Why is the Book of Lamentations in Tanakh? When we speak of Tanakh we are referring to a book of many genres including narrative, history, prophecies, poetry, song, wisdom literature and finally “Expressive Literature.” Lamentations expresses tremendous feelings of desperation and wonderment at tragedy, amongst others. Lamentations asks the question “HOW?” Lamentations does not ask “How” in the clinical and mechanical sense of “how did the walls fall down,” but rather, “How could such a thing happen?” The wonderment and the amazement found in YHVH’s actions is what this writer explores.