Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
emotional
medium-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:
Complicated
I really enjoyed this book, it was emotional and funny at the same time, balancing heavy themes with a surprisingly lighthearted tone. It has a way of making you laugh while also tugging at your heart.
What stood out most to me were the characters. Each one felt so real, layered with flaws, quirks, and personalities that suited them perfectly. No one was glossed over; everyone had depth, and getting to know them all made the story feel rich and multifaceted. I genuinely loved every single character.
At its core, the book is about forgiveness, empathy, and the way our lives are intertwined - sometimes with strangers we barely know. I loved how the author shows us glimpses of each character’s past and present, and how, even though they face different struggles, they still manage to connect, comfort, and understand one another in unexpected ways.
The writing style was simple, but that worked in its favor. It let the story and the characters shine without unnecessary complexity. The pacing was also well-balanced, never rushed and never dragging, just enough to let the emotions land.
What stood out most to me were the characters. Each one felt so real, layered with flaws, quirks, and personalities that suited them perfectly. No one was glossed over; everyone had depth, and getting to know them all made the story feel rich and multifaceted. I genuinely loved every single character.
At its core, the book is about forgiveness, empathy, and the way our lives are intertwined - sometimes with strangers we barely know. I loved how the author shows us glimpses of each character’s past and present, and how, even though they face different struggles, they still manage to connect, comfort, and understand one another in unexpected ways.
The writing style was simple, but that worked in its favor. It let the story and the characters shine without unnecessary complexity. The pacing was also well-balanced, never rushed and never dragging, just enough to let the emotions land.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is a gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous book. It is written with such incredible humanity and just love. I adored it. I loved how it talked about loneliness and anxiety and depression. I thought it was so clever and I loved every single character.
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy
I did actually try really hard to like this book. But every character was so annoying. Plus how the novel was written sounded like a series of runoff sentences and unorganized thoughts.
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I struggled to get into/invested in this book but I genuinely think it was me and my state of mind, not the novel. The ending was truly beautiful though! Backman never disappoints!
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A lovely telling of the people involved in a hostage situation. Told with humour and insight. Delightful characters that defy expectations and stereotypes. Be good to each other. And don’t rob cashless banks.