Aaron Ortiz White

50 followers

Follow

Follow

Follow

1/6

36 saved

35

Books that made me feel uncomfortable

#thrillerbooks #books #bookrecommendations #reading #scarybooks

2025/8/7 Edited to

Books that evoke discomfort often challenge our deepest fears and provoke profound emotional responses, making them memorable and impactful reads. The featured thrillers like 'The Whispers' by Kimberly Belle and 'The Push' by Ashley Audrain combine gripping narratives with psychological depth, which can make readers second-guess their realities and question personal decisions, such as having children. Mental tension and unease generated by thriller novels rely on a mixture of suspense, unique storytelling techniques, and exploring unsettling themes. For example, 'We Used to Live Here' by Marcus Kliewer offers a distinct narrative style that keeps readers on edge, while 'Haunt' by H.D. Carlton uses emotional complexity to deepen the reader's connection to the story despite discomfort. These elements contribute to what makes thriller books so compelling—they are not just stories but experiences that stay with readers. Understanding why some books make readers uncomfortable but are still appreciated involves recognizing how these books delve into the darker corners of human nature and emotion. They prompt readers to face discomfort and fear in a safe, controlled environment, which can foster empathy, awareness, and personal growth. For readers passionate about thriller books, exploring those that make you feel uncomfortable often leads to the discovery of new perspectives and storytelling styles. Such books also fulfill the desire for narratives that are not only entertaining but also intellectually and emotionally challenging. Readers inspired by these book recommendations can expand their horizons by seeking thrillers that explore taboo topics, unconventional narratives, and intense emotional experiences. Engaging with uncomfortable thrillers also aligns well with the increasing popularity of psychological thrillers and horror genres in literature, which are known for their ability to combine suspense with psychological insight. Whether it's through unsettling voice recordings as mentioned in "The Whispers" or challenging family dynamics as in "The Push," these books offer unique thrills that redefine the scope of traditional thriller novels.

Related posts

Books that changed me 💛

I could go on and on about these books! Have you read any of these? Let’s talk about them in the comments! What books have helped you along the way? Help me update my library!! #bookrecommendations #christianlifestyle #lemon8bookclub #christianselfhelpbook #christianbookclub

3807 likes

8 Uncomfortable Questions That Can Save Your Relationship

Most relationships don’t fail because of problems… they fail because people avoid talking about them. These questions aren’t easy. But they bring clarity, honesty, and growth. If you can talk about this… you’re already ahead of most couples. Save this for when you’re ready to have a rea

399 likes

The book cover for "Stay Until Tomorrow" by Jacqueline Whitney is displayed, with keywords "Practical," "Uplifting," and "Inspiring." Five stars and a description of the book's impact are included.

The book cover for "Daring to Take Up Space" by Daniell Koepke is shown, featuring keywords "courageous," "self-worth," and "Motivational." Five stars and a description of the book's message are present.

These Books Felt Like Therapy

Here are the most powerful books l've read in 2024 and what each book taught me as a woman in her 20's: 1. Stay Until Tomorrow^ by Jacqueline This book hit me right in the feels. It's a heartfelt story about friendships, finding your own path, and allowing yourself to grow even when

5111 likes

An indoor scene with tables and chairs, featuring the bold yellow text overlay "UNCOMFORTABLE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PARTNER" on a dark background, with a plant and framed pictures visible.

A person with braided hair holds a phone with a floral case, covering their face. A text bubble asks, "What fears do you have about our relationship?" The person wears a grey sweater and a gold watch.

A person with braided hair, wearing a black blazer and blue jeans, stands against a grey brick wall with a door. A text bubble asks, "Is there anything I do that unintentionally hurts you?"

3 Uncomfortable Questions to ask Your Partner

Want to take your relationship to the next level? These 3 questions could feel bit uncomfortable, but they’re essential for growth and understanding. Getting to the depths of your partner’s heart and thoughts is extremely important if you want a healthy relationship! Save this for your next

1729 likes

A Barnes & Noble display sign reads "DISCOVER WHAT BANNED BOOKS YOU'VE BEEN MISSING," surrounded by various books like Catch-22, Wool, and Red Rising, highlighting a banned books section.

A bookstore display features various banned books including Alas, Babylon, Catch-22, Wool, Red Rising, Slaughterhouse-Five, Animal Farm, A Thousand Splendid Suns, Ready Player One, The Outsiders, and The Hate U Give.

