A review by james1star
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

So I just cried on the bus… um thanks Fredrick for that… and Katie Coulson for the recommendation. 

This short story is truly beautiful, telling the story of a grandpa, his son Ted and grandson Noah (adorable omfg he’s so fkn cuteeeee) and how he’s battling dementia. It’s extremely heartbreaking and emotional but so tender and magical too. Despite regrets and some bad memories, we’re given a life to enjoy it, spend time and make memories which those we love and have fun too. We fear death but many fear getting older more and losing the parts that make us; us and this notion is exceptionally highlighted here. Having experienced the impacts of dementia on people around me, I can say it’s horrible for both them and you, Backman perfectly shows this struggle. 

Despite being really short, this book really packs a punch with super lovable characters, great messages and the writing/descriptions aren’t impacted either, it’s truly a lovely little read. There are some amazing quotes, a few of my favourite here: 
‘We know so little about how the brain works. It's like a fading star right now… When a brain fades it takes a long time for the body to realize.’
‘“Do you remember what I told you about failing?"
"The only time you've failed is if you don't try once more."
"Exactly, Noahnoah, exactly. A great thought can never be kept on Earth.”’
‘Almost all grown adults walk around full of regret over a good-bye they wish they'd been able to go back and say better. Our good-bye doesn't have to be like that, you'll be able to keep redoing it until it's perfect. And once it's perfect, that's when your feet will touch the ground and I'll be in space, and there won't be anything to be afraid of.’
‘… ”Does it hurt on the inside?"
"It hurts less and less. That's one good thing about forgetting things. You forget the things that hurt too.”
"What does it feel like?"
"Like constantly searching for something in your pockets. First you lose the small things, then it's the big ones. It starts with keys and ends with people.”
"Are you scared?"
"A bit. Are you?"
"A bit," the boy admits.”’
‘sometimes I remember that I've forgotten. That's the worst kind of forgetting. Like being locked out in a storm.’
‘"Death isn't fair.”
"No, death is a slow drum. It counts every beat. We can't haggle with it for more time.”
"Beautifully said, my love.”
"I stole it."
Their laughter echoes in each other's chests, and then he says: "I miss all our most ordinary things.”’
‘It’s nice to be understood.’

I 1000% recommend reading this book BUT prepare them tear ducts because it’ll break your heart. 
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