Book Review: Beartown by Fredrik Backman

Very few books bring tears to my eyes. Beartown is now one of those few. Where do I begin?

I LOVED this book. I have heard comparisons being made to my beloved Friday Night Lights, and while I see some similarities, this is a whole other field of play. Like Friday Night Lights the town revolves around a single sport, in this instance, HOCKEY! After reading this book, you will either love or hate the game.

There is a simpleness to the people of Beartown. One that is both refreshing and frustrating. Things are black or white. There are no shades of grey.

Kevin is the star player and the town worships him. Benji is his best friend and protector, both on and off the ice. Maya is the sweet and strong daughter of Peter, the General Manager of the Hockey Club and Kira, the powerful lawyer and mama wolf. Maya and her best friend Ana have a special relationship, the kind we all want and need when we are 15 years old.

This strangely idyllic town is rocked to its core when a scandal occurs involving its beloved star junior hockey team right before the final game of the season. The reactions to the scandal, the sides that are chosen, the secrets kept, will devastate relationships and fortify others. The strength of the youth is phenomenal. The weakness of those who should know better is heartbreaking.

One thing about the people of Beartown, “we may not know right from wrong, but we know good from evil.”

I give Bear Town ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5. I recommend pouring yourself a mug of your favorite winter beverage and cozying up with this book. I am looking forward to reading its sequel, Us Against You.