Fredrik Backman does it again! This is a story about friendship, coming of age, grief, abuse and is tied together with humour. The writing was lyrical and made me pause to digest it multiple times. Backman has a way of bringing his characters to life and making the reader feel compassion for them. This book didn’t have as big of an emotional impact as some of his novels did for me. I personally wasn’t able to connect as deeply with these characters. Thank you for the arc!

4.5/5

Ugh why does this author ALWAYS make me feel such a range of complicated emotions on such a grand scale????

For real though... Fredrik Backman is one of my absolute favorite authors so I know this review will be slightly biased and frankly I don't care because he deserves all the accolades for his ability to write and express emotion.

The story starts in typical fashion of some repetitive scenes from different POV to set the emotional groundwork and connections between characters. I would say because this story takes place in different timelines the setup is longer but once the story kicks off you are already so invested in the characters and their inner feelings that it makes the situations the characters find themselves in a roller coaster ride.

Imagine present timeline is "My Dinner with Andre" and the past timeline is "Stand By Me".

That being said, I thought at certain points I knew how the story would end, but again, as I usually am, I am surprised to see different outcomes. This story, though it deals with heavy topics of grief, alcoholism, addiction, abuse, complicated relationships, and death, is done in a way that feels respectful to victims. BE AWARE OF TRIGGER WARNINGS. Some scenes are graphic.

We never know exactly where the story takes place (city/country), but I felt that not knowing that detail allowed me to connect my own memories and experiences to different parts of the world. And not knowing where Ted or Louisa immigrated from allowed for empathy to be the main focus instead of biases. I appreciate being allowed to see people as their sum of their hearts, memories, and experiences rather than where they came from.

I have worked with foster youth, mental health, and social work for years now. Reading Louisa's experiences and behaviors, while frustrating, is pretty accurate for traumatic responses. Every time she started to trust or to believe in more in her life, my social work heart cried for happiness for her journey. What made this book so special to me is that each character is seen a whole and their growth is from love and support. We need more belief in people in the world that they will do the best that they are able and with care and love.

This book felt hopeful and nostalgic in one. It has given me motivation and excitement to hear more about my family and friends lives.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for an E-ARC of this heartwarming, gut wrenching, hopeful story.

I wasn't sure how I felt about this book, but I could not put it down. This is a story of hope and nostalgia! A story of old friends and new friends.I will definitely recommend this book and I won't forget it any time soon.

Fredrik Backman's My Friends is a heartwarming and humorous story about the enduring power of friendship. The novel follows four quirky, relatable teens as they navigate life's challenges and find solace in their bond. Backman's beautiful and poetic writing explores themes of love, loyalty, and the impact of childhood experiences. While the plot may feel predictable at times, the ending offers a surprising and touching resolution. This is a must-read for Backman fans and anyone who appreciates stories about the beauty of human connection. I received a copy of this book for review purposes.

This is a story of four teenage friends and their bond. It is so strong that 25 years later is completely changes the life of Louisa. A painting, done by one of the teenagers is unexpectedly given to Louisa. She goes on a journey to learn how the painting was created and what she should do with it. A true testimony to the power of friendship.

“The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing…not healing, not curing…that is a friend who cares.” – Henri Nouwen

“My Friends” is a book you wish you could read all over again so you can laugh, tear up, and be absolutely shocked when you read the ending. I can safely say that I was not expecting what Fredrik Backman had written in this book, but it’s an expectation that I am glad wasn’t met. This is my first time reading his book, and now I know why his books are so hyped up. And I’m so happy his writing lives up to the hype because–boy, oh, boy,--this story was so raw and beautiful.

The characters were so dadgum funny and so real. I was rooting for every single one them, hoping that each one had a happy ending to their story because, good Lord, they had rough lives. Louisa won me over with her sarcasm, bluntness, and kind heart. Ted’s shyness and longing to be left alone while being so loyal to those he loves is admirable. Joar’s readiness to defend those he loved even when it meant leaving him battered and broken brought a tear to my eye. Ali was a real firecracker and a true fighter but a great friend who brought laughter to the lives of her friends. And then there’s the artist. I resonated a lot with him. The self-doubt and inability to find worth in yourself that leads to self-hatred is heartbreaking. But he found joy in his art and his friends saw that. There is nothing more precious in this world than loving friends who would risk everything to get you where you need to be.

