Book Review | Beartown by Fredrik Backman [CC]

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  • Опубліковано 21 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 122

  • @MrSotero123
    @MrSotero123 3 роки тому +85

    Can we all agree that Benji is one of the greatest characters ever written? I wish I knew more people like him.

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  3 роки тому +17

      He's amazing. Definitely my favorite character in here!

    • @becs6891
      @becs6891 3 роки тому +3

      Yes! Benji is an amazing character!

    • @dmmoctober
      @dmmoctober 3 роки тому

      I believe the young man in question is a homosexual.

    • @tuckerjackson1542
      @tuckerjackson1542 2 роки тому +1

      @@dmmoctober idk man theres not a lot of evidence to support that bro

    • @jekicakes
      @jekicakes 2 роки тому

      Team Benji for life 🫶🏽

  • @luguy8347
    @luguy8347 6 років тому +52

    How this author Fredrik Backman at the age of thirty two can create such complex characters and themes, hold them in place and let them fall into the reader, is beyond gifted. For this book, Bear Town is un-match-able. Writing rules are turn upside down on their head. Word for word is carefully chosen. The foreshadowing is linked to infinitives-webs that are stunningly unexpected. Yes, a flower of petals being pulled apart with he loves me not/ he loves me, not until the end can you really know. Mind bending, heart felt, base human conditions, up lifting, down pouring shame, self examined, imbalance of power struggles, generational bargains, bare bones and slight of hand tricks. The collective or individual, all running on slippery ice. To belong. BANG. If you loved a child?

  • @BridgeFour05
    @BridgeFour05 6 років тому +76

    I’m obsessed with this book. Obsessed. I can’t stop thinking about it and I’m already counting the minutes until Us Against You is out in English.

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  6 років тому +4

      Lol I’m so glad you love it as much as I do!! Now that you’re hooked on Backman, we’re on the same page with two authors!

    • @BridgeFour05
      @BridgeFour05 6 років тому +1

      Connor O'Brien absolutely! I ordered his entire translated books while I was in the middle of reading Beartown.🙈 WOW!

  • @EmelieEkvall
    @EmelieEkvall 6 років тому +43

    Fredrik is a genius, I absolutely love his books! The follow up (Us Against You) is also such a great book!

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  6 років тому +1

      I have an advanced copy of the sequel now, so I should be starting that after I finish with finals!

    • @EmelieEkvall
      @EmelieEkvall 6 років тому +1

      Connor O'Brien awesome! :D

  • @arkremling
    @arkremling 5 років тому +10

    This was my second book to read by Fredrik Backman. I had no idea it was about hockey when I bought it or when I started reading it, but it didn't matter at all. I will literally read anything and everything he writes because it is so moving. It is truly a book where the writing shines even more than the plot (although the plot was enjoyable/inspiring as well).

  • @peaches3450
    @peaches3450 7 років тому +42

    I just finished Beartown and am having some serious book withdrawal! It was so, so wonderful. I read A Man Called Ove, which I also really liked, but I think Backman hit it out of the park with this one. I hope they make it into a mini series or movie. I'll definitely recommend to friends.

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  7 років тому +3

      Oh my gosh. A mini series would be perfect for this book! I would be 100% behind that. I think a movie would be good, but you wouldn't be able to have as many characters followed as you could with a series. I'm glad you loved it just as much as I did!

    • @kriscat100
      @kriscat100 7 років тому +3

      A swedish tv series about Beartown is in the works. :) And the sequel to Beartown will be out in swedish sometime in august.

    • @camicastillo533
      @camicastillo533 4 роки тому +2

      An HBO series is benig released in autumn :)

  • @lindsayh8374
    @lindsayh8374 Рік тому +1

    I cannot even describe to you how happy I am to find other people who love this book as much as I do. I’m absolutely obsessed with the tripling (and Backman’s other books) and despite suggesting it to every bookish friend I have no one seems to be able to get past the slow start. I’m so glad this book resonates with other people, it’s such a wonderful work of art!!!!

