Guest Author: Justin Craig
As I sat in the upper room of the Santaquin City Library during our monthly book club meeting, I was asked to rate that month’s selection. When I gave the cozy, feel-good read just one star, the room went quiet. The silence was broken when a friend said, “Well, that makes sense—you only like sad books.”
That moment made me reflect on the kinds of books I tend to recommend. I’ve realized that I always preface my suggestions with a disclaimer: “This will make you feel things.”
To me, the best books evoke emotion. They challenge you to think, to question, and to reflect. They grab hold of your heart, make you care, and leave you feeling a whirlwind of emotions long after you’ve turned the last page.
Here’s my list of books that will make you feel all the feels. Give them a try!
by Gabrielle Zevin
This heartfelt novel explores the lifelong friendship between two game developers, Sadie and Sam, as they navigate love, creativity, and personal ambition. Set against the backdrop of the gaming world, their relationship shifts over decades, highlighting the complexity of human connection and the art of collaboration.
by Jason Reynolds
In this gripping verse novel, 15-year-old Will rides an elevator with a gun, planning revenge for his brother’s murder. As the elevator descends, he encounters ghosts from his past, forcing him to question the cycle of violence he’s caught in and the weight of his decisions.
by Barbara Kingsolver
A modern retelling of David Copperfield, this novel follows a boy born into poverty in rural Appalachia. Through heart-wrenching twists, Demon battles addiction, loss, and betrayal, while clinging to his resilience and determination to break free from generational hardships.
by Khaled Hosseini
This emotional saga chronicles the friendship between two boys, Amir and Hassan, in Afghanistan, and the devastating consequences of betrayal and guilt. Spanning decades, the story explores themes of redemption, fatherhood, and the ripple effects of war on personal lives.
by Bryan Stevenson
A powerful true story of Bryan Stevenson’s fight for justice, focusing on his work defending the wrongly condemned and those trapped in the criminal justice system. At its core is the case of Walter McMillian, a Black man wrongfully sentenced to death, showcasing the importance of mercy and humanity in a broken system.
by Patrick Ness
This haunting and beautifully illustrated story follows a boy named Conor who is visited by a monstrous tree while grappling with his mother’s terminal illness. The monster helps Conor confront difficult emotions, blending fantasy with profound truths about grief, loss, and healing.
by Fredrik Backman
In a small town obsessed with hockey, a shocking event divides the community and forces them to face uncomfortable truths about loyalty, violence, and justice. Beartown is a deeply emotional exploration of how a single incident can fracture lives, relationships, and entire towns.
by Jason Reynolds & Brendan Kiely
Two boys—one Black and one white—are drawn together after a brutal incident of police violence. Through alternating perspectives, this poignant novel delves into issues of race, privilege, and the ripple effects of systemic injustice, offering a powerful call to action for understanding and change.
by Jasmine Warga
Aysel and Roman form a pact to end their lives together, but as their relationship deepens, Aysel starts to rethink her decision. This tender novel tackles themes of depression, loss, and hope, as it explores the delicate balance between despair and the desire to live.
by Randy Ribay
A Filipino-American teen, Jay, embarks on a journey to the Philippines after the sudden death of his cousin, uncovering painful truths about his family and his homeland’s political struggles. This coming-of-age story blends personal identity with cultural exploration and social justice.
by Kristin Hannah
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Set during the Great Depression, this epic story follows Elsa Martinelli as she battles the Dust Bowl and economic hardship to keep her family alive. With themes of resilience, motherhood, and survival, The Four Winds is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of impossible odds.
by Yaa Gyasi
Gifty, a neuroscience PhD student, wrestles with the intersection of science, faith, and family as she confronts her brother’s opioid addiction and her mother’s depression. This poignant exploration of grief, faith, and the search for meaning masterfully intertwines personal struggles with larger cultural and spiritual questions.
by John Green
Aza Holmes, a teenager grappling with obsessive-compulsive disorder, tries to solve the mystery of a missing billionaire while navigating the complexities of her mental health and friendships. John Green’s exploration of mental illness is raw, insightful, and deeply relatable, offering a powerful narrative about living with inner turmoil.
by Jason Reynolds
Matt, a high schooler reeling from his mother’s death, takes a job at a funeral home where he unexpectedly finds solace. Through grief and loss, he forms unexpected connections, learning that healing can come from the most unlikely places.
by Madeline Miller
This mesmerizing retelling of The Iliad centers on the bond between Achilles and his companion, Patroclus, as they face war, prophecy, and sacrifice. Their love story brings a deeply human perspective to one of mythology’s greatest tales of heroism, loyalty, and tragic destiny.
These selections are not just stories; they are experiences that will resonate with you long after you’ve finished reading. They offer profound insights into the human condition, evoking a spectrum of emotions that reflect the complexities of life itself. So, prepare yourself for a journey through these pages—one that will make you laugh, cry, and, most importantly, feel.
Releasing the Notes 
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