Tragic Love Stories While Listening to Old Jazz

Not sure why, but when Spring rolls around, it makes me think of Cole Porter songs, and rereading the classic love stories I've been obsessed with since I was a teenager.

I'm not talking about the Harold Robbins books I used to sneak from my parent's shelves, though those were interesting in their own right. I'm talking about anything by Jane Austen, or the Bronte sisters. Of course I love happy endings, but my real obsession are the failed ones. The more tragic, the better!

All I want to think about is Heathcliff imploring Cathy to haunt him, while on her deathbed (Wuthering Heights). Or Marianne sobbing Willoughby's name on the hill behind his home, in the rain (Sense and Sensibility). The moment Mr. Rochester told Jane they were connected by an invisible cord that ran from the place his heart was, to the corresponding part of her (Jane Eyre). The day Edna spent with Robert when they took the boat to the mainland before he left for Mexico (The Awakening). The green light at the pier (Great Gatsby).

Another book I loved, now out of print (but you can still buy used) is The Madness of a Seduced Woman (by Susan Fromberg Schaeffer). One of those stories that stays with you, about a first love gone wrong in the early part of the century. More currently, I also loved The History of Love (by Nicole Krauss); and Rules of Civility (by Amor Towles).

I did a quick Facebook poll of friend's favorites, and it ran the gamut from (of course) 50 Shades of Grey (sorry I promised not to judge!) Bridges of Madison County, The Notebook — these were all mentioned several times.

Other books mentioned that I have not read yet, but were recommended were Time Enough For Love (by Heinlein), Last Love Letter (by Moyes), Night Road (by Hannah).

Also shout outs for Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (great book!), and if you are into time travel / medieval fantasy, check out Diana Gabaldon's books.

Not typical love stories, but classics none the less, another friend loves The Princess Bride (by Goldman) and The Giving Tree (by Silverstein).

Thanks to everyone who participated in the conversation! Happy Reading!!!

By the way, as I write this I'm listening to the best Cole Porter playlist I made on Spotify of Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong (and some Duke Ellington, Count Basie & Frank Sinatra)! Who wants to meet me for a martini?