This is the only book outside his Beartown trilogy that I've liked. I loved Beartown so much that all his other books have been disappointing :-/ But I did like My Friends a lot.
This is the one problem with finding your favorite book(s). I can’t imagine that I will ever love any story more than the story of Beartown, and everything else pales in comparison.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. I have seen the movie and honestly don’t remember it, which did not bode well for the book in my mind, but I decided to give it a shot and I’m so glad I did! Ove is a grumpy old man who likes things his way and doesn’t take kindly to people who do things their way. This book is surprisingly funny. I’m talking LOL funny. I felt so good when I finished it. What a great character.
Yeah, I didn't like this one (read it post the first two Beartown) and didn't bother with the movie...
I was super annoyed with Ove in the beginning. By the end, I wanted to hug him. I wonder if you would find him more relatable in your old age? The commentary on aging was part of the appeal for me.
Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. This is reportedly Barack Obama’s favorite book. It’s the about a minister who is reflecting on his life as he reaches the end of it. It’s about family and secrets and the lessons we learn from living. The prose is absolutely beautiful and worth all the accolades.
Hmm I should check this one out.
It’s part of a quadrant about the same characters. The others are Lily, Home, and Jack. I plan to read those at some point.
I haven't read any Wally Lamb but probably should.
Maybe? Just be aware that a lot of it deals with subjects like mental illness and abuse, so it can get pretty dark. I recommend you start with She’s Come Undone. It manages to temper the darkness with humor. I really love the main character.
