I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Backman is definitely one of my favorite authors, and this book is no exception. Beautiful and emotional. Sad and happy. I felt the full range of emotions. I loved all of the character and the storyline.

I just love Backman’s unique writing style and look forward to reading more!

My Selling Pitch:
Beartown but it’s painters instead of hockey players. A modern update on The Outsiders.

Pre-reading:
I love Fredrik Backman but all his books make me cry, and I have not been in the mood to weep, so I've been putting this off and putting it off, but fuck it, we ball. I think this cover is criminally ugly.

(obviously potential spoilers from here on)
Thick of it:
An Easter book, interesting.

If Louisa gets adopted by this rich couple- (We’re safe.)

Don't tell me it’s not gonna have a happy ending! Goddamnit Backman, every time!

That run like a girl trend.

He needs to stop talking about farts.

I'm assuming the artist name is the first initial of them all and the artist is dead and his closeted boyfriend is carrying on trying to keep him alive through his art? (75%ish)

You constantly see people trying to get plastic away from cats. Don’t slander the dogs.

I'm assuming the homeless man is the artist. (Yup.)

You're very mean, Mr. Backman. Stop making me feel things for characters just to hurt them, god!

I have a bad feeling Backman is talking about himself as an artist and it makes me really sad.

Why does the book have to be so SAD!

I’M SO AT WORK AND THIS DUMB BOOK IS GONNA HAVE ME CRYING IN THE CLUB AT THE FRONT DESK!

Okay, so like Ted adopts her. (Basically.)

He always writes a curmudgeon and a hurt young thing dynamic, and it works every time. It always reminds me of Up and it hurts.

It’s like every paragraph ending is designed to hurt you.

SO SAD ALL THE TIME, GOD.

And like you know it’s coming too because it’s Backman style. Any time he makes an innocuous little comment about how someone’s behavior is weird, he’ll follow it up with some trauma porn backstory about where that behavior originated, and it ruins me every time. It’s so sad, but it never feels like a cheap trick. It feels like authentically capturing humanity and the human experience instead of being blissfully ignorant. People don’t operate in a vacuum. Everyone’s got a motive. Backman’s just like everyone should have empathy all the time, and like I totally agree, but fuck, this book is hard to read!

Also like lol hi, autism.

This is just a variation on Beartown, but like lol it hurts.

I hate bathroom humor.

They painted it together and submitted it under their initials?

I can’t tell if that’s a you’re a genius even though you don’t think so or you can count as a boy if that’s how you identify. I think it’s the latter but I’m unsure.

So Joar’s in love with Ali. The artist is in love with Joar. And Ted’s in love with the artist. What a square lol.

His books always make me smile.

You know, I type that, and then the book just exists to hurt me again! Fredrik Backman makes me believe that good men exist. It’s really, really hard to believe that 99% of the time, but he manages it.

But I like critics. I love that quote from Liquid that a critic isn’t a leech but a different kind of storyteller trying to find the truth.

I don’t like babies.

Cackles in Capricorn with an immortality fetish and a pathological fear of pregnancy.

Janitor’s gonna die of an overdose and that’s the second funeral.

Backman invents people just to kill them, and I never learn not to get attached to them in all of a paragraph lol!

The Owl SUCKS.

I think I only want to read books that voluntarily deal with periods.

SO SAD ALL THE TIME!

TED AND THIS MOTHERFUCKING CONDUCTOR BETTER HAPPILY EVER AFTER, I SWEAR TO GOD.

I am a glass of wine deep, but I am reading this book with tears steadily trickling.

He just keeps tossing a little throw-away line, and I’m like wow, I’m literally so sad.

He has to be one of the most feminist writers.

Does this take place in Beartown too??? (I don’t think so.)

I love Donna Tartt.

JUST CONSTANT CRYING. Ted’s brother makes my heart hurt.

This is modern The Outsiders.

The gang is very Stranger Things and It coded. Like they just work.

I really don’t want Ali to be dead.

All women know that.

Daniel Sloss says bad men are like boiling frogs too. (I love him so much.)

I’m assuming he didn’t win the competition.

I don’t love the religious campaign to this book.

Goddamnit, I really didn’t want her to be dead.

Post-reading:
Phenomenal but what else was it going to be?

Fredrik Backman has such a distinctive, deeply humanistic approach to writing, and I feel very lucky to be alive to read his creations.

