Look: we LOVE fun in the sun. But sometimes you wanna stay in, pour yourself a drink, crank up some Phoebe Bridgers, and feel the feels.
1. Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
You know we had to put this one here. A retelling of the Trojan War, masterfully told from the perspective of Achilles’ page, friend, and… maybe lover???
Sadness Level: 5 Tears 💧💧💧💧💧
2. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
Things go sideways when a young woman makes a deal with the devil. Turns out -- everyone forgets her as soon as she leaves their sight. Oh, also, she can’t die.
Sadness Level: 3 Tears 💧💧💧
3. Normal People by Sally Rooney
Don’t worry if you missed out on the trend last summer; this book is still worth reading. Over several years, two troubled souls keep coming together -- and pulling apart.
Sadness Level: 4 Tears 💧💧💧💧
4. Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
Add some chills and thrills to the mix. A tale of dark magic in space -- one part haunted house, one part mystery, a whole lot of snarky quips.
Sadness Level: 2 Tears 💧💧, plus 4 Witch Hats
5. Beach Read by Emily Henry
An excellent enemies-to-lovers romance. Lighter than some of the other books on this list, Henry manages to pack some heavy punches into a delightful rom-com.
Sadness Level: 2 Tears 💧💧
6. Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O’Connell
Young love. Toxic relationships. Teen life, am I right? A story of struggle, friendship, and finding yourself.
Sadness Level: 3 Tears 💧💧💧
7. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty
A non-fiction book, you say?? Confront Death head-on with this memoir from a certified mortician. Funny, morbid, and sometimes, yes, sad.
Sadness Level: 3 Tears 💧💧💧
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