Beartown by Fredrik Backman

      

Beartown by Fredrik Backman

Synopsis- People say Beartown is finished. A tiny community nestled deep in the forest, it is slowly losing ground to the ever encroaching trees. But down by the lake stands an old ice rink, built generations ago by the working men who founded this town. And in that ice rink is the reason people in Beartown believe tomorrow will be better than today. Their junior ice hockey team is about to compete in the national semi-finals, and they actually have a shot at winning. All the hopes and dreams of this place now rest on the shoulders of a handful of teenage boys. Being responsible for the hopes of an entire town is a heavy burden, and the semi-final match is the catalyst for a violent act that will leave a young girl traumatized and a town in turmoil. Accusations are made and, like ripples on a pond, they travel through all of Beartown, leaving no resident unaffected.

Thoughts- This was probably, emotionally the worst time to be reading this book.. it was gut wrenching, tear inducing and incredibly raw. I loved it more than words can express. It is book like these that should be recommended high school reading. I would wants my boys to read it when they are of high school age. I can't say much without giving it away but it dealt with race, bullying, rape, consent, homosexuality, pressure of sports, fitting in..  It was so beautifully written.. I highly recommend it to everyone.. I stayed up way past my bedtime compulsively reading through it.. 

PS. Upon further investigating it turns out Rockville, North Carolina did add it to there 10th grade Honors class and after parent outrage the book was banned. I guess I am not surprised.. 


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Comments

  1. This book sounds so good! I'd probably cry!

    Jennifer
    Effortlessly Sophisticated

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  2. Hadn't heard of this book before -- thanks for the recommendation!

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  3. that was an excellent book! I loved it but I can see how it would be a hard read during these times. He is a good writer and he's talents get better with each and every book.

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  4. I've heard this is a powerful book but never read it. Thanks for telling me more about it.

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  5. I've read two other books by this author.... one I loved, the other not so much. I will keep this one in mind!

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  6. I hadn't heard of this book, but it sounds absolutely incredible. I can see that this wasn't the best time to read it, but at the same time, it might have been that its aptness added to its poignancy. Can't believe the book was banned in Rockville! xxx

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  7. Wow it sounds like a powerful book to read!

    www.rdsobsessions.com

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  8. Oh this does sound really good. Wow. But yes I can see how reading this at this time would be challenging. And thank you for the review and introduction.

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

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  9. I was sad just hearing about the unjustice.

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  10. I love his work. It is raw, it is confronting, it is real.
    I first read A man called Ove and have bought and devoured every book he has written.

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  11. Sounds like a compelling read, Hena.

    Happy Tuesday!

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  12. Thanks for this review, I have added this book to my Audible wish list. At the moment, I prefer light reads but there will be a time for this book, an important read it appears. Mr Backman is an excellent writer, I like his fiction very much.

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  13. i have a friend who reads and is always looking for recommendations, i will tell her about your thoughts!! it sounds like an interesting story, i'm glad you enjoyed it so much...you need and deserve that right now!!

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  14. Thank you for the heads up on this book, Hena. Will add it to my to-read list.

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  15. This book sounds loaded with important topics. Thanks for sharing and I will try to check this out when things calm down. I can only take so many feelings at one time. Lol!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

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  16. Sounds like an important read. Thank you.
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

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  17. It has been in TBR list for so long now. Haven't get the chance to pick it up,yet :)

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  18. This books does sound compelling but I can see how it might be a little heavy to read right now.

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  19. What a great review, although I might want to wait until life is a little happier.
    XOOX
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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  20. I read his Ove book which was good so I can imagine how this one you read pulls at your heartstrings.

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  21. I need to check this book out and it sounds like it is def. an emotional rollercoaster read! I'll have to have my kleenex on hand.

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

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  22. Oh yes, this is a heavy read. I loved it when I read it but can't even imagine trying to read it right now with all that is going on in this country and in the world right now.

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  23. It is interesting to me which books become banned in schools and which don't. Sometimes I think it's almost better to read a book and discuss it. This sounds like a good book!

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  24. This sounds like a really powerful read!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  25. Haven't read this book yet but it sounds great! Thank you for sharing!

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  26. Dealing with issues that people need to be more aware of. But I think I prefer lighter reading these days.. lol

    www.jeannieinabottleblog.com

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  27. Sounds like a great read. What sort of books are you into? Fiction, non fiction, self help?
    Wishing you the best!
    xxx

    https://ooomaye.com

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  28. I'd never looked past 'sports' for this novel before and had totally misunderstood that it's about so much more than that. One I need to read too I think. Thank you for your review

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  29. Thanks for sharing your review. Have a wonderful week.

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  30. I would love to read this book, thanks for sharing dear <3

    Have a happy Monday :)
    Kisses <3
    http://www.rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.com/

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  31. I definitely understand that it was tough to read. Hopefully you can read something lighter soon.

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  32. This sounds like such a powerful book. I'd love to read it. I just might need to wait until times are a little "lighter" as they say. :-)

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  33. Bear Town looks like a wonderful book and I would really like to give it a go but I don't think that I could deal with the emotions that come with it just yet!

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  34. Brilliant book! Love all of his actually.

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