What is the first book that ever made you cry?

[Firebird 8118]

For Deathly Hallows, the part I remember most--- I was reading in the car, and at the end of chapter 4 or 5, when there is an attack in the air and someone is hit-- I remember thinking it was Hagrid and shutting the book so fast because I couldn't stand to keep reading! Turned out to be Hedwig that was hit. (Much less traumatic when considering the alternatives, I think).

I agree. Still, I loved Hedwig. Such a wonderful owl...

 

[Halla74]

Hi there!

This is a question I love asking In true teacher fashion, this was our discussion question at our last Happy Hour!!

What in God's name were you drinking that night?!

What was the first book that made you cry? (or maybe gave you an extreme emotional reaction?)

I am honestly stumped by this question.
Initially I was going to be a smart ass and reply with something to the effect of "Whatever book actually forced me to sit still."
But after exploring my memory - I honestly don't have an answer - not right now anyway.

My first was in 6th grade--- Where the Red Fern Grows.

Do you feel that the moment that occurred, that is the book's story compelling you to cry, was a milestone of emotional growth/human development for you?
Or is your interest in knowing more simply rooted in something along the lines of "personal trivia?"

The reason I ask is that I remember at age 12 I had developed what I now know as "empathy" and began to understand how simply "caring" for someone could ultimately lead to me experiencing the feelings of whatever sadness plagued their lives at that time. That was a big realization for me. However, I cannot associate with any reading I was doing at that time.

Cheers,

-Halla74

 

[011235813]

The Call of the Wild. Those animal books get me every damn time.

 

[garbage]

Go Dog Go

Actually, this exactly:

Flowers for Algernon some time in middle school

 

[kyli_ryan]

Do you feel that the moment that occurred, that is the book's story compelling you to cry, was a milestone of emotional growth/human development for you?
Or is your interest in knowing more simply rooted in something along the lines of "personal trivia?"

The reason I ask is that I remember at age 12 I had developed what I now know as "empathy" and began to understand how simply "caring" for someone could ultimately lead to me experiencing the feelings of whatever sadness plagued their lives at that time. That was a big realization for me. However, I cannot associate with any reading I was doing at that time.

Cheers,

-Halla74

It was more along the lines of emotional development, yes. I'm interested how outside influences can effect this, particularly reading. I'm an English teacher (obviously), and I am a firm believer that reading makes you a better person By reading, I think we gain an understanding of others that we couldn't have otherwise. I work with so many kids who have NEVER read a book in completion before-- and I think that it shows in how they treat others around them. I'm interested in this interaction between literature and how we connect with the world.

 

[Such Irony]

I don't think I've ever cried over a book. Some have made come very close. Among those:

Harry Potter- the one where Dobby dies
My Sister's Keeper
The Kite Runner
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Diary of Anne Frank

 

[Odi et Amo]

Goodnight Moon made me cry. Rhythmic quietude...

 

[The Ü™]

I'm pretty sure it was one I was forced to read for a book report.

 

[EJCC]

"The Martian Chronicles" by Ray Bradbury. I don't remember how old I was -- maybe 8 or 9? -- but my mom was reading it to me. I started sobbing at the end of "The Earth Men".

 

[/DG/]

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. Actually I think there was one or two before that, but I don't remember what they were.

 

[lowtech redneck]

The only book I can immediately recall that made me cry was Les Miserables (at the death of Jean Valjean).

Movie-wise, I remember crying as a little boy watching The Last Unicorn.

 

[wolfy]

Never. I think Charlotte's Web made me sad though I can't remember the story at all. Is it a sad story?