A Little Life

heynarwhal shared a tip "I've heard so much about this book and seen countless videos on TikTok of people reacting to some of the most emotional moments. I can confirm, this book is absolutely gut wrenching but so beautifully written."

heynarwhal shared a tip "Finally finished it… gonna need a few weeks to process this one. But oh my god I loved every minute of this depression-filled behemoth"

Jackie.Davidson shared a tip "This story follows four college friends into adulthood, a simple premise with a set of complicated characters. The author does not shy away from really difficult topics and situations, so heed all trigger warnings (as noted in most all reviews). I was immersed in these lives, but had to pause several times to absorb the gravity of the trauma. Not a light read."

amy_santi shared a tip "I Dont Think There Are Even Words To Properly Rate This Book Which I May Even Argue Is A Work Of Art I Found Myself Highlighting Taking Pauses To Soak In What I Just Read Tears Streaming Down My Face Highly Recommend But It Is Not An Easy Read Or For The Faint Hearted"

emgonz0 shared a tip "8/10, truly one of the most detailed, emotional, and heartfelt reads I’ve had in a long time. Not for those who can’t handle strong & sensitive topics. Not an easy read in terms of the feelings you get reading what happened to Jude"

anna_mikhailova shared a tip "It is a heavy read, exploring the trauma of life, brokenness of human experience, often impossible to heal no matter the effort. It’s one of those books that it pains to read but you can’t put it down. Very well written. Haunting."

joannasbookcorner shared a tip "Relentlessly sad and exquisitely written, Hanya Yanagihara spares us no mercy when revealing the story of such a broken, intense young man, and it is a difficult read. Its brilliant writing, its broken characters, and its bleak, unforgiving story dug into my heart. This book is one of my favorites so far this year. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 **Strongly recommend checking trigger warnings prior if you are sensitive to sexual assault, self harm, abuse, etc."

ruth_schaffer shared a tip "Amazing. I laughed, I bawled like a baby. I was upset. I was disgusted. Everything! This is a long book, but it is extremely engaging and you will have a hard time putting it down."

embeckini shared a tip "There were times that I simply could not stop thinking about this story. Near the end, it felt like we were wrapping up in super slow motion, but overall, A Little Life is wonderful."

rachel_powell_9179 shared a tip "This is my favourite novel. I’ve never found a book that I was so invested in, so moved by, and also hated so much. It’s both beautiful and painfully sad, I love it, a must read."

jayden_3634 shared a tip "Where to even begin with this book… first off, do not read before you have read reviews and TWS. Anyways, what a beautiful and tremendously sad book that chronicles the life of both Willem and Jude. (The two main characters) I don’t think I’ll be able to do this book justice through a comment, but just know that this book is something extremely rare, special, and beautiful."

jayden_3634 shared a tip "As i neared the end of this book, I went on Google and searched "saddest books ever" and was not surprised to find A Little Life in the first position of multiple lists. Its such a heartbreaking novel. The story follows four college classmates initially and later becomes the story of two. However, ultimately, this is the story of a character named Jude. Jude that goes through, (i have a lump in my throat as I write this), horrifying, absolutely horrifying things in his childhood and how th"

genevieve0 shared a tip "Just ordered 5 new books! A Little Life, Genuine Fraud, Between Shades of Gray, My Mother’s Secret, and This Is How It Ends. I’m starting with Genuine Fraud! So excited for all the new stories ♥️ #thriller #tearjerkertales #history"

keelin_o shared a tip "this book was so good. i was immediately invested. it was definitely very triggering and upsetting (i had to put it down a few times), but i do recommend it if you want your heart broken"

anna_hampshire shared a tip "This books beautifully describes a group of friends who grow up together both telling the stories of their individual victories and loses but the tether that seems to always pull them back together. This book made my heart ache so much but is one of the only books I have found that describe what it feels like to lose something you love and to have something you treasure above all else. 5/5 stars"

William.Smith shared a tip "This is a great books for those in the LGBTQ+ community looking for a quick read that is interesting with character that are relatable."

Snaeb shared a tip "This book is very beautifully written and a good character study. I liked it in the start but in the second to last section, it got a bit contrived. But I don't want to dissuade anyone who might like it. It's honestly a good book but I would recommend reading the trigger warnings. This book is not for the faint-hearted and definitely don't read it if you have any suicidal thoughts."

jaraisa_morales shared a tip "Definitely one of the most heart wrenching books I have ever read. Make sure you read the trigger warnings before reading!!!! Other than that an amazing book with amazing writing; makes you really feel for the characters."

addi_b_6377 shared a tip "This book changed my life. While I was reading it, I could not get it off my mind. Scenes played over and over in my head constantly. A book never did that for me, but this book- wow. This book is a horrible tale that made a forever impression in my mind. Hanya Yanagihara’s style of writing is something I look up to. She is an amazing author and she makes me feel her books like no other."

