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megster212's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
beckinasec's review against another edition
4.0
Maybe if I hadn't read two other books by him that got 5 stars, I'd have given this one 5 stars too.
Oof this made a story about someone repeatedly trying to commit suicide seem like a walk in the park.
I have some criticisms for this, which I didn't for his others I've read. The ending didn't hit for me as much as I'd hoped. A little too neat and tidy. And maybe the writing style got a LITTLE overly, repetitively dramatic. You gotta portion that out a little bit more if you want it to have as strong of an effect.
BUT it was really absorbingly good.
Oof this made a story about someone repeatedly trying to commit suicide seem like a walk in the park.
I have some criticisms for this, which I didn't for his others I've read. The ending didn't hit for me as much as I'd hoped. A little too neat and tidy. And maybe the writing style got a LITTLE overly, repetitively dramatic. You gotta portion that out a little bit more if you want it to have as strong of an effect.
BUT it was really absorbingly good.
english_rose_reads's review against another edition
2.0
Meh. This book is so hyped and I went into it feeling really excited, but honestly? I'm quite disappointed. I found this to be a bit of a 'non-book'. It was so slow, that even at page 400, I was still waiting for the 'big thing' to happen and I just don't feel it ever did?
There were times I thought it would pick up- there's this frequent dramatic sentence or quote, which reels you into thinking something is going to happen- but it doesn't.
I mean yes I get that it tackles issues such as the dangers of closed/small communities, homophobia, family, sexual assault etc. but nothing about this really grabbed me and there wasn't any closure or consequence for anything that happened, which made the whole thing feel quite pointless. There were so many characters that I felt it was impossible for Backman to have created any form of character development; the wealth of the various POV and jumping between characters weakened any chance of connection.
When you start skimming with a third of the book to go - you know it's all over.
I'm not put off reading his other books, as I did enjoy Anxious People- but I'm sad about this one.
There were times I thought it would pick up- there's this frequent dramatic sentence or quote, which reels you into thinking something is going to happen- but it doesn't.
I mean yes I get that it tackles issues such as the dangers of closed/small communities, homophobia, family, sexual assault etc. but nothing about this really grabbed me and there wasn't any closure or consequence for anything that happened, which made the whole thing feel quite pointless. There were so many characters that I felt it was impossible for Backman to have created any form of character development; the wealth of the various POV and jumping between characters weakened any chance of connection.
When you start skimming with a third of the book to go - you know it's all over.
I'm not put off reading his other books, as I did enjoy Anxious People- but I'm sad about this one.
the_reader_mommy's review against another edition
5.0
After I had turned the last page of Beartown, I put it down, stared for quite a while at the ceiling, and sighed several times.
Yes, it is that kind of book. When it began, all the descriptions of ice hockey had me wondering if it was even worth reading. But after around 20% in, the story took a turn for the better. It was as if the author was giving us time to absorb the atmosphere, the character names, and their personalities in the initial stages.
There is not much I can say about this book that has not already been said or giving the plot away. It is one of the best books I have read in quite a while and that includes Anxious People too. The way it explores the fragility of human relationships in the face of adversities is so beautiful I couldn't help putting down the book several times while reading and thinking about what was written.
I absolutely fell in love with Amat's character who shows such a range of emotions many adults I know are not able to.
Looking forward to reading Us Against You. My only regret is that I didn't pick this book earlier.
Yes, it is that kind of book. When it began, all the descriptions of ice hockey had me wondering if it was even worth reading. But after around 20% in, the story took a turn for the better. It was as if the author was giving us time to absorb the atmosphere, the character names, and their personalities in the initial stages.
There is not much I can say about this book that has not already been said or giving the plot away. It is one of the best books I have read in quite a while and that includes Anxious People too. The way it explores the fragility of human relationships in the face of adversities is so beautiful I couldn't help putting down the book several times while reading and thinking about what was written.
I absolutely fell in love with Amat's character who shows such a range of emotions many adults I know are not able to.
Looking forward to reading Us Against You. My only regret is that I didn't pick this book earlier.
mia_v_rose's review against another edition
5.0
It took me by huge surprise. I'm in awe. Pretty sure that I would be hungover over Beartown for a long time and this certainly won't be my last Backman book.
5 stars. ❤️ Heart.
5 stars. ❤️ Heart.
m0dp0dge's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Violence, Grief, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Eating disorder, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Classism
carrie_wallace's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Homophobia, Racial slurs, and Rape
dlmalm's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
bluez_melancholy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I enjoyed reading this, I mean the beginning was slow but even that was intentional. In the beginning of the story, Backman spends time building the groundwork for each character that by the time we are halfway we know every character intimately. The writing is soo simple that every word hits you. I mean throughout the book, Backman keeps repeating specific phrases which continues to have an impact on you the more you read the book. Thoughts on characters: I love the whole Andersson family, Amat and his mom, Benji (my absolute fave), bobo (he grew on me and that one conversation he had with his father made me both cry and laugh). With David, I like him and I see that he loves and cares about the boys but I don't agree with his approach of "the outside world shouldn't have an effect on the rink" because at the end of the day it will and you can't simply ignore. I mean if the boys only care about hockey, what will happen when they no longer have that. Also I really dislike lyt and his mom, they are both the same. And what's even more insulting is that Kevin bet 100 krone which is less than $10 to sleep with Maya (like huuh) But yh I enjoyed the first book, I can't wait to read the rest and see where it goes.
pragmaticallypassionate_reader's review against another edition
4.0
True to Backman's style, this book is full of humor, subtleties, and strikingly heavy moments.
Much of the power of this story comes from the unexpected climax of the book, where the unthinkable happens. For the rest of the book, Backman evaluates the human response - sometimes with glimpses of light and hope, and other times showing the twisted, blind reactions that are all too common. As he does best, Backman presents an unprecedented view of human nature and understanding of society.
But of course, even the beginning of the story is deep and filled with little sidetracks that pull back the covers on people's motivations, thoughts, and fears.
I do think the Beartown suffered from being a little too long, and I'm not sure how the next book will pick up the story. Regardless, I am hooked.
.
.
.
.
**content notes: heavy, heavy language. lots of sexual joking. hints of violence (it is hockey, after all). attempted sexual assault/rape of a minor by a peer on-page. hints at suicidal thoughts. one character reveals his sexuality as gay, another character struggles with what was ingrained in him about this (this lasts about a chapter).
Much of the power of this story comes from the unexpected climax of the book, where the unthinkable happens. For the rest of the book, Backman evaluates the human response - sometimes with glimpses of light and hope, and other times showing the twisted, blind reactions that are all too common. As he does best, Backman presents an unprecedented view of human nature and understanding of society.
But of course, even the beginning of the story is deep and filled with little sidetracks that pull back the covers on people's motivations, thoughts, and fears.
I do think the Beartown suffered from being a little too long, and I'm not sure how the next book will pick up the story. Regardless, I am hooked.
.
.
.
.
**content notes: heavy, heavy language. lots of sexual joking. hints of violence (it is hockey, after all). attempted sexual assault/rape of a minor by a peer on-page. hints at suicidal thoughts. one character reveals his sexuality as gay, another character struggles with what was ingrained in him about this (this lasts about a chapter).