Community Reviews
thenextgoodbook.com
What’s it about?
Louisa is turning eighteen and will finally be able to leave foster care. She does not have much in her life except a love of art. When she accidentally meets her favorite artist and his best friend, Ted, a new adventure begins. This book alternates between the present with Louisa’s story and the past, told mainly by Ted.
What did it make me think about?
The power of friendship and the power of art.
Should I read it?
This book is quintessential Fredrik Backman- so if you liked A Man Called Ove, Anxious People, or any of his other books, you will also like this one. I am always amazed by the simplicity of his sentences and the complexity of his themes. He drops thought-worthy ideas throughout his books, “…because that is the worst sort of gossip: the sort that is discussed as concern,” or “Being a parent is so strange, all our children’s pain belongs to us, but so does their joy.”
In this story, the four childhood friends are the anchor for me. I also appreciated the weight of Louisa’s story and the author’s ability to bring it all together at the end.
So, with great admiration, I share that many of his books are just okay for the first 75% of the story. Then, by the time I turn the last page, I am kind of in awe. I am not sure how I feel about that. It makes for an uneven novel for me, but I always admire his talent.
This will be a favorite of book clubs next year. There are so many interesting themes and characters to discuss.
Quote-
“Nothing weighs more than someone else’s belief in you.”
What’s it about?
Louisa is turning eighteen and will finally be able to leave foster care. She does not have much in her life except a love of art. When she accidentally meets her favorite artist and his best friend, Ted, a new adventure begins. This book alternates between the present with Louisa’s story and the past, told mainly by Ted.
What did it make me think about?
The power of friendship and the power of art.
Should I read it?
This book is quintessential Fredrik Backman- so if you liked A Man Called Ove, Anxious People, or any of his other books, you will also like this one. I am always amazed by the simplicity of his sentences and the complexity of his themes. He drops thought-worthy ideas throughout his books, “…because that is the worst sort of gossip: the sort that is discussed as concern,” or “Being a parent is so strange, all our children’s pain belongs to us, but so does their joy.”
In this story, the four childhood friends are the anchor for me. I also appreciated the weight of Louisa’s story and the author’s ability to bring it all together at the end.
So, with great admiration, I share that many of his books are just okay for the first 75% of the story. Then, by the time I turn the last page, I am kind of in awe. I am not sure how I feel about that. It makes for an uneven novel for me, but I always admire his talent.
This will be a favorite of book clubs next year. There are so many interesting themes and characters to discuss.
Quote-
“Nothing weighs more than someone else’s belief in you.”
"My Friends" is a beautifully crafted story exploring the intricate and healing power of friendships. The narrative delves into love, loyalty, regret, and redemption themes, presenting characters who feel achingly real—flawed, humorous, and deeply human. Their interactions are filled with humour, tension, and tenderness, making it impossible not to root for them as they face their challenges.
Author Fredrik Backman illustrates the quiet heroism of everyday people striving to do their best, even under challenging circumstances. While the story often conveys warmth and hope, it does not shy away from complex topics, including domestic violence. These moments are addressed with empathy and depth, enhancing the overall emotional truth of the story rather than detracting from it. Backman’s prose remains poetic without becoming pretentious, and his insights into the human experience—how we hurt, heal, and forgive—are breathtaking.
This book powerfully reminds us of the strength of kindness and the importance of those who support us, especially during our darkest times. "My Friends" is an unforgettable read that resonates long after the last page is turned.
3.5 stars, rounded down.
So I've been in the worst reading slump for the past six months to a year, and it just seems to continue. I went from reading 100 books a year and being a dedicated book blogger, to a single book taking me six weeks to finish and no desire to blog anymore. I'm not sure what's happened, but I blame the mentally exhausting state of the world right now.
Anyway, I keep hoping to pick up a book that reignites my love of reading, and I felt sure Backman's latest would be the thing. I've been a fan of his previous books, and while I DID enjoy this one, I struggled to pick it up, which is why it took me six weeks to finish. I'm not sure if it's the material or the unforgiving slump I've found myself in.
Let's start with the positives! I loved the premise of this one. A story about friends, old and new. I loved all the characters, the storyline, and the setting. It's mostly set in summer, near water, involves art, there's a train ride, and the best of friends. And now you're asking, then why the lower rating?? The first part of this book was great. I was enveloped in the story, especially the journey of Louisa and Ted. But it felt like with each chapter, it grew more and more overly sentimental. And I just kept thinking, I must have the most jaded heart to be finding a book by Fredrik Backman too emotional.
I felt like it was too long, as well, which might just be my slump, but the ending felt drawn out and very predictable for me. I will say that I feel like this would be better as an adaptation with the wonderful cast and setting. I feel like the emotion would translate better, at least for me, visually, if that makes sense.
As you can see from all the other 4 and 5 star ratings, I'm in a very small pool of readers who didn't love love this one. So I would say, if you're a fan of Backman, and especially a fan of emotional stories, then you should pick this one up!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for providing me with a copy.
#popsugarreadingchallenge2025 (A book you want to read based on the last sentence)
So I've been in the worst reading slump for the past six months to a year, and it just seems to continue. I went from reading 100 books a year and being a dedicated book blogger, to a single book taking me six weeks to finish and no desire to blog anymore. I'm not sure what's happened, but I blame the mentally exhausting state of the world right now.
Anyway, I keep hoping to pick up a book that reignites my love of reading, and I felt sure Backman's latest would be the thing. I've been a fan of his previous books, and while I DID enjoy this one, I struggled to pick it up, which is why it took me six weeks to finish. I'm not sure if it's the material or the unforgiving slump I've found myself in.
Let's start with the positives! I loved the premise of this one. A story about friends, old and new. I loved all the characters, the storyline, and the setting. It's mostly set in summer, near water, involves art, there's a train ride, and the best of friends. And now you're asking, then why the lower rating?? The first part of this book was great. I was enveloped in the story, especially the journey of Louisa and Ted. But it felt like with each chapter, it grew more and more overly sentimental. And I just kept thinking, I must have the most jaded heart to be finding a book by Fredrik Backman too emotional.
I felt like it was too long, as well, which might just be my slump, but the ending felt drawn out and very predictable for me. I will say that I feel like this would be better as an adaptation with the wonderful cast and setting. I feel like the emotion would translate better, at least for me, visually, if that makes sense.
As you can see from all the other 4 and 5 star ratings, I'm in a very small pool of readers who didn't love love this one. So I would say, if you're a fan of Backman, and especially a fan of emotional stories, then you should pick this one up!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for providing me with a copy.
#popsugarreadingchallenge2025 (A book you want to read based on the last sentence)
This was my first Fredrik Backman book — and wow, what a way to start! His writing is so full of heart and honesty. My Friends is one of those stories that quietly builds until you suddenly realise you’re completely invested and feeling all the emotions.
The characters felt so real that I found myself thinking about them long after I finished reading. It didn’t grip me right from the start (that’s the only reason it’s a 9 and not a 10!), but once it did, I couldn’t put it down.
A beautiful, emotional story about friendship, love, and the messy, wonderful parts of being human. I can definitely see why everyone raves about Backman — this won’t be my last!
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