  • @innaua6037
    @innaua6037 5 років тому +6

    I've just finished it and loved it so much! It was so difficult to read it. Every time I took the book into my hands and continued reading, the story broke my heart. Amazing!

  • @lyannastark628
    @lyannastark628 4 роки тому +4

    Love hearing you talk about the literary devices. He really is a work of art. And you're totally right about the heavy weight of the phrase when it comes around again. He knows how to make me cry, that's for sure. Not necessarily sad cry, just poignant cry.

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  4 роки тому

      I'm so glad we were on the same page while reading this book. It's my favorite of his books so far. I still need to read Anxious People thought, so maybe that one will edge this one out as my favorite.

  • @jekicakes
    @jekicakes 2 роки тому +1

    I couldn’t agree more! I finished this yearning for more, already ordered the rest of the trilogy & I cannot wait to continue. I’m absolutely in love with the character Benji and I’ve heard from friends that the second book focuses on his story so can’t wait to unpack that. This author’s writing style is unmatched! I’m truly impressed and will delve into reading ALL of his books. 1000/5 stars from me!! 🫶🏽

  • @caitlinkerr8405
    @caitlinkerr8405 4 роки тому +3

    Just finished this books and it’s my first novel by Fredrick Backman and I love it so much. I really want to read his other books

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  4 роки тому +1

      You are in for so many great reads! This is definitely my favorite, but I love most of his other works a ton too.

  • @kimlind1127
    @kimlind1127 5 років тому +6

    The book is going to be a TV-Serie on HBO, you should watch it and give your opinion when it releases.
    The serie is accually filmed in my hometown of Gällivare, Sweden

  • @transparentcarboncopy268
    @transparentcarboncopy268 6 років тому +3

    great review. Very beautiful book that made me cry like a baby. by far one of the best books I've ever read. it was my first Backman book followed by A Man Called Ove which was also awesome but I'm glad I read Bear town first. I can't wait for the sequel. once again great review. I just ordered Every Morning... And I'm positive I'll cry like a baby on that one too because my dad is going through signs of Alzheimer's currently and he's my favorite person ever. totally subscribed!

  • @carolyndaughton3373
    @carolyndaughton3373 Рік тому

    I thoroughly love Fredrik Backman's writing style! Beartown is an excellent book, as are all of the books Backman has written. I'm happy to know that I still have two other books in this series to look forward to reading. Thank you for doing a book review on this. I love your positive energy and am so happy I found your channel. Happy New Year!

  • @YS-by7wy
    @YS-by7wy Рік тому

    My FAVORITE author. ALL of his books are amazing.

  • @anagrace9162
    @anagrace9162 5 років тому +3

    My favorite book ever is Beartown!
    Currently, I have “A Deal of a Lifetime”, but hopefully I will also get the books after Beartown.
    I really like Beartown! But I wish they talked more on Amat. He was my favorite!

  • @doorfreeze
    @doorfreeze 3 роки тому +1

    I just finished reading this book, and I feel exactly how you do in this video! Loved watching this! WHAT. A. BOOK. ❤️

  • @SerialCrimeReader
    @SerialCrimeReader 7 років тому +1

    I finally got this from the library and read it. It was absolutely fantastic. My first Backman and I'm in love with his writing.

  • @xelaworrierprincess7166
    @xelaworrierprincess7166 7 років тому +4

    Still haven't read Britt-Marie, didn't even know about the novella and I of course have to get this now, gosh I better get reading! Love Backman, he is just such an amazing author. Ove and Granny are both 5 stars from me and some of my favourite books of all time!!!

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  7 років тому

      Get on it! lol I love Fredrik's books. I now have two copies of Granny and Britt-Marie and And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer. I am definitely okay with this.