The plot, I thought, was predictable, but in the end, I was so surprised at how things panned out. I’m not going to spoil it by saying if it was good or bad, but I will say that it touched my heart. Backman’s writing is literally so beautiful and poetic. I was nodding and tearing up when the narrator would express why humans do what they do and how the way we treat children follows them into adulthood. The theme of friendship, love, and trust was so wholesome and it made me all the more grateful for the friends and family that I have who are there for me and I them. This book will definitely make you reflect on life and how we treat others. As Plato said, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.”

There are trigger warnings in this book, so keep that in mind.

All in all, I think this is a great book and I recommend it if you love Backman’s works or if you have yet to read any of his books. I will definitely be reading his other books because wow. He can really write.

I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and statements are my own.

another home run for fredrik backman and i can’t wait to see what he does next. as always, i laughed, i cried, i furrowed my brow, and i gasped.

TL;DR: I’m torn between a 3 and a 4 on this one. It was a good read overall, with parts I truly loved, but the parts I didn’t enjoy, I REALLY didn’t enjoy. I still believe it is worth a read for it's good parts.

This is a story about art—both its creation and consumption —as well as friendship, love, trust and grief.

I enjoyed the portrayal of the teenagers and their family dynamics, each challenging in its own way but layered and nuanced rather than black-and-white. The teenagers felt realistic. I also appreciated how, amidst the bleakness of their lives, there was light and hope woven through the story.

That said, I felt the author sometimes exaggerated the contrasts: some bad events were a bit too dark, while some good moments were overly sweet (especially close to the ending).

I didn’t love how the first half dragged, with long, detailed descriptions of the characters’ feelings while little actually happened. Additionally, the teenage characters seemed to have hardly grown 25 years later, behaving much the same as they did in their youth.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Fredrik Backman never fails to give me a book hangover. This story was so beautiful and masterfully written. Utter perfection

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. Backman is one of my favorite authors. He is a brilliant storyteller. He sucks you in from the start and makes you really fall in love with his characters.

Prepare for an engaging and heartwarming narrative in this novel that follows the lives of four teenagers and their enduring friendship, which ultimately transforms a stranger's life twenty-five years later.

The author skillfully portrays a group of misunderstood teens who, despite facing various struggles, find comfort and solace in each other's company at the end of a pier. Utilizing the healing power of art, they embark on a journey to piece their lives back together, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.

This story explores several essential themes, including:

- The complexities of parenting and the joy it can bring
- The fragility and unpredictability of life
- The serendipitous moments that shape individual journeys
- The distinction between cherished memories and those that fade
- The belief that access to great art should be available to everyone
- The bittersweet passage of time and its impact on significant moments
- The beauty that exists around us, which often goes unnoticed
- The pursuit of inspiration in everyday life
- The true definition of success in a competitive world
- Common misconceptions regarding wealth and poverty

The narrative illustrates how a simple act of kindness can create lasting effects over time and highlights the therapeutic benefits of art as well as the lifelong support that childhood friendships can provide. This book is a valuable addition to any reading list. It offers profound insights through its characters Joar, Ted, and Ali, encouraging readers to reflect on life from a different perspective.

Fredrik Backman’s writing captivated me during my first reading experience, and I can confidently say it won't be my last. He demonstrates a remarkable ability to provoke thoughtful reflection on how one might react when faced with difficult circumstances. The characters in his story are not only relatable and likeable but also realistic, which makes the narrative particularly engaging. This book would be an excellent choice for book clubs,
sparking meaningful discussions and connections among readers.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing an e-arc of this inspiring read in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book absolutely needs to be made into a movie.....which I will never like as much as the book...but everyone needs to experience this novel. I love each of the characters...they were real and relatable. Their stories were told with so much interweaving and grace. Flawed heroes every single one.

I really enjoyed this book, even slowing down a bit so that it would last longer. There were so many times that I laughed, many of them about things Louisa said or did. Like many others, I highlighted so many passages with great observations or meanings, although I didn't agree with all of them.
That being said, at times it felt a bit overwritten, and often I made wrong assumptions, being led on by Backman; I guess that's one thing you learn from reading his books, that you should pay close attention and not jump to a conclusion. I was a little confused about Joar's mom because she was portrayed several different ways.
An interesting thing to think about for this book: who would you say is the main character? Why?
Note: I received this eBook as an ARC from NetGalley.