A collection of books on display, featuring titles such as The Bell Jar, Sing, Unburied, Sing, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

Barnes & Noble Banned Books Edition 🚫📚

If it’s banned, it’s probably worth reading, right? Twice a week, my daughter and I visit Barnes & Noble. This week, we binge-read the banned book section. Have you ever read any of these books? Here’s a summary of each one and the reasons they’ve been banned. 1. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bra

7366 likes

A surreal, dark dining scene with a rabbit-like creature, a dark-faced doll, and a horse-like creature at a table, featuring a brain on a plate. The image introduces "Short Horror books that truly creeped me the f*ck out."

A surreal dining scene with a rabbit-like creature and a doll, featuring the book cover "A SHORT STAY IN HELL" by Steven L. Peck. The text describes the book's slow-building dread.

A surreal dining scene with a rabbit-like creature and a doll, featuring the book cover "SCARY STORIES YOU CAN'T UN-READ" by BJ Rawls. The text expresses a strong, positive reaction to the book.

Short horror books that creeped me out

These short horror books were creepy AF and DEFINITELY worth my time! #horrorbook #shorthorror #horrorfiction #horrorbooks #horrortok

1206 likes

A young woman takes a mirror selfie, wearing a brown top and light pants, with text overlay 'uncomfy questions to ask your partner' and Lemon8 branding.

A bedside table with a glowing mushroom lamp, a book, and a candle, featuring the question 'have you ever lied to protect my feelings? what was the lie?'.

An outdoor scene with a vibrant pink and orange sunset sky over buildings and a tree, displaying the question 'what aspect of my lifestyle do you least agree with?'.

3 uncomfortable questions

having uncomfortable conversations in your relationship is crucial for growth and understanding. while it might be tough, facing difficult topics head-on can strengthen your bond and clear up misunderstandings. it’s through these honest discussions that you’ll find solutions, build trust, and deepe

1885 likes

Ashamed to enjoy books

I admit it. I enjoyed these horror books. #horrorbook #horrorbooks #horrorbooktok #scarybooks #horrortok

641 likes

4 short but shockingly deep books

You know those books that are short enough to finish in a day but leave you thinking about them for *weeks*? Yeah, these are exactly that. 🌀 They might look small, but don’t let their size fool you—they’re packed with big emotions, heavy ideas, and twists that’ll leave you sitting there like, “What

835 likes

Books that helped me with personal growth

Key take aways from…. 1. The Power Of Your Subconscious Mind •Subconscious Influence: The subconscious mind significantly influences thoughts, behaviors, and experiences, often more than conscious reasoning. •Visualization and Affirmation: Using visualization and positive affirmations can r

722 likes

5 uncomfortable but healthy questions to ask your bf/gf❤️‍🩹

Ask your boyfriend/ girlfriend / partner these questions to get to know each other on a deeper level - you might be surprised with their answers #anxiety #anxietyrelief #stressrelieftips #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #relationshipadvice #datingtips #relationshiptips

436 likes

If this made you uncomfortable… read this 🩷

Boundaries will feel wrong when you’re used to overgiving. You’ll feel guilty. You’ll second guess yourself. You’ll wonder if you’re doing too much. But you’re not. You’re just finally choosing yourself. And not everyone will benefit from that version of you. Save this if you’re learning t

40 likes

Books that played me

Omfg these mystery thriller books were soooooooo good! #thrillerbooks #thrillerbooktok #mysterybooks #booktok #crimefiction

4 likes

I’m So Uncomfortable Around His Parents

I love my boyfriend, but being around his white family makes me so uncomfortable. They make these “little jokes” about color and expect me to laugh, like it’s all harmless. It’s not. It makes my stomach drop every time, and I never know how to react without killing the vibe. I told my boyfri

436 likes

A person holds a bouquet of flowers, with the title "10 UNCOMFORTABLE RELATIONSHIP TRUTHS" prominently displayed in white text. The image has a soft, slightly faded aesthetic, with "lemon8 @lifewithiri" and a dashed arrow at the bottom.

A close-up of hands holding a paper container of food, with five bullet points detailing relationship truths. These include points about intentions, self-love, compatibility, accountability, and physical attraction. "lemon8 @lifewithiri" is visible at the bottom.

