audreylee's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Misogyny, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Racism
vallano's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing book. Great realistic characters, intriguing plot that somehow made me interested in hockey, and fantastic prose that don’t feel overly flowery but genuinely mean something
kellycassan's review against another edition
challenging
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? Yes
5.0
dragonsly32's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
books_plants_hikes's review against another edition
4.0
There aren't enough good things to say about how well this book is written. Fredrik Backman has a way of manipulating words that will keep you wanting more. His explanations are simple but deep. This isn't an easy story to read because it exposes some of a biggest short comings as a society. Backman does an amazing job of representing both sides of the conflict equally. He doesn't just show how Maya and Ana are dealing what happened, he digs deeper to show how the conflict effects the entire town. It seems to me that the book was written in order to help the reader question how they would react in the same situation. Which characters do you feel most drawn to? Would you match their actions? Is there a light you saw through their character that could help you change the way you act in a similar situation?
We are not innately good or bad as humans, we are born with the abilities to choose. Sometimes we may think we are choosing what's right - when in reality we've set things into motion that cannot be undone.
This story made me take a close look at how I quickly and with what information I draw battle lines in conflict.
I would love to say that this should be required reading for high school students because the points Backman brings home could benefit them so richly. Especially being able to read the account and reaction from a parents perspective. I'm sad to say I think it just a little too advanced for them in certain parts. Especially the ending perhaps.
Go grab a copy of this book from your library or bookstore and spend some time thinking about how you could change your perspective. How can you be part of the solution and not the problem?
We are not innately good or bad as humans, we are born with the abilities to choose. Sometimes we may think we are choosing what's right - when in reality we've set things into motion that cannot be undone.
This story made me take a close look at how I quickly and with what information I draw battle lines in conflict.
I would love to say that this should be required reading for high school students because the points Backman brings home could benefit them so richly. Especially being able to read the account and reaction from a parents perspective. I'm sad to say I think it just a little too advanced for them in certain parts. Especially the ending perhaps.
Go grab a copy of this book from your library or bookstore and spend some time thinking about how you could change your perspective. How can you be part of the solution and not the problem?
la_mina's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
5.0
kddavis11's review against another edition
5.0
It took longer than I'd hoped to get into this book, but by the end, I want to yell from the rooftops for everyone to read it. Backman's writing style is one of my favorites and this book approaches such deep/dark topics in the best way. I don't know how he does it. I don't reread many books, but I'll definitely be reading this one again.
The audiobook was great.
Just. Read it.
The audiobook was great.
Just. Read it.
christina_huseth's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Rape
emthesadwife's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Rape, Sexual violence, and Violence
Minor: Classism and Racism