No matter what I say, I know I won't have the words to do this one justice. I won't lie - this was one I put down and picked up a few times before truly immersing myself. It's a slow burn, but once you start really diving into the characters' backgrounds, it's impossible to stop. I'm typically a thriller reader, so this was a big change of pace - there isn't a ton of "action" per say, but DANG does Backman know how to create good character development and make you forget they aren't real people. This story was so sad in a beautiful way and came together perfectly back at the museum. Thank you so much for the ARC - this is one I'll be thinking about for a long time.

Another winner from Backman. I pretty much think, at this point, that Fredrick has become one of those authors that I will automatically read and I don't even have to know what it's about..he's just that brilliant. This was a beautiful story.

This was absolutely wonderful. Derrick Backman can do no wrong in my eyes. I was attached to every character and felt all the feelings. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me this arc.

Thank you Atria books for the free ARC of my friends by Fredrik Backman!

My Friends by Fredrik Backman is a heartfelt exploration of the bonds that shape us and the art that emerges from our deepest struggles. The story begins with Louisa, a young artist, who discovers a mysterious painting featuring three small, almost overlooked figures on a pier. Intrigued by their story, Louisa embarks on a journey to uncover their identities, delving into a past shaped by loss, friendship, and the transformative power of creativity.

Backman’s writing captures the beauty of fleeting moments, the complexity of youthful friendships, and the quiet significance of art in understanding ourselves. Through the lens of four teenagers—Joar, Ted, Ali, and the unnamed artist—Backman masterfully weaves a narrative about how art and connection provide solace in the face of adversity. These characters, each struggling with their own personal demons, find refuge in their shared moments on the pier, creating a painting that serves as a testament to their bond.

At its heart, My Friends is a celebration of the unexpected, of how relationships and art can shape our futures in ways we never imagined. With his characteristic warmth and empathy, Backman reminds us that, even in our darkest times, the people we choose to surround ourselves with can light the way.

One group. Four friends. They have all experienced more sadness than any teenager ever should. Twenty-five years later, a girl who has possibly experienced the same amount of sadness will learn the history of these friends. Her obsession with a famous painting—by one of the dynamic four—leads her down a path she could have never imagined.

He’s done it again! Fredrik’s signature wit and quirky humor run rampant on the pages of his latest novel, making you laugh out loud as he simultaneously breaks your heart. I will admit I was a little disoriented while reading the first half of this book. I wasn’t quite sure if these characters would ever actually grow on me. They felt more like strangers that I wished well, but would never lose sleep over. Somewhere along the way Fredrik was able to shift things around and grab me like so few authors can with their storytelling. This is yet another story by this author that I will think about for a very long time.

Rating: 4.5

I don't think there is an author out there who writes characters as well as Backman. Within the first few chapters you feel as though you know these people. Louisa instantly felt like a friend you want to hug and protect. As always, this book captures what it is to be a human and the beauty and messiness of friendship. 10/10. Perfection

Just a word of thanks to both Atria Publishing, as well as netgalley.com, for an advanced reading copy of this novel in exchange for my honest thoughts about the novel.

4.5 stars

I have read most of Fredrik Backman's novels. He is a n author who, I know, will make me laugh and cry within the same novel. He does it again with "My Friends.".

"My Friends" is the account of of a wonderful, as well as sad, summer of four friends - Ted, Ali, Joar, and the artist. What an eventful summer it was for them! Backman does what, I've enjoyed, he usually does to the reader - he tells us of the difficulties in each of these young people's lives, and how they intertwined with one another. Backman peppers in some humor during the novel, while discussing major issues such as loss of a parent to cancer, as well as domestic assault.

The novel hits on a piece of art - of the friends on a pier laughing in front of the sea - and how that painting is so important to a young girl, Louisa, that she ultimately meets the painter, as well as his close friend, Ted. We follow the journey of Ted and Louisa and hear about that summer that the painting was made. All the while, Backman gives us the emotional "highs and lows" he is so good at doing.

I really enjoyed this novel. If you need an emotional "pick me up" - even if it causes you to shed a few tears - read this. It is definitely good for the soul.