20 best books on big feelings – 2023 reading list & recommendations

If you’ve ever experienced the roller coaster of emotions that come with being human, you know how powerful and overwhelming big feelings can be. Whether you’re looking for guidance on navigating your own emotions or trying to help a loved one understand theirs, a book on big feelings can be a valuable companion. We’ve compiled a list of the 20 best books about big feelings that will take you on a journey of self-discovery, empathy, and understanding. From heart-wrenching memoirs to uplifting novels, these big feelings books promise to touch your soul and leave a lasting impact.


The Great Alone

by Kristin Hannah

The Great Alone is an emotionally charged rollercoaster that takes readers on a breathtaking journey through the depths of human emotions. Kristin Hannah’s masterful storytelling weaves together a tale of resilience, love, and the indomitable spirit of the human heart. This novel is not just a book about big feelings; it is a visceral experience that will leave readers spellbound.

Educated

by Tara Westover

Educated by Tara Westover is a book about profound emotions, exploring the incredible journey of a woman who defied all odds to seek knowledge and find her own identity. This compelling memoir takes readers on a rollercoaster of intense emotions, as Westover shares her experiences growing up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho.

Normal People

by Sally Rooney

Normal People by Sally Rooney is not just your average book. It’s a captivating journey that dives deep into the realm of emotions, making it a true book on big feelings. With its raw and honest portrayal of love, friendship, and self-discovery, this novel is a rollercoaster of emotions that will leave you breathless. Rooney’s exquisite writing style will transport you into the minds and hearts of the characters, allowing you to experience their joys, sorrows, and everything in between. Prepare yourself for a captivating ride through the tangled web of human emotions in this extraordinary book about big feelings.

A Little Life

by Hanya Yanagihara

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara is a book about big feelings that will leave you in awe. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions as you delve into the lives of four friends navigating the challenges of love, friendship, trauma, and personal growth.

The Hate U Give

by Angie Thomas

The Hate U Give: A Book on Big Feelings

Get ready to dive into a powerful and thought-provoking journey through the pages of Angie Thomas’ extraordinary novel, The Hate U Give. This incredible book about big feelings takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring themes of race, identity, justice, and the indomitable power of voice.

Set in a fictional neighborhood torn apart by racial tension, the story follows sixteen-year-old Starr Carter as she navigates the aftermath of witnessing the fatal shooting of her childhood friend, Khalil, by a police officer. As Starr grapples with grief, anger, and fear, she is thrust into the spotlight, becoming the voice for justice in her community.

Thomas masterfully captures the raw emotions that come with injustice, discrimination, and the weight of responsibility. Through Starr’s perspective, the reader is immersed in a world of big feelings, experiencing the frustration, sadness, and determination that accompany the fight against systemic racism.

The Hate U Give is not just a book; it’s a catalyst for empathy, understanding, and change. It challenges readers to confront their own biases, question societal norms, and recognize the importance of using their voices to amplify those who have been silenced.

This big feelings book is a must-read for teenagers and adults alike, offering a gripping narrative that teaches empathy, encourages activism, and sparks conversations that desperately need to be had. Prepare to be moved, enlightened, and inspired by The Hate U Give, a novel that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

by Gail Honeyman

Welcome to the world of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, a captivating novel that takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the depths of human emotions. This extraordinary book delves into the realm of profound sentiments, exploring the complexities of the human heart and mind.

Prepare to embark on a journey that will leave you spellbound as you delve into the life of Eleanor Oliphant, a woman who appears content on the surface but harbors a world of untold emotions beneath. Gail Honeyman weaves a tale that touches upon the raw, unfiltered essence of what it means to be human.

This remarkable piece of literature captures the essence of the human experience, showcasing the power of empathy and connection in a world that can often feel cold and isolating. Honeyman’s poignant storytelling evokes an array of emotions, ranging from heart-wrenching sadness to heartwarming joy, as we witness Eleanor’s transformation.

With eloquent prose and a keen understanding of the intricacies of the human psyche, this book about big feelings will resonate with readers from all walks of life. It reminds us that beneath the surface, we all carry a world of emotions, and that it is through embracing our vulnerabilities that we find true strength.

So, join Eleanor Oliphant on her journey of self-discovery as she navigates the labyrinth of her own emotions. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and reminded of the beauty that lies within the human soul. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is more than just a book; it is an exploration of the universal human experience and a testament to the power of resilience and compassion.

The Silent Patient

by Alex Michaelides

Introducing The Silent Patient: a captivating book on deep emotions that will leave you breathless. Alex Michaelides weaves a chilling tale in this psychological thriller, delving into the labyrinth of the human mind.

Where the Crawdads Sing

by Delia Owens

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is a captivating book about the powerful emotions that shape our lives. It is a mesmerizing tale that delves deep into the human experience, exploring themes of loneliness, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of survival.

This extraordinary novel takes us on a journey into the heart and mind of Kya Clark, a young girl who is left to fend for herself in the marshes of North Carolina. Abandoned by her family and shunned by the local community, Kya finds solace in the natural world around her, forming a profound connection with the creatures that inhabit her secluded habitat.

As the years pass, Kya grows into a fiercely independent and intelligent woman, yet she remains haunted by her past and the pain of her isolation. When a mysterious death rocks her small town, Kya becomes embroiled in a murder investigation that threatens to expose her deepest secrets.

Where the Crawdads Sing is a book that will make you feel deeply. It vividly portrays the raw emotions of love, loss, and longing, reminding us of the profound impact that our connections with others have on our lives. It is a book that will leave you pondering the complexities of human nature and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Embark on this incredible journey through the pages of Where the Crawdads Sing and immerse yourself in a world where big feelings are beautifully explored and celebrated.

