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aprilyvonne's review against another edition
5.0
“Beartown” by Fredrik Backman was an emotional and gut-wrenching read. It’s also an important one when it comes down to the themes it reveals. I still feel emotionally exhausted after reading it. I plan to finish the series eventually; I’m just not sure how quickly I can jump into the next one yet.
“Beartown” might at first glance seem to merely be a hockey story, but it’s so much more than that. It’s about human nature and all the ugliness that it entails such as toxic masculinity, rape culture, discrimination, homophobia, domestic violence, alcoholism, poverty, classism, etc. Yet, somehow, the novel also offers glimpses of love, joy, happiness, pride, friendship, family, community, and standing up for what’s right. That’s what helped me continue reading. I was angry enough I needed answers, but I was anxious the entire time. If it weren’t for those heartwarming moments, I don’t know if I could’ve read it as easily.
Thankfully there are a lot of characters that made the book work, and I’ll carry a special place for Maya, Ana, Amat, and Benji especially when I think back. The tragic elements of the plot was difficult and readers should check with the triggers before pursuing it.
Overall, I’m glad I read the novel and Backman remains one of my favourite authors. I just need a happier book to read next to help repair my poor heart. ♥️📚
Graphic: Sexual assault, Alcoholism, Racial slurs, Gaslighting, Child death, Rape, Sexism, Racism, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Violence, Homophobia, Grief, Emotional abuse, and Bullying
sisulake18's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Violence, Sexual violence, Sexism, Injury/Injury detail, and Rape
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, Bullying, Chronic illness, Homophobia, Body shaming, Drug use, Fatphobia, Alcoholism, Child death, Suicide, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Grief
coffeereader's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug use, Bullying, Grief, Homophobia, Rape, and Child death
thequack's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Violence and Rape
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Grief, Child abuse, and Suicide
birthisacurse's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Sexual assault and Rape
Moderate: Bullying, Alcohol, Child abuse, and Alcoholism
Minor: Vomit, Grief, Eating disorder, Homophobia, Racism, Self harm, and Suicide
catherineleigh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Classism, Bullying, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death, Eating disorder, Racism, Alcoholism, Blood, Xenophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, and Body shaming
e_gracereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Amazing. This might be the best book I have ever, ever read.
Moderate: Violence, Homophobia, Death, Rape, Blood, Misogyny, Murder, Grief, Alcoholism, and Child death
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
ktkeps's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Alcoholism, Rape, Sexism, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Grief, Homophobia, Alcohol, Suicidal thoughts, and Bullying
katsnow14's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Sexual assault, Rape, Misogyny, Homophobia, Bullying, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
Moderate: Child death and Eating disorder
franklola's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexism, Sexual violence, Misogyny, and Rape
Moderate: Classism, Child death, Drug use, Gaslighting, Grief, Bullying, Death, and Gun violence
Minor: Alcohol, Blood, and Homophobia