From The Straits Times    |

I’m a sucker for tragedy. Whether it’s a book, a movie or a song, the sadder it is, the better. Here are 3 books that never fail to make me weep. Despite the tears, each of them has taught me a little something.

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
I only read the novel after watching the movie on TV, which made me sob uncontrollably – and quite embarrassingly – in front of my parents. I resolved to buy the book when my friends told me it was even more depressing than the movie. They were right. I was an emotional wreck. Not because of the heartfelt plot, but because I doubt such a person like the main character Noah exists in the real world.  Noah’s relentless commitment to his wife, who’s dying of Alzheimer’s, is heartbreakingly sweet. Men (and I guess women too) ought to read the book to pick up love lessons from him.
Lesson learned: Love conquers all.

My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult
When my sister told me she locked herself up in her room and wailed for 2 full hours after finishing the book, my first thought was, “Awesome!” So I picked up her copy – slightly tear-stained of course – and started reading. Tears were threatening to spill when I arrived at several points of the book, but they weren’t poignant enough to make me cry. I was about to doubt my sister’s claim and call her bluff towards the last few chapters, where everything seemed to point towards a happy ending. Then, wham! The author interrupted with a shocking twist that opened the floodgates. I was suddenly choked by a convoluted mess of emotions – anger, confusion and utter devastation. I love this book.
Lesson learned: Life is short and unpredictable, so make the most of it.

The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom
The premise of the story is simple: the main character, Eddie, dies after saving a girl from an accident. He ends up in heaven and meets 5 people who teach him different life lessons. This thought-provoking book is a stark reminder of how anyone’s existence can directly and indirectly affect a person he or she may or may not know.
Lesson learned: You don’t have to be famous or a hero to make an impact on someone else’s life.

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