aquakirst's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Rape, Addiction, Alcoholism, Sexual assault, Sexism, and Bullying
Moderate: Drug use, Pregnancy, Blood, Death, Child death, Animal death, Classism, Death of parent, Eating disorder, Injury/Injury detail, and Panic attacks/disorders
lbsalas's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Bullying, Drug use, Addiction, Sexual violence, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Alcoholism, Violence, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Child death, Child abuse, Death, Suicide, and Death of parent
l0bke's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Homophobia and Rape
Minor: Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Addiction, and Bullying
msnikkiwilks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Excited to listen to the rest of the trilogy.
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Death of parent, Addiction, Homophobia, Alcoholism, Drug use, Rape, Violence, Body shaming, Bullying, and Misogyny
singalana's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
During the course of the story we get to know a cast of characters whose lives revolve around hockey in one way or another. Each of the characters have their own struggles in life, but when one of the players is accused of rape, people will have to decide who to believe and what hockey really means to them.
The story paints a vivid picture of Beartown and all its inhabitants. It does a good job shedding light to the complex motivations people have behind their actions, and also allows the reader to read between the lines when necessary.
At first, the book allows us to get to know the characters and their circumstances. Then a hockey player rapes a girl. The scene isn't described in needless detail, but is impactful nonetheless. When the events are made public, the people of Beartown react.
This book deals with shame, rape culture and culture of silence. It touches on many important topics with gentleness and respect.
The ending surprised me, and I thought it was as satisfying as it could be, considering the circumstances. I think everyone who spends time in testosterone filled environments such as a hockey team would benefit from reading this book.
Minor: Animal death, Child death, Blood, Body shaming, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Addiction, Alcohol, Homophobia, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Grief, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Toxic relationship, and Medical content
suzydunk's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Racial slurs, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, Violence, Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Drug use, Drug abuse, Fatphobia, Child death, Classism, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Racism, Abandonment, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Gun violence, Physical abuse, and Rape
jalgao27's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Rape
Minor: Addiction and Drug use
_rosie_reads's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Eating disorder and Rape
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Addiction, Mental illness, Self harm, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, Suicide, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Bullying, Violence, Classism, Death, and Drug abuse
bookswithlauren's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Cultural appropriation, Cursing, Racial slurs, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Child abuse, Classism, Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Sexism, Addiction, Alcoholism, Blood, Body horror, Gun violence, Sexual violence, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Medical content, Physical abuse, Racism, Drug use, Bullying, Car accident, Child death, Death, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
epaige37's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I didn’t expect to enjoy a book all about hockey and the boys who play, but Backman writes in such an interesting way that I did. I liked how he showed characters’ inner thoughts and their flaws. I was angry and frustrated while reading this book not appreciate the conversation surrounding sexual assault within it. This is a huge plot point and theme of this book so take care when considering to read! While tough to hear, this book did a good job of articulating how survivors of sexual assault are often dismissed and villainized. I loved the character development especially of some of the adults, parent-child relationships, and Benji and Amat. This is definitely a character and relationship focused book!! The ending scenes of this book left much ambiguity and I’m left wanting more answers. Would love to discuss if you have read this about what you think happened in a few places! I will definitely be pursuing more Backman.
Graphic: Homophobia, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Cursing, and Classism
Minor: Addiction, Child abuse, Drug use, Death of parent, and Alcohol