  • @09TalkOnCorners
    @09TalkOnCorners 4 роки тому +2

    This will be my fourth book by Backman: Ove I read for fun and curiosity, after having read Grandmother and Britt-Marie for work (I work at the portuguese editor of his books). To me, however, reading Fredrik Backman continues to be a pleasure and an excitement. I honestly can't wait to read Beartown (we are starting production of the book soon) and to see the TV show at HBO. * And thank you for all your wonderful words on Backman, for a fellow fan to another :)

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  4 роки тому +1

      That's awesome! Beartown is probably my favorite of his books so far, so I hope you like it as well. I forgot that it was being turned into a show!

  • @jonnydavis9011
    @jonnydavis9011 2 роки тому +1

    Im an avid reader, and without hesitation this is my favourite book of all time. This is a great review :)

  • @Bookhoarder5
    @Bookhoarder5 7 років тому +2

    I loved A Man Called Ove and I can't wait to read this!

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  7 років тому

      Yessss! You're going to love it!!

  • @karenkaneshiro9861
    @karenkaneshiro9861 6 років тому

    Just finished 'A Man called Ove"....I am an avid reader, about 4 books weekly. This was my first Backman book, & I now would say it is one of my best reads ever. I was just given a copy of "Bear Town" & went to Connor's review to decide whether to read it or another book...I am so impressed by Backman, & based on Connor's review I am starting to read it right now. (It sounds as though this town could be one of so many towns in the far north of Canada, & this hockey-loving country.)Thanks Connor.

  • @hayleyreese2928
    @hayleyreese2928 6 років тому +1

    This was such a thoughtful review. Really appreciated it. Will be picking this up this weekend!

  • @mimismegalife4976
    @mimismegalife4976 2 роки тому

    I found your review because a decorator recommended this book. I thank you so much for the trigger ⚠️ warning because teasing/bullies/rape would definitely bother me personally.
    Great review. Thank you.

  • @brina3497
    @brina3497 4 роки тому

    I absolutely loved this book. I also loved this review because you explained every reason why I love this book!

  • @loriann8551
    @loriann8551 5 років тому

    Great review. I just finished the book. It was amazing. I am so overwhelmed with thoughts and emotions. Thanks for helping put it all into words. Frederick Blackman is truly amazing

  • @nightsgrow6575
    @nightsgrow6575 4 роки тому

    I just read this book a couple of weeks ago, and I was really amazed by how heavy it is compared to his other books. There are always very serious themes in his books, but he usually writes about them in a heart warming way I guess, and this one is such a 180 from that.

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  4 роки тому

      Nightsgrow Its definitely a lot heavier than his other books so far. I hope you enjoyed it though!

    • @nightsgrow6575
      @nightsgrow6575 4 роки тому

      Connor O'Brien I did yeah, I didn’t find the sequel to be as good though. In my opinion the first one stands on its own and the second one doesn’t. Although I love Benji and it was amazing to see him be more of the main character in the second one. I hope he won’t be completely gone in the third one but I assume it will focus on Amat

  • @nickidesouzabloggse
    @nickidesouzabloggse 3 роки тому +2

    im reading this book in swedish and i love it :D

  • @DrinkingByMyShelf
    @DrinkingByMyShelf 7 років тому +7

    This was my first Fredrik Backman and I was BOWLED AWAY. Off to buy all the rest of his books now! I was nodding along the whole way through your review - summed up my feelings about it perfectly.

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  7 років тому

      Drinking By My Shelf Yes!! I'm glad you liked it and that it was one of the books that helped you get out of jail!! Near town is my favorite of his so far. I cannot wait until the sequel gets translated into English.

    • @DrinkingByMyShelf
      @DrinkingByMyShelf 7 років тому

      Connor O'Brien There's a sequel?! Eeee!

  • @i123456987654
    @i123456987654 3 роки тому

    i got this book for free at my local free library and was contemplating whether i should read it...but now i guess i'll give it a try

  • @allyrae6612
    @allyrae6612 7 років тому

    love this book so much. i read it over a month ago and i still constantly think about it. can’t wait for a sequel!!

  • @jeffreyc.mcandrew8911
    @jeffreyc.mcandrew8911 6 років тому

    Excellent review. Our book club is reading this book for April! Thank you.

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  6 років тому +1

      Jeffrey C. McAndrew I hope you all have some amazing conversations about it!

  • @anad2816
    @anad2816 7 років тому

    So I got here from your review of this book on Goodreads :D I agree with a single thing you said..I am not even gonna write review as I can't add anything to what you said :D For me it is incredible how Backman made me so invested in all of the characters in the book, not just the main ones. My hear was breaking for Bobo and his choice, Filip and his mom, and especially Ana, friend who everybody needs. I love love Fredrik Backman, I read all of the previous books and was waiting for this one since it was announced... it was worth waiting

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  7 років тому

      Yay! Awesome. Yeah Bobo was one of my favorites! I just loved reading about all the characters. It would be such an addictive TV show.

  • @Indianagal77
    @Indianagal77 7 років тому

    Fredrik Backman is one of my favorite authors. I will pick up anything that he writes. I can't wait to get my hands on Beartown.

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  7 років тому

      Same! You are going to love Beartown when you get to read it. It is so frickin good!

    • @Indianagal77
      @Indianagal77 7 років тому

      Connor O'Brien I just finished Beartown and I absolutely loved it. A definite five star read. Fredrick Backman's writing is just stellar.

  • @Georgesmomsu
    @Georgesmomsu 7 років тому +1

    Woo Hoo --- this was finally released today...... going to listen to this one --- my TBR is way too big....

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  7 років тому

      I know! I'm so excited to see other people start to read this! Let me know when you make your way through it!

  • @solros81
    @solros81 7 років тому

    This was such an excellent review! And I'm so happy that you liked this one just as much as the others! I totally agree with everything in this video, there is just so much that could be said about it. So much awesomeness! Can't wait to read the other books in this series (?) still not sure how many books this will include. So curious to see how this will continue on!

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  7 років тому

      Thank you!! Is Beartown going to be a series?? I thought it was a standalone, but I'd be down for more!

    • @solros81
      @solros81 7 років тому

      Yeah! I'm not sure if it was supposed to be a duology or trilogy (haha, I'm not sure Backman himself knows! ;)), but book two comes out sometime this year (in Sweden)! =)

  • @Georgesmomsu
    @Georgesmomsu 7 років тому

    Yes!!!! I'm so excited about this book! I'm glad you loved it as much as the others,

    • @Georgesmomsu
      @Georgesmomsu 7 років тому

      Oh no.... its not out til April..... gasp....

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  7 років тому

      +su j haha yeah I put my review up a bit early but that's because I'm pumped for it as wanted to give people a chance to preorder it!

  • @JuliaN-fi9zw
    @JuliaN-fi9zw 4 роки тому

    I wanted to thank all of the commenters for keeping it spoil free! I’m researching books for my 10th grade English class and not knowing anything about the books makes it a lot easier to read in class

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  4 роки тому

      If you chose to read this book in class, I hope your class enjoys it or at least has some good discussions about it!

    • @JuliaN-fi9zw
      @JuliaN-fi9zw 4 роки тому

      Connor O'Brien I think I will end up going with this one. My other choice is The River but I’ve heard iffy reviews about it and this one has almost all 4/5 stars

  • @nelsongigstad3961
    @nelsongigstad3961 7 років тому

    I have read all of Backman's books. I look forward to the philosophy gems he includes with his writing. They make me stop reading and think about the bigger picture in life.

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  7 років тому

      Backman's writing is so frickin good!

  • @mellertid
    @mellertid 7 місяців тому

    Everybody loves this one 😮
    I think the repetion or call-backs felt plastered on almost clumsily. To me that's the primary con, and I didn't continue the trilogy.

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  3 місяці тому

      Oh yeah, if you did not like the repetition in this, I don't think you would like the rest of the series because at least the second book continues that style of writing.

