Beartown

Fredrik Backman has a special way of easing his readers into grasping the intricacies of all his characters. Within a single chapter, you get glimpses of various characters' perspectives, thoughts and actions. A few paragraphs on Peter's conversation with Sune, will then switch to a few paragraphs of what his wife Kira was doing while Peter was having that conversation. I particularly like this style of writing, because I feel as though I get a full picture of each character as an individual, and in this specific book, a stronger understanding of the town culture. 

Beartown is the story of a small community set way back in the woods that shares a common love of hockey. The town just seems to keep on losing. More and more people get laid off from the factory. A big time grocery story develops a monopoly. And the winters last for what seems like ages. When the once successful junior hockey team begins to show talent once again, the town rallies around what seems like a possible championship team. When a devastating event strikes the heart of the hockey team's family, will the town uphold it's no questions asked love for hockey, or open their eyes to the truth that sits among their homes. 

RATING = 5/5