vianey_asalyn shared a tip "My current read and so far so good but i’m only a lil over half way through which is kind of an accomplishment for me considering how long this book is. But, so far would definitely recommend. (PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS)"

sam_2397 shared a tip "a little life was one of those books where it was just too much to handle there wasn’t really a plot it was basically the story of jude’s trama filled life the characters were well developed but it got to a point where so many bad things were happening i didn’t wanna finsh it but i push thru."

abigail_jue shared a tip "One of the best novels I’ve read. I had never read something like this before it’s honest and transparent about mental illness and every topic covered in the book. It gave me different perspectives I really needed. TW: depression, sexual assault, rape, suicide, addiction, self harm"

sydney_5492 shared a tip "i read this book in May and still think about it everyday— it’s september. my heart still aches. be prepared reading it. i love sad books but i couldn’t eat or sleep sometimes after reading it. such a beautiful story and every book o read from now on will be compared to this one."

carla_pedroza shared a tip "When I finished reading this book I felt guilt, happiness, sadness, I felt everything.I didn't want to start reading another book in my life this book really touched my heart"

wanda_davidson shared a tip "Best book I've read in years. I was taken with all the characters. I loved them, hated them, pitied them and cried for them. I highly recommend this book!!"

catherine_miller_7760 shared a tip "This book is really hard to get through based on the tough topics it explores. I advise not to read unless you can handle something that is really depressing."

idkwhy shared a tip "i died way to many times reading this. it’s been months since i read it but i’d be making dinner or brushing my teeth and randomly think of Jude"

heather_moore_4013 shared a tip "i’m trying to find some books — but i just finished reading normal people by sally rooney and it was really good!@robinjohnson301"

grant_whitehead shared a tip "The ONE book that made me cry out! The characters are just so relatable to me and they resonated so much that I actually cried out at some of the narrative. The book received some backlash on the abuse storyline and I respect that. However it was essential to the empathy of the characters. You will love this book! A must read for LGBTQ2S readers!!!"

InfiniteHope shared a tip "I'm not in an emotional space that will allow me to read this without being completely destroyed so for now this is on hold but it is definitely my most anticipated read for 2022."

tess_2846 shared a tip "This books ripped out my heart, shredded it to pieces, threw it in its mouth, chewed on it for a bit, spit it on the ground, stomped on it, told me i was stupid, told me i would deserve love but never find it bc now my heart was a pile of goo and trampled me over in a pick up truck (but like it was a really cool pick up truck so i didnt mind much, you know?). Still loved it though. definatly going to read it again to annotate! #ohwell"

nat_schulte shared a tip "This book is phenomenal and devastating. I won't recommend it to anyone because you need to do your own research and know your own triggers. This book does not sugarcoat anything. You will sob and want to throw up."

kari1977 shared a tip "Best book I’ve ever read. So devastatingly heartbreaking and beautiful. I believe each character will remain in my heart forever. Since reading it several years ago, I still think of this book often. I’ve been searching for another read that evokes as much emotion as this one did for me….not successfully, I might add. As stated by many others, read with caution…the subject matters are difficult for most."

serotoninplease shared a tip "Read it in a treatment center, man the synopsis doesn’t prepare you enough. Literally think of any trigger that’s out there and it’s probably in this book. It’s a good book but I don’t think it needed as much graphic detail, very triggering if you are in recovery. I think the book as itself spreads some anti-treatment stigma. As someone who has multiple mental illnesses, I would not recommend this book if you have struggled with your mental health before."

valerie_taran shared a tip "You will not read another book like it. Its terrifying and beautiful. I could go on and on, but I think you should read it for yourself and then realize how hard it would be to summarize one's thoughts on this masterpiece"

ms._bina shared a tip "Besides being the most disturbing, tragic, and difficult story of trauma I’ve ever read, it is also the most beautiful, magical demonstration of platonic love I’ll ever read."

eric_lucero shared a tip "I really enjoyed this book. Avoid if you're looking for something cheerful. Tragic story but just so beautifully written. Not an easy read for me but I hung in there."

miranda_turnbull shared a tip "!!!!warning for this book!!!! Very heavy content, check out trigger warnings before deciding to pick it up. But it’s my favorite book of all time."

ashley_ith shared a tip "My favorite book. I am completely broken from this read. Tw: rape, self-harm, child abuse, domestic abuse, suicidal attempts, blood, eating disorders, grooming, sex trafficking, etc."

aryn_renee shared a tip "I can't recommend this book enough. It's a lengthy one but it will fly by! I'd give anything to read this book again for the first time."

lauren_kinsleah_gra shared a tip "this is probably the worst but best books i’ve ever read. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read the tw before reading the book, it’s a must. throughout the whole book mentally i was exhausted, the pain never stopped. as soon as it got better it got 10x worst. even looking at the cover or just thinking about the book makes me tear up 🥲."

deborah_haake shared a tip "Depressing. Felt sorry for the main character, but would people really stick by him that long after the way he treats them when he refuses the help himself."

