The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
allove1307's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
traecrochet's review against another edition
5.0
Beartown is one of those books that is really good, but also really hard to review without giving away anything. I actually finished the book 3 days ago, but have been nursing a book hangover because I was still processing everything that went on in Beartown.
Beartown is a small town in Sweden that is slowly being swallowed up by the forest. The only positive thing Beartown has is men's hockey; they breathe, eat, and live men's hockey. The entire fate of the town rests on a single hockey game and a bunch of teenagers. If their junior hockey team wins the semi-finals of the national tournament, then Beartown will be saved. However, sometimes the pressure gets to be too much, not just for the teenagers, but for whole town. This sets events in motion that changes everyone's lives and teaches you who your friends really are.
Fredrik Backman's writing is beautiful. He makes you feel like you are there with the characters; you feel their happiness, their pain, and everything in between. Hockey turns into a character itself; like an king ruling over the lives of all his subjects.
This was not an easy book to get into. I would say it didn't pick up until almost 50%, but once it does, you're not putting it down. I understand that Beartown is Backman's heaviest and darkest book but I really look forward to reading his other books.
Beartown is a small town in Sweden that is slowly being swallowed up by the forest. The only positive thing Beartown has is men's hockey; they breathe, eat, and live men's hockey. The entire fate of the town rests on a single hockey game and a bunch of teenagers. If their junior hockey team wins the semi-finals of the national tournament, then Beartown will be saved. However, sometimes the pressure gets to be too much, not just for the teenagers, but for whole town. This sets events in motion that changes everyone's lives and teaches you who your friends really are.
Fredrik Backman's writing is beautiful. He makes you feel like you are there with the characters; you feel their happiness, their pain, and everything in between. Hockey turns into a character itself; like an king ruling over the lives of all his subjects.
This was not an easy book to get into. I would say it didn't pick up until almost 50%, but once it does, you're not putting it down. I understand that Beartown is Backman's heaviest and darkest book but I really look forward to reading his other books.
alexandrannb's review against another edition
4.0
I'm giving 4.5 just because it took about 35% until I started getting into the book but dang once it was rolling I could not stop.
I should be asleep right now but I'm not
This book made me keep thinking life is all just small decisions that just change everything. So many things that are what ifs. I felt so much for the characters here. I have so much understanding on certain subjects and it is sickening to see it played out over And over... Because you know that is what just keeps happening.....
What were you wearing
Did you kiss first
What were you wearing....
You wanted it first though right??
Like all those sickening questions are things that are actually said in real police investigations.
And the whole you can never protect your child part. Omg my heart is bleeding.
There were a few characters that were thrown in there that I was like who is this again?? Like the black jackets
... When they came around I was so confused if I missed something for a second.
I want to hate Kevin's mom but also I can't imagine what it is like to have that conflict. His dad though can suck it
Also how is this book a trilogy.... What more heartbreak can I read? I know it is going to be a show now too... Idk man if I can watch that unfold
I should be asleep right now but I'm not
This book made me keep thinking life is all just small decisions that just change everything. So many things that are what ifs. I felt so much for the characters here. I have so much understanding on certain subjects and it is sickening to see it played out over And over... Because you know that is what just keeps happening.....
What were you wearing
Did you kiss first
What were you wearing....
You wanted it first though right??
Like all those sickening questions are things that are actually said in real police investigations.
And the whole you can never protect your child part. Omg my heart is bleeding.
There were a few characters that were thrown in there that I was like who is this again?? Like the black jackets
... When they came around I was so confused if I missed something for a second.
I want to hate Kevin's mom but also I can't imagine what it is like to have that conflict. His dad though can suck it
Also how is this book a trilogy.... What more heartbreak can I read? I know it is going to be a show now too... Idk man if I can watch that unfold
mollie's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
gallantina's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Rape
Moderate: Alcohol, Homophobia, and Bullying
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
tpozzz's review against another edition
Do not love the writing style. Felt like to took me far too long to get into.
ahtedford's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
wow. this was nothing like anything else I’ve read, and I don’t think anyone could write it as well as Backman. his way of storytelling is unique, and a little jarring but it worked so well. the story had a lot of groundwork to set in the beginning, and it was repetitive at times, but once the key incident occurred, the book never slowed down. you love and care for so many characters (even those without names!) and feel disgusted by others. content is a little heavy and hard to read at times for sure but I’m glad I didn’t let that stop me from picking this up all together
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault