So, it's not surprising that there are a number of books could serve to answer this question.
My choice, however, is a book that surprised me in it's ability to cause tears to flow. Ethel & Ernest is a graphic novel by Ernest Briggs, of The Snowman fame. It tells his parent's story from their chance meeting in 1928, through marriage, child-rearing, the war, political squabbles, and on into their golden years. I'm very new to graphic novels (have only read a handful), and was very surprised to have this genre evoke such emotion. You can read my review of Ethel & Ernest here.
Visit today's BTT to see more responses.
I read Ethel & Ernest earlier this year and also found it very touching. So much emotion in such few pages!
ReplyDeleteI can't remember if I've asked you before but have you read When the Wind Blows by Raymond Briggs? Also a graphic novel about an elderly couple it follows them through a nuclear holocaust and is very moving.
ReplyDeleteI'm a crier, too. My most memorable sob stories are The Time Traveler's Wife and Crow Lake.
ReplyDeleteI have not heard of this book.
ReplyDeleteI, like you , am new to graphic novels. Just obtained French Milk from the library.
I think that I will look into this book...Ethel & Ernest.
Here is my BTT.
I'm not really a crier, but I tend to stay away from sad stories. Which made it a little hard coming up with an answer for today's question. Haven't heard of Ethel & Ernest before - sounds intriguing, though.
ReplyDeleteSound a very touching book.
ReplyDeleteThat was a very sad book.
ReplyDeleteNever read that one. I like sad books..weird huh?
ReplyDeletehttp://bibliophilebythesea.blogspot.com/2009/09/booking-through-thursday-saddest-reads.html
I will check it out. I like books with emotions.
ReplyDeleteBooking through Sad Ones
I've been a sucker of tear-jerker, both books and movies. I've got Marley and Me and The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. Now I have to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteI have read very few graphic novels. I cry over puppies!
ReplyDeleteNever seen this one--looks good!
ReplyDeleteThe older I get the more of a crier I have become. This one brought a tear to my eye as well JoAnn.
ReplyDeleteNymeth - E &E was my biggest surprise of the year! I never suspected that a graphic novel could have that much of an emotional impact.
ReplyDeletePaperback Reader - You did recommend that one, but there are no copies in my library system :-(
Softdrink - Oh, I cried a lot at The Time Traveler's Wife, too!
ibeeeg - Can't wait to hear what you think of French Milk!
jlshall - Ethel & Ernest is my favorite graphic novel, so far.
anthonynorth - It was!
verity - It was sad, and I still can't believe a graphic novel made me cry!
Diane - Not weird at all. I kind of like it when a book makes me cry.
ReplyDeleteGautami - I hope you can find it. Such a short read, but so much emotion!
Matt - I cried buckets at Marley & Me. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter is waiting on the shelf ...hopefully I'll get to it soon.
Nise' - LOL! I cry over puppies, too.
reviewsbylola - It is!
Darlene - I'm crying more the older I get, too. Why do you suppose that is?
I have heard nothing but good things about this graphic novel - the drawings look so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHormones and empathy. Sort of like tea and sympathy lol! Sorry, I just made myself laugh there.
ReplyDeleteSamantha - This was an absolutely beautiful book!
ReplyDeleteDarlene - LOL! Have a great weekend...
I have never heard of this graphic novel but I do love reading them. I'll have to check this one out for usre!
ReplyDeleteStaci - Hope you like this one as much as I did. It really is something special!
ReplyDelete