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serendipitous_mess's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
jay_loves_books's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
I knew I loved this book because half way through I was thinking how I could write this review to convince you to read it!
The author gave us a snapshot into the daily lives of characters and their families and how one event tests who they are. You get to know each character so well that you enjoy their successes as if it were your own. This book will make you have conversations with yourself, roll your eyes, and definitely laugh.
Just go read it.
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Rape
hanhantap'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? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Gun violence, Homophobia, Racial slurs, Sexism, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
bookishinnj'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? Yes
5.0
Beartown is a dying town with only one thing going for them, their hockey club and this year is going to be the year their junior ice hockey team puts them back on the map. It's just what the community needs, but this bright light soon has a dark shadow cast over it. The already struggling townsfolk will be come more divided than ever and the one thing that brings them together is about to tear them apart.
This is such a difficult book to review without giving too much away, there's really no middle ground. The first time I tried to read this I struggled and stopped but I know so many who loved it that I knew I had to give it another try and I'm so happy I did. The story tackles some complex and deep rooted issues that many are faced with every day by telling the story through the lives of a group characters who are very different from each other. Backman also does this by using what I found to be a really unique writing style. It's impossible not to immerse yourself in the thoughts, feelings and actions of the characters because they feel like they are people you know. While going in blind was perfect for me, I suggest checking trigger warnings for anyone who may want to steer clear of some heavy topics.
Graphic: Bullying, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and Alcohol
Minor: Sexism
clairebartholomew549's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Addiction, Bullying, Child death, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Fatphobia, Gun violence, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Xenophobia, Grief, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
spayette17'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? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Rape and Violence
Moderate: Homophobia and Racism
Minor: War
beth_48's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Cursing, Gun violence, Homophobia, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Alcohol
lindle983's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Violence
Minor: Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Blood, and Gaslighting
liv_burrow's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Bullying, Gun violence, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Grief, Alcohol, and Classism
andrewhatesham'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
4.0
Graphic: Misogyny, Rape, Self harm, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Cursing, and Sexism
Minor: Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Gun violence, Homophobia, Racism, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Classism