A person's legs and feet in white sneakers are shown, with a dessert nearby. Five more bullet points list relationship truths, covering topics like toxic relationships, trauma, sexual compatibility, mutual effort, and the inability to force love. "save & read below" is at the bottom.

10 Uncomfortable Relationship Truths 🤕

❤️‍🔥 Relationship truths that are less talked about… • Your "intentions" become irrelevant if your actions keep hurting your partner. • You do NOT have to "love yourself" before someone else can love you (yes, self-love is so important, but we also heal in connection with others

613 likes

BOOKS TO READ IN PUBLIC TO LOOK COOL

Another one of these posts bc you guys love them so much 😇 wanna look cool/smart/educated in public? Read these books! Pretend You’re Dead by Jen Beagin This is my 2nd book by this author & I enjoyed it! A classic literary fiction will always make me feel cool & this author’s books are

2447 likes

Uncomfortable life lessons

As someone who's been THROUGH it (and still deals with a lot sometimes), here's some genuine advice. Let me know your lessons or what you agree or dont agree with. 1. Nobody is coming to save you and realistically it isn't their responsibility to. The only thing that is genuinely con

358 likes

A black and white fragmented image of a woman's face with the text "6 books so deliciously F*CKING clever, they played me like a fool (I just stared at a wall after)" overlaid.

The book cover for "The Last Mrs. Parrish" by Liv Constantine is displayed over an old document, accompanied by a review describing a constant sense of dread while reading.

The book cover for "None of This Is True" by Lisa Jewell is shown over an old document, with a review praising its unpredictable and wild plot twists.

Books that surprised me

I love shocking thriller books, and these are some of my recent faves. #booktok #thrillerbooktok #thrillerbooks #crimefiction #mysterybooks

9 likes

A title slide on a light background reads '5 Uncomfortable Lessons I Didn't Know I Needed' with the creator's handle '@thealphaqueensempire' and a forward arrow icon.

The first lesson on a light background states: 'People don't change when you give them more love- they change when they want to.' It emphasizes that growth is a personal choice.

The second lesson on a light background states: 'You weren't "too sensitive"- you were surrounded by people who couldn't handle your awareness.' It highlights that deep feeling is not a flaw.

💭 5 Uncomfortable Lessons I Didn’t Know I Needed

Lately I’ve realized that healing isn’t always soft. Sometimes it looks like setting boundaries, saying no, or outgrowing who you thought you’d always be. Growth feels weird when you’re doing it right. It’s lonely, it’s uncomfortable, and sometimes you miss the old version of you—until you rem

1685 likes

Great books or guilty pleasures?

These books make some people feel guilty about loving them. Whether it’s a twisty psychological thriller, a scary horror book, or a dark thriller book, these must-reads have controversial elements that make them even harder to put down. What books did I forget to mention? #thrillerbooks #d

675 likes

Features 'Haunted' by Chuck Palahniuk, known for causing faintings, and 'The Murder of Stephen King' by James Patterson, which was canceled due to its premise.

Shows 'Rage' by Stephen King, pulled due to inspiring shootings, and 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis, which received hate mail for its graphic content.

Scary books that made readers faint, puke & rage

Warning: These aren’t your average scary books. These horror novels caused actual physical reactions—fainting, vomiting, and even hate mail. If you're craving intense horror, disturbing reads, and books that push boundaries, this list will haunt you long after the last page. Perfect for: 📚

33 likes

A woman with long dark hair looks at the camera, with text overlay "6 uncomfortable lessons we all need to learn" and a Lemon8 watermark. The image introduces the topic of essential life lessons.

6 Uncomfortable Lessons We All Need To Learn 🫶🌸

The more discipline we instill into ourselves the better we become! You got this💗

23 likes

An open book with German text and dried flowers and leaves, overlaid with the title 'Books that changed my way of thinking' in white text.

The book cover for 'Women Who Run With The Wolves' by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, featuring a woman's portrait, is displayed over an open book and dried foliage. Text states it taught focus on heart's desires and mastering femininity.

The book cover for 'Woman Evolve' by Sarah Jakes Roberts, featuring a woman in a red suit, is displayed over an open book and dried foliage. Text states it referenced important roles of women in the Bible.

