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4.42 AVERAGE
4.42 AVERAGE
I’ve read nearly all of Backman’s novels and each one has brought me to tears at some point. He develops such complex and real characters and I found myself understanding the motivations of even the characters who are presented as villains. Us Against You does a really good job of building on the characters we meet in Beartown. I think this novel was so relevant in the divided world we live in today - the reader, from the outside, can see that there isn’t so much that’s different between the communities of Beartown and Hed, but naturally things always look different from the outside. Backman’s characters really show how that divisiveness can grow and how forces behind the curtain can influence public thought.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
I liked this book, but it has some very annoying issues. The first is the author is overly enamored with foreshadowing. A little adds some suspense, but every few pages it gets a little annoying, particularly when the event that is foreshadowed doesn’t even happen. [I realize that in my review of Beartown, I said I liked the foreshadowing. Go figure.] The second issue is the author spends a lot of time philosophizing via the narrator, many times not even all that connected to the story. For example, take this paragraph:
"It's so easy to place your hope in people. To think that the world can change overnight. We demonstrate after an attack, we donate money after a disaster, we lay our hearts bare online. But for every step forward we take, we take an almost equally large step back. Seen over time, every change is so slow that it’s barely visible when it’s happening."
I don’t have any problem with the sentiment expressed, but if you write an allegory, aren’t you supposed to let the story tell itself? In some ways this book is Dr. Seuss’ story of the Sneetches, but Dr. Seuss lets you figure it out on your own.
Another problem was I could not relate to a single character in the book. I get it that like all people, they are all flawed, but can’t anybody shine a little? Also, the book is relentlessly dark and violent. Actually, violence is the main theme.
I can hear Travis saying, “So why 4 stars, Mike? It sounds dreadful.” Well it is tedious, but somehow compelling, and I’m going to read the 3rd Beartown book, so that says something.
"It's so easy to place your hope in people. To think that the world can change overnight. We demonstrate after an attack, we donate money after a disaster, we lay our hearts bare online. But for every step forward we take, we take an almost equally large step back. Seen over time, every change is so slow that it’s barely visible when it’s happening."
I don’t have any problem with the sentiment expressed, but if you write an allegory, aren’t you supposed to let the story tell itself? In some ways this book is Dr. Seuss’ story of the Sneetches, but Dr. Seuss lets you figure it out on your own.
Another problem was I could not relate to a single character in the book. I get it that like all people, they are all flawed, but can’t anybody shine a little? Also, the book is relentlessly dark and violent. Actually, violence is the main theme.
I can hear Travis saying, “So why 4 stars, Mike? It sounds dreadful.” Well it is tedious, but somehow compelling, and I’m going to read the 3rd Beartown book, so that says something.
This sequel is on par with its predecessor. I enjoyed it as much as I did the first! Same beloved characters with a few new ones & continuation of where Beartown left off. Kevin, William and a few of the other Beartown stars move to Head to continue their hockey career. Beartown struggles to keep their club afloat with the players they have left. Benji, Amat, and Bobo are given the opportunity to play on the A team. Each has their own struggle that we watch them grow past. Maya and Ana continue their story as well. A coming of age story for the whole town!
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes