A book that has disturbed/depressed you too much

[SharisseEM]

Push by Sapphire and the sequel, The Kid. Both books are pretty depressing and disturbing. The latter more so than its predecessor. It deals with sexual abuse and whatever comes with it that affects the main characters deeply.

[TammyO]

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov is a very disturbing book because of its subject matter; pedophilia. However, the book itself is very engaging if you can delve beyond the subject matter.

[LivreAmour217]

The Color Purple really depressed me. So many bad things happened to the main character that I just couldn't enjoy it. Stephen King's books, when I used to read them, always disturbed me as well.

[Anacoana]

Thirteen Reasons Why. It was compelling so I had to read it to the end, but I had to stop a lot of times too. My boyfriend has Major Depressive Disorder and several of my friend have been sexually abused/raped/molested or have depression, and some of what was said or happened in there was so accurate and close to what they've said that I needed to stop.

[Dando]

I've read many sad and, I suppose, disturbing books. But I don't think I have ever read one that was too much. I generally like books like this, despite their sad content. This thread has inspired me to read some of these books!

[Himmelslicht]

Don't Tell Mommy and When Daddy Comes Home by Toni Maguire.
Those books are so disturbing and enraging.

[ALynnPowers]

I'm reading a book right now for review that is seriously bringing back old memories that are not so pleasant. I'm going to have to ask the author to put a warning on it... that it can trigger flashbacks if you have had similar experiences dealing with certain types of people!

[pretzelsnow]

I personally hate pessimistic books.They make me too sad!I would never write them!

[TLGabelman]

I read a book called The Blue Notebook about a girl whose father sold her into sex trafficing in India to pay off his gambling debts. I tried not to dwell on the descriptions of the acts performed on her but in the end it really depressed me. The author had an exceptional way with word and turn of phrase but in the end as a mom of two small girls i just couldnt stop picturing my child being abused and that is my worst nightmare.

[ALynnPowers]

I personally hate pessimistic books.They make me too sad!I would never write them!

They're actually pretty easy for me to write! Difficult to read though...

[jillyshub52+]

Fault in Our Stars depressed me so much. I was listening to the audio book too. I cried for almost an hour.

[H0LD0Nthere]

Lucky - Alice Siebold, that book hits way too close to home for me. Any rape scenes, for that matter are quite difficult for me to read but her story was a little too close to mine.

I am so sorry.

I avoid books my Ken Follett for that reason. I have read two by him, Pillars of the Earth and The Third Twin. Both include an actual or fantasy rape scene written from the agressor's point of view. Although Follett also writes sympathetically about the victims, he seems to understand a rapist's mindset just a little too well for my comfort. However, I am glad I read Pillars of the Earth, when in college. It brought me to tears, and really helped me sympathize with victims.

About what books a person should avoid, I think that is very personal. Different people will be depressed or even traumatized by different books. So I don't feel there is much of a shortcut to this. Just to stop reading when you start to find a book repellent. And as you come to know yourself better, you will be quicker at recognizing books that will not be worth it TO YOU.

[librarydancer]

I just finished one that I should have never read -- I was expecting more romance -- not darkness.

The series Debt Inheritance left me upset and unable to sleep well for two days.

[ESQNYC]

Lucky - Alice Siebold, that book hits way too close to home for me. Any rape scenes, for that matter are quite difficult for me to read but her story was a little too close to mine.

Absolutely disturbing and depressing.

[TLGabelman]

I agree with HOLDONthere reading material that effects us so personally helps us get to know ourselves better. I have read many books that are depressing and stick with me but many times when they are over with I am glad I read the story and I feel a sincere connection to the author knowing their words were placed perfectly and they have truly been able to convey something real to me.

Its unique that I have such an intense reaction to a story or even part of a story. When I find the author has presented characters who are so real I feel their emotions as my own I know I'm reading something deeply personal. I feel as im being permitted to spy on their most personal moments. Mostly if I am feeling it, it was meant to be felt.

That being said story lines that center around child abuse are particularly difficult for me. Despite the authors descriptive talents to paint a character who is very different from my own physically I can't help but picture my kids especially if they are in the same age range. I don't avoid these books but I may wait to read them until I feel emotionally ready for the tears.