From the Bookshelf of Diversity in All Forms!…

A Man Called Ove

Fredrik Backman

Start date: July 1, 2017

Finish date: July 31, 2017

Discussion: Monthly Group Reads

Why we're reading this: July's topic/theme is Ageism

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman…more
[close] July's topic/theme is Ageism

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

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What Members Thought

May 12, 2016 Mariah Roze rated it really liked it

Shelves: diversity-in-all-forms-book-club

I read this book for my hometown book club!

About halfway through the book... It was good and had some funny parts… but I was a little disappointed. Everyone else LOVED it and was giving it 5 stars… but I was just not loving it. It was okay (3 stars) but nothing special. Well, this was because the main character was an extremely grumpy old man and the only way to sympathize with him was to feel bad about his childhood and past.

BUT the second half of the book was AWESOME! You realize that the guy ...more

73 likes · Like · see review

Jun 12, 2016 *TANYA* rated it it was amazing

Shelves: own-it, all-time-fav

FANTASTIC BOOK!! This was so endearing!! I absolutely loved. A must read. You can't help loving Ove and all his quirks!!! ...more

54 likes · Like · see review

Mar 17, 2020 Melania 🍒 rated it it was ok

2|5 👴🏻 2020 TBR

Pfff I’m so happy this is over, I was this close 🤏🏽 to dnf’ing it

17 likes · Like · see review

Feb 04, 2018 Shay rated it it was amazing

Shelves: my-precious, reviewed, shelved, 2018

If you want to know what a more realistic version of Disney Pixar's up would be like then you've come upon the correct book! Ok, I'm only kinda joking. It seriously reminded me of Up! Happy feelings and all.

Hilarity ensues as generations collide in this heartwarming tale. Embrace Ove in his steadfast ways and enjoy as the mundane tasks of the newer generations fight with the standing of Ove's defiant morals. Prepare to laugh at Ove's entertaining insight on people and complimentary inner dialog. If you want to know what a more realistic version of Disney Pixar's up would be like then you've come upon the correct book! Ok, I'm only kinda joking. It seriously reminded me of Up! Happy feelings and all.

Hilarity ensues as generations collide in this heartwarming tale. Embrace Ove in his steadfast ways and enjoy as the mundane tasks of the newer generations fight with the standing of Ove's defiant morals. Prepare to laugh at Ove's entertaining insight on people and complimentary inner dialog. Such things as paying to park and purchasing a computer go beyond the bounds of classic humor as, to Ove, these are clearly ways to gouge money out of citizens. Experience the joys of assisting others as Ove grudgingly commits to aiding those around him. Most importantly though, listen to the lasting messages of reaching out to others, friendship, and love despite the walls people put up around them.

Ove, an elderly man of strong character and even stronger opinions becomes bombarded with the changing world as the pesky neighbors, who just moved in and clearly know nothing, decide to be friendly and like him for whatever reason. While Ove struggles to complete his last task he keeps getting interrupted by the lives of others - others who seem to need Ove's guidance and expertise more then they know! As he becomes more involved with those around him he starts to find reasons to stay.

In my humbled opinion this is a book you don't want to miss! I sincerely wish I had picked this book up sooner. I didn't know how much it would charm it's way into my life. Unfortunately I am one of the skeptics when it comes to the "best seller" or rather popular reading material that simply everyone MUST READ. Too many times have books fallen flat for me despite the hype.
Regardless though, I 100% loved this book and have recommended it to everyone I have come across. There is just something so satisfying about reading this novel. Maybe it's because I can relate with Ove's plight and overall experience. Maybe it's because I just couldn't stop laughing. Maybe it's because the experiences in the story are so rich in emotion, but not the kind you'd expect. Maybe it's all of these and more. I just know that this has become one of my all time favorite books and i'll probably keep bugging people to read it for many years to come.

You've all been warned. Now go give it a read before I have to insist on the bugging commencing. ^_^ ...more

8 likes · Like · see review

Mar 08, 2019 Gisela Hafezparast rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Through lots of coincidences of birthday and Christmas presents which meant I have read all the other Fredrik Backman books before the first one, i.e. this one, I was getting quite anxious that somehow this first book from what is now definitely one of my favourite authors would be disappointing. Should not have worried. Ove enchanted me from page 1, especially because in so many ways he reminds me of my dad, but because like all of Backman's books this book depicts the good and the bad of Swedi ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Apr 14, 2017 Marcela rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, fiction

Wow. I absolutely love, LOVED this book. What an outstanding book! I started reading this book not knowing much about it other than it was about a grumpy old man and recommended by Goodreads. I am so glad I followed this recommendation! I was quickly hooked with Backman's remarkable story-telling talent and humor. The main character, Ove, became so real from the very beginning and likable in a very unconventional way as one starts to learn about his life growing up. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ...more

2 likes · Like · see review