My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry in Around the World in 80 Books

Jan 17, 2019 Sera rated it liked it

Shelves: literary-fiction, library, 2019-translations

Nothing that I read thus far in 2019 has blown me away, and I was really hoping that this book would be the first one, but unfortunately, it wasn't. Backman has become one of my favorite writers, but this book lacked the genius of Beartown or A Man Called Ove. It's very unique in its own right, but I just couldn't get it into the way in which I have with his other books. Even so, it's a good read, and I can see how Backman tied different pieces of the story-line together that he was masterful at ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Aug 24, 2018 Jillian rated it it was amazing

This is one of the most beautiful books I read...maybe ever. It is so endearing, so true to childhood, and filled with the whimsy, love, and passion that only an amazing grandmother (and I’ve had the privilege of having one) can inspire in her granddaughter. This author is now on my I-will-read-anything-you-write list. He is a gem. Never have I found someone who can write magic, emotion, and relationships this beautifully.

3 likes · Like · see review

Apr 06, 2019 Ann rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2019-atw-80, 2019-aty-52

Backman's superpower is reminding me not to judge a person on first impressions. This was a lovely read. My copy has around 20 highlight flags. I was happily crying during the last three or more chapters.

100 points to Gryffindor for the Harry Potter references! ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Oct 02, 2018 Sarah rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle

I think Fredrik Backman is becoming one of my favorite authors. This book started out slowly but ended up touching my heart. I can’t think of a less cheesy way to say that, but that’s what it did.

2 likes · Like · see review

Mar 19, 2018 Katie rated it really liked it

Shelves: ___europe, male-author, book-club, fairy-tales, translated

I enjoyed this book. The characters were endearing and I always like books where you gradually learn to understand characters and understand why they are how they are.

I read this for the book club I facilitate at the library, and was quite surprised that this was one of the most controversial books that we have read. Several members who typically like everything we read were not impressed.

Also, this book made me like Harry Potter even more, if that is possible.

Like · see review

Aug 06, 2015 Whittney rated it it was amazing

This was a fantastic read! It's an urban fairy tale, an adventure, a drama, comedy, and so much more than that . Maybe I can explain better after my puffy cry eyes go away and I've had time to digest a bit. ...more

Like · see review