Even in the midst of sorrow, there is humor. Maybe sometimes only a touch of it, a hint of better times. It's an undeniable fact that the sun will rise, the snow will fall, there will be beauty in the spring. Grief will be replaced by resignation and even that will fade in time. Laughter after tears is my favorite emotion, too.
Some people say they read for escapism and consequently choose only light romances.
I say they're missing out on a wonderful experience. We remember the books that led us to tears. And I don't think it's because we like to cry. We want to become involved, connected. We want to feel, and for awhile, be.