I'm piggybacking on the other thread about subjects that are potentially too depressing for YA. Sage had a great comment that sad endings need an element of hope, and I'm just wondering, what else do you guys think are the elements of a good, sad ending? It has to be done just right so the reader doesn't feel cheated, and I feel like there's a really delicate balance between light/dark that has to be struck.
Without getting too spoilery, what are your favorite books with sad endings, and why do you think they're so effective?
Without getting too spoilery, what are your favorite books with sad endings, and why do you think they're so effective?