    • @mellertid
      @mellertid 3 місяці тому

      @@ConnorOBrien yeah, I just don't like the style I guess, or technique. Portraits are good and it's overall not "bad".

  • @potatopatch5202
    @potatopatch5202 3 роки тому

    This is tied for my favorite book with the beach. I read it years ago and it wasn’t until now I decided to look up other people talking about this book. I’m glad you agree. Ik it’s pointless leaving comments on a four year old video. This is more for me than anyone else ig

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  3 роки тому

      Lol I still see comments on old videos! I’m glad you loved it so much! Obviously, I’m a big fan as well.

  • @Dj-id9dn
    @Dj-id9dn 7 років тому +1

    I found the book on hardback (unfortunately, I prefer paperback) and I ran up to my mom and was like
    "they have the backman book"
    my mom instantly bought it for me

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  7 років тому

      +Dylan I don't think the paperback is out yet. This is the advanced readers copy, but I ended up getting a finished copy when it came out because I love it so much!

    • @Dj-id9dn
      @Dj-id9dn 7 років тому

      ok, I loved the book either way. My Grandmother Told Me To Tell You She's sorry is still my favorite though, this comes second, then Ove, then novella (which I just read and sobbed through at least half of), and Britt Marie was my least favorite (took me a while to get into)

  • @skittleducksjr.968
    @skittleducksjr.968 7 років тому

    The books looks very nice, I haven't really finished reading A Man Called Ove yet. I'm not a native speaker, and the book is a bit hard for me. I wonder if Beartown is as a difficult reading as A Man Called Ove... Awesome video, by the way.

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  7 років тому +1

      +Broken Myth It is so amazing! I can imagine them being a bit difficult if you're not a native speaker but so worth it!

  • @momongo5
    @momongo5 6 років тому

    Just ordered this today for an upcoming trip! eeekkk

  • @andytiu7351
    @andytiu7351 7 років тому

    Great review, but how did you get a paperback? It's only available in hardcover where I live.

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  7 років тому

      Andrew Tiiu I was sent an uncorrected proof of the book to read and review before the book came out. I've since bought a finished hardcover because I loved the book so much.

  • @steve027
    @steve027 5 років тому

    Finally got around to reading this book! So glad I did! Loved the setting, loved the characters, loved the themes. It’s been a while since I sat down to a book and didn’t want to put it down. Unlike many books there wasn’t a single character that I wasn’t intrigued to find out more about when they came up. Definitely looking at what Fredrik Backman book to read next!

  • @surenderbeniwal8578
    @surenderbeniwal8578 3 роки тому

    *No one was completely morally correct.* wow! That's so apt way to describe the characters in *Beartown.*
    That they ain't all necessarily likeable.

    • @surenderbeniwal8578
      @surenderbeniwal8578 3 роки тому

      Wow! This was a heavy read, especially now (for the transitory phase of life I'm in; there's a lot going on everywhere). Finished it this morning & I'm thinking of not picking the next part *us against u* till the whole trilogy is complete. I dunno but I'm just exhausted emotionally after completing *Beartown.* Plus picking up the trilogy as a whole later would be great, that way I'll annotate everything from start the next time, which I missed doing this once.
      Anyways, thanku for the review, Connor :)

  • @Dj-id9dn
    @Dj-id9dn 7 років тому +4

    i hate how you don't learn how Amats story ends because he was definitely my favorite

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  7 років тому

      There's a sequel that came out this year in Sweden, so it'll be out in English next year!

    • @Dj-id9dn
      @Dj-id9dn 7 років тому

      What's it called?

    • @Dj-id9dn
      @Dj-id9dn 7 років тому

      Connor O'Brien I hope they don't mess up like they did with Britt Marie, like I hope they don't choose like Fatima or the Marlboro mom to right about, I want to learn more about Amat or maybe sune

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  7 років тому

      Dylan I like Britt Marie, but I get what you're saying. I think Beartown was planned to be a trilogy, so we'll see!