Books that changed my mindset for life

Book Review Book name: Women who run with the wolves Author: Clarissa Pinkola Estés My rating⭐️: 3/5 Book name: Woman Evolve Author: Sarah Jakes Robert My rating⭐️: 5/5 *I got baptized after reading this Book name: Bamboozled by Jesus Author: Yvonne Orgi My rating⭐️: 4/5 Book name

499 likes

A vintage-style mugshot of a woman in three poses, overlaid with a black box containing white text that reads, "5 books so DAMN clever & cagey I was played like a F*ING dumb dumb."

A vintage mugshot background with the book cover for "Gone Baby Gone" by Dennis Lehane. An overlay describes the book as hitting hard and being completely unexpected.

A vintage mugshot background featuring the book cover for "Lies and Bones" by TJ Law. An overlay expresses an inability to stop reading the book once started.

Clever books that played me

I LOVED how these cagey f*cking books pulled the rug out from under me! #thrillerbooks #thrillerbooktok #crimefiction #mysterybooks #bookrecommendations

22 likes

Books that every girl in her 20s needs to read

No one warns you that your twenties are basically a trial-and-error phase where you’re figuring out who you are, unlearning a ton of stuff, and questioning everything. Some days, I feel like I have it all together—other days, I want to move to a cottage in the middle of nowhere and ignore my respon

51 likes

Books That Grew on Me…

1 - We Have Always Lived in The Castle, by Shirley Jackson I felt so confused after I finished this book. I hated many (if not all) characters, and felt dissatisfied. Weeks after I finished this book, I began to change my mind and started to really love the themes and the bonds between the charact

2 likes

A woman in glasses looks up thoughtfully, resting her chin on her hand, against a gray background with hand-drawn question marks. The text overlay reads "15 UNCOMFORTABLE BUT HEALTHY QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF" in orange and white.

A white background with faint question marks displays the first seven self-reflection questions for personal growth, numbered 1 through 7. The questions cover topics like values, avoidance, self-acceptance, limiting beliefs, criticism, relationships, and risk-taking.

A white background with faint question marks displays the remaining self-reflection questions, numbered 8 through 15. These questions address time management, fears, health, inner dialogue, past experiences, authenticity, procrastination, and life fulfillment.

Uncomfortable Self-Reflection Questions

15 Uncomfortable Questions You Need to Ask Yourself for Real Growth 💭✨ Growth isn’t always easy, and sometimes it means facing tough truths about ourselves 😬. Asking the right questions can uncover hidden barriers holding us back and give us the clarity we need to make meaningful changes 🌱.

378 likes

stay uncomfortable or grind for ur dream body 🌸

stay uncomfortable or grind to achieve the physique you desire. leggings @dfyne.official 💜 Follow for more 🤍 - - - - - #gymgirlsoftiktok #gymmeme #gymrelatable #humor #workoutmotivation #cardio #stairmaster #foryoureels

63 likes

Uncomfortable Q’s for Interpersonal Conflict

Sometimes, the waters of our relationships get choppy, and we find ourselves in the midst of interpersonal conflict. It’s in these moments that diving deep with uncomfortable questions can illuminate the path to understanding and resolution. Here are some thought-provoking queries to help steer you

904 likes

Romance Books I gave 5 Stars!!📚

I wanted to share my top, all time favorite new adult romance books. I’ve been reading romance books since around 2021 and out of the ones I’ve read so far, these are the ones that I’ve rated 5 stars and think about 24/7. Little warning that I do recommend looking up trigger warnings before readi

407 likes

7 UNCOMFORTABLE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF✨

🍋LIKE+SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER🍋 • How can I start healing? Knowing yourself & cultivating self-awareness are the first steps to healing. Self reflection brings clarity, empowering us to take control of our lives instead of feeling controlled by our circumstances. ✨This summer, I've d

18 likes

Books That Quietly Changed The Way I Think 📚✨

📚 Current reads on my coffee table lately… I’ve been more intentional about what I feed my mind. A mix of psychology, personal growth, and powerful voices from Black literature. Here’s what I’m diving into right now: ✨ Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill A classic about mindset and wealth b

55 likes

Why you should read banned books 🚫✨

Here’s a hot take 🔥: If a book is banned, it’s probably worth reading. Why? Because banned books often tackle the topics that make us think, question, and grow. 🤯 From stories about identity and justice to “controversial” ideas like kindness, inclusion, and standing up for yourself—these books h

236 likes

Uncomfortable truths we all need to Accept

This one got to me, but it’s true. #uncomfortabletruth #acceptance #keepgoing

483 likes

A notebook page illustrates that healing isn't always pleasant. It shows six scenarios: overthinking, letting go, not texting back, feeling everything, setting boundaries, and growing slowly. The text emphasizes that these uncomfortable experiences are normal parts of healing and don't mean you're doing it wrong, attributed to Jessica Irene.