An American Marriage

by Tayari Jones

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones is a captivating book about big feelings that will leave you emotionally spellbound. This powerful novel delves into the complexities of love, loyalty, and the devastating impact of systemic injustice.

Little Fires Everywhere

by Celeste Ng

Little Fires Everywhere is a captivating novel that immerses readers in a world of intense emotions and tangled relationships. This mesmerizing book on big feelings takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the lives of two families living in a seemingly picture-perfect suburban community.

The Goldfinch

by Donna Tartt

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt is a mesmerizing book that delves deep into the realm of intense emotions. It is a literary masterpiece that can be aptly called a ‘book about big feelings’.

The Fault in Our Stars

by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars is a book about big feelings that takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster ride. John Green, the master of storytelling, introduces us to two extraordinary teenagers, Hazel and Gus, who are dealing with the weight of the world on their young shoulders. This book on big feelings is a heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, and the fragility of life.

The Alchemist

by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a mesmerizing journey through the depths of the human spirit. This enchanting tale is not just any ordinary book on big feelings, it is a masterpiece that explores the profound depths of the human soul, making it a truly remarkable exploration of our most profound emotions.

The Kite Runner

by Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner is an emotionally charged journey through friendship, betrayal, and redemption. This heart-wrenching novel by Khaled Hosseini is a true masterpiece, capturing the essence of human emotions like no other. It is a book on big feelings, a powerful tale that leaves readers breathless and deeply moved.

The Book Thief

by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a captivating book about big feelings that will leave you breathless and emotionally stirred. Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, this extraordinary tale follows the life of Liesel Meminger, a young girl who finds solace and escape in the power of words.

The Help

by Kathryn Stockett

The Help by Kathryn Stockett is a remarkable book about big feelings. Set in 1960s Mississippi, it delves into the lives of black maids working in white households and the complex emotions that surround their experiences. This book on big feelings explores themes of injustice, oppression, and resilience, interweaving the stories of three women who defy societal norms to speak their truth.

The Secret Life of Bees

by Sue Monk Kidd

The Secret Life of Bees: A Book on Profound Emotions

Prepare to embark on a captivating journey through the pages of The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. This stirring tale delves deep into the intricacies of the human heart, exploring the profound emotions that shape our lives. Set in the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement in 1960s America, this remarkable novel is an intriguing blend of history, coming-of-age, and the search for belonging.

Amidst the backdrop of this tumultuous era, we meet Lily Owens, a young girl burdened with a heavy heart. Struggling to make sense of her own identity and haunted by the memories of her mother’s tragic death, Lily embarks on a quest for love and understanding. She finds solace in the company of the Boatwright sisters—August, June, and May—who share their lives, secrets, and beekeeping wisdom with her.

As the bees buzz harmoniously in their hives, the characters in this novel experience a whirlwind of emotions—love, loss, forgiveness, and redemption. Through Kidd’s eloquent prose, the reader is transported into a world where big feelings are explored with sensitivity and grace. The author’s vivid descriptions and heartfelt storytelling create an immersive experience that will leave you with a profound sense of empathy and understanding.

With its rich tapestry of characters and its exploration of themes such as race, family, and female empowerment, The Secret Life of Bees is more than just a book about big feelings; it is a celebration of the complexities of the human spirit. It reminds us that amidst the chaos of life, it is our ability to embrace and express our emotions that truly defines us.

So, dive into this remarkable journey and allow yourself to be swept away by the emotional currents that flow through The Secret Life of Bees. Let the power of these pages ignite a profound connection within your own heart, as you discover the transformative strength of love, hope, and the pursuit of truth.

The Catcher in the Rye

by J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye is a book about big feelings written by J.D. Salinger. It immerses readers into the tumultuous world of Holden Caulfield, a teenage protagonist who is grappling with the complexities of adolescence and the overwhelming emotions that come with it.

To Kill a Mockingbird

by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird is a captivating novel that delves into the depths of human emotions, making it a true rollercoaster of a read. This literary masterpiece by Harper Lee is not just a book on big feelings, but rather a profound exploration of the human condition.

Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice: A Book on Powerful Emotions

Welcome to the enchanting world of Pride and Prejudice, a literary masterpiece written by the incomparable Jane Austen. Brace yourself for a captivating journey through a landscape filled with passion, romance, and yes, big feelings!

In this remarkable novel, Austen delves into the intricate depths of the human heart, exploring the complexities of love, pride, prejudice, and societal expectations. With her exquisite wit and keen observations, she invites readers to witness the blossoming romance between Elizabeth Bennet and the broodingly handsome Mr. Darcy.

As you turn each page, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world brimming with grand emotions, where the characters’ desires and insecurities are laid bare. Through sparkling dialogue and unforgettable encounters, Austen weaves a tale that delves into the depths of human connection, conveying the power of first impressions, misunderstandings, and the transformative nature of love.

This is not merely a book about big feelings; it is a timeless exploration of the human condition. Austen’s masterful storytelling transports us to a society where societal norms and expectations reign supreme, where love struggles to overcome the boundaries imposed by class, reputation, and personal biases.

Prepare to be swept away by the irresistible charm of Pride and Prejudice, where deep emotions simmer beneath the surface, waiting to erupt in a symphony of love and self-discovery. Join Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy on their tumultuous journey, as they navigate their own pride and prejudices, ultimately discovering the true nature of their feelings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 best books about big feelings offer a diverse range of stories and perspectives that explore the complexities of human emotions. Whether you’re seeking solace, inspiration, or a deeper understanding of your own feelings, these books are sure to provide a meaningful and enlightening reading experience. From heart-wrenching tales of love and loss to uplifting stories of resilience and self-discovery, these books offer a gateway to the depths of our emotional landscapes. So, grab a book, dive into the pages, and let these stories guide you on a journey of self-reflection and empathy.