Reviews

I am constantly impressed by Fredrik Backman's writing. My favorite aspect of this book is how he builds up his cast of characters from page one, focusing on different people than in the first installment (such as Leo and Vidar), so that when the drama culminates near the end, it's extra suspenseful as you wait to find out who is still alive. I also really enjoyed the new character Zackell. I made the mistake of assuming that she was a guy at first, so I was delighted when her gender was revealed and I went back in the text and realized that she was never referred to with pronouns until that pivotal moment. Overall, this story is amazing and has memorable, heartrending characters, while the literary flourishes that Backman employs while telling it are both entertaining and impressive. I am excited to see what happens in the third and final installment of Beartown!

jennettecorsi's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

marriott2305's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

airforcesister's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

sheryl_macca's review

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emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

lostinfrance's review against another edition

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4.0

The second in the hockey series....and I started it with LITTLE memory of the first....had to read a couple synopses....and it slowly return. This book is still about hockey and a small town, Beartown....and it's fight to survive- and how everyone watches out for the other. Beartown is able to keep its hockey team....after Kevin has left and new heroes are found. Leo has found that fighting is how he will get over his sister (Maya)'s rape. His sister is running and writing music....escaping to an island with her best friend....and learning how to fight. Ana has found love- and let's the town in on a secret. The Pack learns that it can't just support hockey, but the town. A teacher has an affair with a student, another starts a fight club. There is a fire- and a car accident, a death....lighters and us against....you.

Read- but only if you read Beartown.

M&L Reading Challenge 2024: a book that is not on your TBR, but you have been meaning to read

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