    • @Dj-id9dn
      @Dj-id9dn 7 років тому

      Conor obrien good cause I want to learn about the little girl and see if Amat wins maya over, also I want a book that details grandmothers adventures (my grandmother asked me to tell you to tell her I'm sorry)

  • @albertchionghay1269
    @albertchionghay1269 3 роки тому

    Where can you buy the book.?

  • @jeffreyc.mcandrew8911
    @jeffreyc.mcandrew8911 6 років тому

    The review made sense.

  • @Dj-id9dn
    @Dj-id9dn 6 років тому

    the sequel to beartown was amazing, are you going to do a review of that any time soon?

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  6 років тому

      Dylan I have it slotted for the next couple of weeks. I’m currently reading Legacy of Kings (meh so far) but after that I’ll be jumping in.

    • @Dj-id9dn
      @Dj-id9dn 6 років тому

      alright, looking forward to your review

  • @ouadguy06
    @ouadguy06 6 років тому

    Hey do you have to read bear town before you read us against you? I just purchased the ladder book and am concerned that if I have not read beartown I will not understand it?

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  6 років тому

      Us Against You is the sequel to Beartown, so I would definitely recommend reading Beartown first. The beginning of Us Against You kind of recaps what happens in Beartown, but you won’t be as invested in the characters if you skip Beartown.

  • @angelicanilsson6020
    @angelicanilsson6020 7 років тому

    Loved this review! I just finished the sequel, "Vi mot er", it was just as amazing as the first!

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  7 років тому

      +angelica nilsson Thank you!! I cannot wait for the sequel! I'm so happy it is just as good.

  • @torito4975
    @torito4975 6 років тому

    About what reading level do you think this book is? Lexile or AR level. I think my high school kids would be interested but they read at a 5th or 6th grade level

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  6 років тому

      r. c. I never had those levels where I went to school, so I don’t have a good base to guess. One of his other books is said to be a 870 for Lexile or 6.1UG for AR if that gives you an idea.

  • @GusTeasPlants
    @GusTeasPlants Рік тому

    I also didn’t dislike sune

  • @albertchionghay1269
    @albertchionghay1269 3 роки тому

    Because i want to read it too.please.

  • @debbiewarman7916
    @debbiewarman7916 6 років тому

    Agreed! Best book ever!!! And I do mean ever.

  • @guacamolekryddan47
    @guacamolekryddan47 4 роки тому +1

    Waiting for this video to blow up when HBO releases the series! 14k views now.. let’s see where it lands! Hälsningar från Sverige 🇸🇪

  • @fairwaycottage5889
    @fairwaycottage5889 7 років тому

    I can't figure out who died 10 yrs later and who Mata is going to see at the end ?

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  7 років тому

      It's been a while since I read this so I don't remember all of the details, but he may have kept it vague on purpose.

  • @reader6690
    @reader6690 6 років тому

    How does one get free books in the mail to review? I am a big reader and love books.

    • @if3054
      @if3054 6 років тому +1

      Reader 66 I think having 14k UA-cam followers helps.

  • @BarbaraBendezu
    @BarbaraBendezu 3 місяці тому

    And it's about ?

    • @ConnorOBrien
      @ConnorOBrien  3 місяці тому

      A cast of characters in a small town (Beartown) that's future and hopeful prosperity hinges on a singular hockey team's success against their rival. However, something happens that throws a monkey wrench in the team's potential success. The book follows each character as they navigate the events leading up to and following the aforementioned event (I say the event at the end of the video for those who have particular triggers and would like to know before picking up the novel).

  • @genevieveleach5281
    @genevieveleach5281 6 років тому

    6

  • @lota68
    @lota68 6 років тому

    Good review but the editing, all the cuts makes it very anoying to listen to you.

  • @Dj-id9dn
    @Dj-id9dn 7 років тому

    i hate how you don't learn how Amats story ends because he was definitely my favorite