Beartown: A Novel (Beartown Series) Hardcover – April 25, 2017

“Hate can be a deeply stimulating emotion. The world becomes much easier to understand and much less terrifying if you divide everything and everyone into friends and enemies, we and they, good and evil. The easiest way to unite a group isn’t through love, because love is hard. It makes demands. Hate is simple.”Wow. This book HITS. I found it to be a slow start and I felt like I was being pelted with different characters that I could hardly keep straight for awhile there, once I got past that I was so completely engaged in the town, its people, and the love of hockey. And it becomes a lot easier to remember everyone when you realize who the key players are 🙂Beartown tackles a lot of really tough topics, and shows both the good and bad sides of humanity and community. This is a book that makes you think, but it doesn’t preach at you. It just makes really good points along with a really solid character study that sucks you in as you experience the highs and lows of a junior hockey team who has played together for a decade and all the people in the town who support them. Everyone has different reactions to the violent event, and it’s both heartbreaking and hopeful to see how it all plays out.I found the writing style really intriguing, if a bit hard to keep up with at times. It switches between the more traditional third person dialogue-style writing of character interactions and the omniscient-narrator style writing sharing a scene as someone watching from the sidelines. In some cases, we don’t even learn the names of characters integral to the story. It’s an interesting approach, and unlike anything I’ve read.Don’t dismiss this as only for hockey fans! Hockey is integral to the story, of course, but this is just a beautiful, wise story about overcoming challenges and horrors, and standing up for what you think is right. I will never forget this one, definitely has that five-star feeling!

📱It took me a little to get into this book, but I liked the story line. Very deep topic, and interesting character development. I plan to try to watch the TV version.

If you're searching for a novel that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page, look no further than "Beartown."This book has been on my TBR list for too long. I picked it up several times over the last few years but struggled to get past the first few chapters, maybe because it's "about hockey" and maybe because the underlying subject matter felt a little heavy and I needed the be in the right mindset to engage with it. Nevertheless, after seeing it make the rounds in my feed again, I decided to reach for it one more time and I'm so glad I did! Once I got past the first familiar chapters, I discovered this book is about so much more than hockey and I quickly found my rhythm and fell into this powerful narrative.Fredrik Backman masterfully captures the essence of a small town where hockey is more than just a sport; it's a lifeline, a passion, and a way of life. The intricacies of community dynamics and the complexity of human nature are explored deeply, making for an incredibly compelling read.The themes of loyalty, ambition, and the repercussions of secrets are woven seamlessly throughout the storyline. Backman's characters are richly developed, each with their own hurdles and aspirations, making them relatable and unforgettable. You'll find yourself emotionally invested as you witness how one significant event can alter the fabric of a community, testing relationships and revealing true natures.Whether you're a hockey enthusiast or not, this book offers a profound narrative that'll leave you reflecting on the strength and vulnerability of community bonds. "Beartown" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a gripping, heartfelt story that will tug at your emotions and challenge your perspectives. Don't miss the chance to experience this remarkable journey!

This book has it all. Great character development, relevant plot , impeccable timing and pacing. The bullet point delivery moves the story along and keeps the reader engaged. I was so enthralled I finished the entire book in two sittings. The first one lasted until I fell asleep holding it in my lap at 5 in the morning. I laughed, I cried, I cheered out loud. The author deals with a sensitive topic with brutal honesty and compassion. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

This book has my heart. With such a well written look into people and their feelings and beliefs. I loved it.