This does just feel like a quirkier rewrite of Beartown. But I don’t know how you can be mad at that when I feel like after you read Beartown, any contemporary you pick up, you just want it to be that all over again.

If you don’t cry reading this book, your empathy is broken.

The book is funny and bouncy and tragic. Backman is so so so good at balancing humor and horror. It’s immaculately paced.

I could’ve done with fewer fart jokes, but that’s my own personal hangup with bathroom humor. Even then, all his dialogue feels lifted from real life. He writes such complex characters and yet manages to convey that with punchy, relatively sparse prose. You’ll meet someone at the beginning of a paragraph and be in love with them by the end of it. It’s so special, and I don’t know how he does it, but he does it every single time.

My only complaint with the book would be that there was a lot of god talk. It definitely doesn’t force religion down your throat, and it’s got plenty of characters who agree religion is a crock of shit, but there’s definitely a pro god slant to this. I don’t think it’ll ruin any part of the book for you, but you might roll your eyes.

Pick this up when you’re ready to cry and fall in love with humanity. I genuinely believe everyone should have to read this man’s writing. I think the world would be a kinder place.

Who should read this:
Everyone
Stranger Things fans
Up fans

Ideal reading time:
Summer

Do I want to reread this:
Yup.

Would I buy this:
I will buy every Fredrik Backman book.

Similar books:
* The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton-character study, coming of age
* The Names by Florence Knapp-lit fic, character study, family drama
* Betty by Tiffany McDaniel-lit fic, historical, character study, family drama
* We Could Be Rats by Emily Austin-lit fic, unreliable narrator, character study, queer, mental health
* Greta and Valdin by Rebecca K. Reilly-lit fic, character study, family drama, queer romance
* Shark Heart by Emily Habeck-lit fic, magical realism, dystopian, degenerative disease horror, character study, family drama

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was really unique and like nothing I have ever read. I really liked this and the dynamic between Louisa and Ted! I also loved that even though the author is a man, he created characters that are aware of the faults men have in regard to the treatment of women. Overall this was such a good read and was a real tearjerker at times!

My favorite read of the year. I mean, does Fredrik ever miss?! I'll admit, I was skeptical about this one for quite a bit of the reading. Then something turned, and suddenly I was so invested in these young characters. AND THE ENDING.... ahhhhh. My heart hurt in a good way. Cannot recommend enough

My Friends is an emotional and introspective story that explores grief, memory, and the bonds that carry us through life’s most difficult moments. This was my first time reading Fredrik Backman, and while the story ultimately resonated with me, the slow pacing at the beginning made it difficult to get fully engaged early on. I can imagine some readers might struggle to push through the opening chapters; however, those who do will be rewarded with a beautifully layered narrative.

I especially appreciated the train setting, which serves as both a physical space and a powerful metaphor for transition, movement, and reflection. Ted was the standout character for me—nuanced, vulnerable, and deeply human. I didn’t connect as strongly with Louisa, but that felt more like a matter of personal preference than a shortcoming of the novel.

Despite a rocky start, My Friends left me wanting to explore more of Backman’s work. His sensitivity to the emotional complexity of his characters is something I’ll definitely return for. Overall, this is a 4/5 for me. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this title. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Fredrik Backman returns with an unforgettably funny, deeply moving tale of four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a complete stranger’s life twenty-five years later.

Another amazing story by Fredrik Backman. This might be my favourite one yet!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

“I love you and I trust you”

My Friends was my first Fredrik Backman book and it did not disappoint! This book tells the story of four teenage friends whose friendship and memories made creates a bond so powerful that it changes a strangers life 25 years later. This story is told from the perspective of Louisa, a teenage girl mourning the loss of her best friend and Ted, a former teacher whose life becomes intertwined with Louisa’s.

This story is beautiful. I highlighted so many quotes, it would be impossible to pick a favorite. Backman has a unique writing style and way of telling stories that made me feel every emotion throughout this book. I miss all of the characters already and can’t wait to re-read. This is the perfect summer book and I think everybody should read it!

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this arc*

Backman is one of my favorite authors so I was hoping for a 5-star read but it did fall a little flat for me. The length of the book coupled with so. many. metaphors just started to wear on me. I'm glad I stuck it out though because the story is beautiful and I did find myself smiling throughout.

