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Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Violence, Death of parent, Alcohol
Art is what we leave of ourselves in other people.
Backman is truly my favorite author. I’ve never been disappointed by one of his books. His way of telling a joke and then serving an emotional punch to the gut all in one paragraph is truly remarkable.
All of that to say, I enjoyed this book but didn’t love it. I did like the way he led us to read between the lines a bit, only to then change up the story in an unexpected way. I love the way he writes about grief and love, how he emphasizes that the mundane is actually anything but. So while I did enjoy this book, there’s just something about it that made it feel like a bit of a slog to me. Maybe the right book at the wrong time?
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Death
Moderate: Death of parent
I finished the book sobbing and laughing AT THE SAME TIME! How it is possible to elicit such strong distinct emotions in me is beyond my understanding, but that is the beauty of Backman’s writing.
Once again, I must recognize Neil Smith for the incredible translation into English. If something was lost in translation, I don’t even think it matters because it is perfect as it is.
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Domestic abuse, Grief
Minor: Animal cruelty, Bullying, Cancer, Drug use, Homophobia, Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Blood, Abandonment
This book is that song in written form. And it is etched in my bones now.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Self harm
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Grief
Moderate: Addiction, Death of parent, Alcohol
My first five star read of 2025, totally worth the wait, and maybe one of my favorite books I've ever read.
Minor: Addiction, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse
Moderate: Addiction, Child abuse, Death
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse
Moderate: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Blood
Very mixed feelings about this. Some lines and bits were really beautiful but overall the writing wasn't for me. Too many hyperboles, metaphors and puns in every sentence, it all felt quite over the top for me.
Also not very politically sensitive (ableist language was very present amongst other things)
I loved the found family trope though!
Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Cancer, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Terminal illness, Blood, Kidnapping, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcoholism, Confinement
Minor: Body shaming
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Rape