angelica_anderson_9430 shared a tip "It was an interestingly controversial book but that’s one of the reasons I liked it. It was definitely a book that made me feel something (while not always positive)"

joannamn shared a tip "Very mixed thoughts on this book. Agree with many that the trauma one character goes through is just over the top, but at the same time I grew to love these characters and haven’t seen an epic about male friendship like this."

kim_chodkowski shared a tip "I read this book approx. 5 years ago and I feel as though I compare every book I’ve read thereafter to this one. None come close. A Little Life is one of the best books I’ve ever read, no contest. The characters have such depth and the story is heartbreaking. This book will stick with you."

michael_wood_545 shared a tip "I'm about 70% done with The Four Winds and I'm having a hard time putting it down. Accidentally stayed up until 3am last night reading it."

jennifer_julie shared a tip "One of my faves... it brought me to my knees throughout points in the book. Love the rich characters and rawness. I would read it again"

ellie_fair shared a tip "I cannot believe I made it through this book. I could never in good concious recommend this book to anyone... ever. There is every trigger for every traumatic experience you could imagine and possibly worse than you imagine. However, I loved it, I love it. I always will love it. A Little Life is a beautiful, traumatic, masochistic, poignant.. exquisitely written.. masterpiece that was both horrific and therapeutic to read. It is my gem, my not so secret, secret."

kate_harris_4884 shared a tip "It changed how I view people and gave me a glimpse of how people who have experiences trauma view themselves. Life changing. Constantly chasing the high of this book."

carleigh_mack shared a tip "Jude will forever be in my heart and mind. This book broke my heart in so many ways. I would recommend this book to those who have tough skin. This book isn’t for everyone but I thoroughly enjoyed it :)"

emily_estrada_8972 shared a tip "It took me awhile to get into it but a good read nonetheless! It was triggering though so if you aren’t in a good mental state, I would save for a different time."

mrjuo shared a tip "the tears flowed nonstop, i genuinely wouldn't recommend for anyone sensitive or faint at heart. it literally broke me down and had me think about life but it was absolutely infatuating. i cannot wait for yanagihara's next book!"

jeremy_bragg_3623 shared a tip "This was a painful one to read. Not for the writing but for the horrible trauma a human can go through and how it is something they can never truly escape. Very well done."

gina_ardizzone shared a tip "I read this book awhile ago and it’s stuck with me ever since. It’s a beautiful story but it was honestly heartbreaking and really hard to get through at some points! This is the only book that I’ve ever read that I personally loved but wouldn’t recommend to other people. It goes in to pretty deep detail about a lot of tough and dark subjects but it’s definitely a book that I will never forget reading."

rachel_1503 shared a tip "I've only read this book once. It made such an impact on me. I still think about it from time to time. I would love to read it again someday."

elena_9937 shared a tip "While I cannot recommend this book in good conscience, it was a beautiful and heartbreaking read that took several days to recover from. PLEASE read the trigger warnings for this book if you plan to read it."

amaya_wright_8943 shared a tip "999/10 stars. This is by far the best book I have ever read. Just if you are looking in to reading this I am begging you to please look at the trigger warnings!!"

amanda_allberry shared a tip "Please read trigger warnings, and don't be discouraged by the authors writing style. I was not a fan of it in the beginning, but I loved it over time. It made it feel more personal, like I was actually friends with the characters instead of the reader. It's very good, but you need to read trigger warnings. I cried so deeply after reading as well."

bree_pearson444 shared a tip "This book took me so long to finish, only because I had to take breaks to take in what I was reading. So much heartbreak and sadness throughout the entire story. But all in all, this book is in my top 10 favorite reads!"

emily_campbell_3224 shared a tip "Honestly, I’m not sure if I can recall any favorite parts in particular… I read it so long ago, but I still feel the characters and story. I actually named my son Jude because I loved the name so much. So good!!"

rachel_seraphine shared a tip "Amazing character development into an incredibly impactful book. 10/10 if you want a little reading project that you will want to finish!"

mandy_carter_6660 shared a tip "This book was definitely hard to read, and I understand why people don’t like it. However, I found all the relationships in this novel so beautiful and complicated. I was able to find bits and pieces of people I love in all the characters."

leslie_black shared a tip "Finished this books at 1am. 814 pages of friendship, love, tragedy and survival. This was heart wrenching. I both loved and hated this book. Truly a story that'll always stick with me. I was sobbing the last 100 pages and didn't realize I was crying until I couldn't even see the words on the page. Just wow!"

pebbs shared a tip "Finally got around to finish this book and I cannot explain how much my heart withered in pain. The amount of times I had to stop reading because of how hard I was crying and how difficult it was to even see the words on the pages is too much to count. Please look into the book before you read it because it’s heavily triggering."

leobaldy_gonzales shared a tip "You know this book had me in shambles. I couldn't put it down. They weren't kidding when they said it was about trauma and friendship. I cherish this book to my very core, I want to give willem and jude a hug--well that is If jude would let me hug him."