I don't think I'd recommend this as the first read for anyone new to Backman, but those who have already decided they "get" his writing should enjoy it!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Frederik Backman is currently one of my favorite writers. This new book was another winner for me. I loved all the characters. With every page I just wanted to know more of the back story and couldn't wait to find out how it would end. Once again he delivers a page turning emotional roller coaster. He writes flawed, multidimensional characters better than just about anybody today. I loved this book!

My Friends is an amazing journey of life's ups and downs - friendship, family, abuse, love, happiness, grief - and so much more. I alternately cried/sobbed and laughed my way through the entire book. I highlighted the heck out of this book! Trust me when I tell you that there is probably a topic in this story that you will relate to. Fredrik Backman is an amazing writer. He finds unusual yet entirely realistic, flawed characters and makes them the messenger for life's greatest lessons. The book starts off with Louisa in a church that is actually an art exhibition. When Louisa is chased out of the church she meets a homeless man who is not actually homeless and their chance meeting changes her life when his friend gives her a work of art. I can picture this painting in my mind, and with it I have such warm feelings of love and happiness that if I were to find it in a museum some day I would want to spend my day staring at it in order to take in all of its wisdom. But I digress. Louisa embarks on a journey where she learns all about the painting and a lifetime of stories that go with it. I absolutely loved all of the characters in this book. The title couldn't be any more appropriate as I want them all to be MY friends. I want to know them and call them my own. I want to be one of them. There needs to be more stars for a story like this.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the DRC in exchange for my honest review.

I am utterly speechless! This book was everything! Every single word this author writes is magic! A must must must read for everyone regardless of what Genre you like, this is a must for everyone!

Fredrik has done it again! I have yet to not fall completely in love with his work. He has this remarkable way of telling a full, emotionally rich story while still leaving just enough unsaid to keep you totally engaged. His characters feel so real. You don’t just read about them, you feel them. I found myself laughing, tearing up, and completely swept away. It’s heartbreaking, devastating, funny, hopeful and I had to talk about it. I want everyone to feel this feeling. This might just be my new favorite of his!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my honest reviews. This was truly a joy to read.

There’s no doubt that Fredrik Backman is an outstanding writer whose stories are heartfelt and evocative. His character development rivals no other and the plot is refreshingly unique. On a personal level, it is hard for me to read something so raw and real. I don’t like to feel emotional when I’m reading and that’s probably why my genre of choice is psychological thrillers. With that said, I appreciate Backman’s artistic talent and know this will be a huge hit and popular with book clubs. There is a lot to reflect upon and discuss.

I love Fredrik Backman so much. I've read all of his books and this is one of my favorite. Even though it ripped my heart out and tore it to shreds at times. There are not enough stars for this one.

Fredrik Backman is one of my favorite authors, and I’ve been looking forward to reading his latest for a long time. Huge thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC. As we all know, this one is already available—and yes, I am absolutely terrible at keeping up with my NetGalley approvals. (Which is probably why I get rejected for so many. Fair.)

I actually started this because it was our July book club pick, and I wanted to be able to join in the conversation. Backman has such a distinct and beautiful writing style. I don’t think I’ve ever read one of his books I didn’t enjoy. Sure, I like some more than others, but I’m obsessed with his quirky characters and the way he builds their relationships. He’s a master of character development.

This one started a little slower than I typically prefer, but within the pages is a story full of friendship, loyalty, laughter, and art.

My only complaint? It was a bit too long, which is the only reason it didn’t get five stars from me. Still—this is a book I think many will enjoy.

Incredible storytelling as per usual. Just a truly wonderful reading experience. Emotional & heavy with an undertone of humor that just really speaks to the soul. Fredrik Backman can do no wrong honestly.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

An absolutely stunning read, emotional and gut wrenching in the best possible way. The story was told in really interesting way with Ted recounting his childhood to Lousia. So many interesting characters and little moments that felt huge. Fredrik Backman has really cornered the market on writing stories that are full of imperfect humans. This book deserves more than 5 stars.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.

I have read multiple books by Backman up to this point and unfortunately this one was my least favorite. The story was not very captivating and I had a really hard time maintaining interest before eventually deciding to DNF.

This is the first book I’ve read by Frederik Bachman and I really enjoyed it. I love that it wasn’t a mystery or a romance or any other genre - it was just a book about life. I like how Louisa was able to uncover the stories of the teenagers in the painting. Although it was sad at times, it was still interesting, refreshing and uplifting.