✨ Why Healing Feels So Uncomfortable (and Why That’s Normal) ✨

Healing isn’t just “feeling better.” It’s actually your brain and body rewiring old survival patterns. Overthinking everything Your brain is trying to protect you by scanning for danger. Letting go of what you loved Even unhealthy attachments feel safe because they’re familiar. Grieving th

286 likes

You need to read these books 🤍

And yes… I’m continuing because I’m not done talking about them😚 From thrillers to romance to a classic everyone should read at least once💫 •Things We Hide From The Light: Emotional in a low-key way that sneaks up on you 💭🤍 • His & Hers: Twisty, fast-paced, and impossible to fully trust any

128 likes

Write the Uncomfortable

Alice Orr briefly addresses this topic in her book “No More Rejections: 50 Secrets to Writing a Manuscript That Sells.” But I believe it’s so important it needs its own post. Reading this finally gave me the permission to dive into some uncomfortable, perhaps triggering themes. I’d had ideas to

34 likes

Books That Explore Our Darkest Sides

The darker side of human nature is messy, fragile, and sometimes downright uncomfortable to face. 🖤 Let’s be honest—it’s easier to look away from the chaos and suffering in the world, whether it’s in real-life events or the stories we consume. But here’s the thing: if we don’t confront it, we’re mi

30 likes

A hand holds the book "Economic Facts and Fallacies" by Thomas Sowell, with a quote from The Economist and a book award mentioned on the cover. A bookshelf filled with other books is in the background.

Uncomfortable Truths in Economics

💡 Not everything we hear about the economy is true. In Economic Facts and Fallacies, Thomas Sowell dismantles common myths on income gaps, rent control, poverty, and more. His core message? 👉 Policies often fail because they ignore trade-offs and rely on comforting myths instead of hard facts. T

12 likes

8 Uncomfortable Truths You Need To Hear

Growth feels uncomfortable because it asks you to let go of the version of yourself that kept you safe but also kept you stuck. When you start being honest about your habits your reactions and the people you allow in your space everything shifts. These truths are uncomfortable to accept but they fr

20 likes

Stay Uncomfortable

Success isn’t built on the days you feel motivated, it’s built on the days you show up anyway. Do. The. Work. When you push through the resistance, you take your power back. Skip it today, and tomorrow becomes twice as heavy. But face it today, and you stack discipline, confidence, and momen

11 likes

A hand holds four books stacked vertically, with the overlay text "4 Books That Changed Me As a Woman" and five stars, indicating a book recommendation post.

The cover of "Stay Until Tomorrow" by Jacqueline Whitney is displayed, with descriptive tags "Practical," "Uplifting," and "Inspiring," and a five-star rating, along with a review excerpt.

The cover of "Daring to Take Up Space" by Daniell Koepke is shown, featuring tags "courageous," "self-worth," and "Motivational," a five-star rating, and a review excerpt.

These Books Felt Like Therapy 😌

Here are the most powerful books l've read in 2025 and what each book taught me as a woman in her 20's: 1. Stay Until Tomorrow by: Jacqueline This book hit me right in the feels. It's a heartfelt story about friendships, finding your own path, and allowing yourself to grow even when

53 likes

What I’ve Learned From These 5 Communication Books

Over the past few months, I’ve been diving into books about communication, and the lessons I’ve picked up have been game-changing. Each book brought something unique to the table, so here’s a quick breakdown of what I learned from each one: 1. The Dictionary of Body Language by Joe Navarro This

20 likes

Why freedom feels so uncomfortable in midlife.

Freedom can feel unsafe at first. Your body was organized around being needed. No structure = no familiar safety. This is a nervous system adjustment. You’re not broken. #midlifetransition #nervoussystem #somatichealing #womenover40 #lifechanges

11 likes

See more