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bhunsberger's review against another edition
4.0
A warm and comforting book as three different individuals face loss, deal with grief, and find new friendships with each other.
pianorunner421's review against another edition
5.0
I hesitate to really compare this book to any other I have read but if you enjoyed The Five People You Meet in Heaven or other similarly told tales, you will LOVE this book. I honestly picked it up just to round out my reading this week. Slightly shorter and and less heavy than the others I picked up at the library I knew I would be able to read it in a day or two. I devoured it. I love a book that I think I will want to read again and again. I don't come across them often but this is one of those books. Not only does it make you think about life from many different perspectives, but the characters are real and interesting. This is a great feel good read without being trite or overly sweet.
lower222's review against another edition
2.0
This book was sweet. But there was absolutely no conflict, really. Everything just turned out fine for everybody, just like I knew it would, no surprises or interest. I think the teenage character could’ve shown more effects from her horrible childhood. She seems pretty well-adjusted after everything she’s been through. I’d like to get to know someone like Arthur in real life. He seemed pretty great.
teaandlibri's review against another edition
2.0
A lesser 'Ove The book sounded like a fun and endearing read of a widower, his nosy neighbor and a young woman reaching adulthood as she graduates high school. Arthur visits the cemetery to speak to his deceased wife when he runs into Maddy, a high school student about to deal with an immense life change (aside from her impending graduation) and Arthur's neighbor, Lucille, who has her own story.
I didn't care for 'Ove' but was willing to give this a shot because it sounded like an upbeat read (or at least one where everything would be okay in the end) and I just wanted to throw that into my reading queue. Unfortunately...doesn't meet expectations. Arthur is perhaps not quite as cranky as Ove and while the characters are all mildly interesting the book and story were ultimately skimmable. Cranky old man. Soon to be "adult" (in the sense of age and that she's graduating high school) young woman at a crossroads. A neighbor who may have finally found happiness.
All familiar tropes, all have been done before. I cared enough to see how various story threads resolved themselves and I wasn't too surprised to see what happened to Arthur (Maddy's and Lucille's story endings weren't too shocking either). The end is a little too neatly tied together. Even though I had expected a relatively happy ending, I guess this book didn't quite do enough work to find it endearing or outstanding in any way.
But if you liked 'Ove' this might be a good read. If you like stories that end with a generally happy ending (not fully as with 'Ove' but it wasn't unexpected either) this could be a good pickup. 'Ove' is going to be adapted as a film of this writing and I wouldn't be surprised if this book were also to receive some sort of TV/film adaptation either.
Borrow from the library and see if it's something you'd want to have in your library.
I didn't care for 'Ove' but was willing to give this a shot because it sounded like an upbeat read (or at least one where everything would be okay in the end) and I just wanted to throw that into my reading queue. Unfortunately...doesn't meet expectations. Arthur is perhaps not quite as cranky as Ove and while the characters are all mildly interesting the book and story were ultimately skimmable. Cranky old man. Soon to be "adult" (in the sense of age and that she's graduating high school) young woman at a crossroads. A neighbor who may have finally found happiness.
All familiar tropes, all have been done before. I cared enough to see how various story threads resolved themselves and I wasn't too surprised to see what happened to Arthur (Maddy's and Lucille's story endings weren't too shocking either). The end is a little too neatly tied together. Even though I had expected a relatively happy ending, I guess this book didn't quite do enough work to find it endearing or outstanding in any way.
But if you liked 'Ove' this might be a good read. If you like stories that end with a generally happy ending (not fully as with 'Ove' but it wasn't unexpected either) this could be a good pickup. 'Ove' is going to be adapted as a film of this writing and I wouldn't be surprised if this book were also to receive some sort of TV/film adaptation either.
Borrow from the library and see if it's something you'd want to have in your library.
hmonkeyreads's review against another edition
3.0
Sweet book about loneliness and the old and young coming together.
I’d probably rate it higher if I didn’t feel like I’d read this exact story before (a man called ove)
This is totally the sort of book you could give your Mom as a gift.
I’d probably rate it higher if I didn’t feel like I’d read this exact story before (a man called ove)
This is totally the sort of book you could give your Mom as a gift.
wendy_aebi's review against another edition
4.0
Such a sweet book! It celebrates all the good things in life without ignoring the sadness. It was just what I was in the mood for—a light, fast, feel-good story.
elynn726's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-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
4.5
winglady's review against another edition
5.0
Bittersweet & tender with delightful characters you wish you could meet in person
danapr's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this sweet quirky story. The characters are fantastic and prove that “family” can be whatever you want it to be. Looking forward to the sequel!
elysahenegar's review against another edition
5.0
This book! Reading this one will make you a better person. It's a beautiful novel with so many important things to say about friendship, family, loss, living, growing older, and the enduring power of love and kindness. This is one I'll pass on and one I will return to. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!