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Us Against You,
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Susan
Absolutely not. Each of Fredrik Backman's books is a stand alone read. He has written them so well that everything is self-explanatory in each one. I have now read three of them (none in "order") and thoroughly enjoyed each one. Backman is a superb writer!
Lori
I think "Us Against You" is the better book. But you absolutely have to read "Beartown" first or you won't understand a lot of "Us Against You." It is impossible to separate the two, one is a sequel to the other and there are many characters and multiple plotlines you must be familiar with when you open "Us Against You."
Nancy
It will absolutely make reading this book more enjoyable and clearer. Beartown is a better book and you should relish every page.
Roberta
Interesting answers. I loved Beartown and I am currently halfway through Us Against You. I feel it is so redudant, thus far. I would say reading the first Beartown is not necessary because Backman goes out of his way to explain everything. That being said, I would not skip it because it is such a good read. I am hoping the second half picks up on some of that "page turning" style.
K.L.
Read Beartown first - I think it's critical to truly appreciate this book (and by the way - read everything else he's written - it's fantastic)
Mira Lee
I thought this was excellent, and it felt complete -- and I never read Beartown.
Kori
The way Us Against You is written, you do not have to read Beartown to enjoy Us Against You, BUT why wouldn't you want to read Beartown? Both very good books.
J. Dawn Miller
I DID read Us Against You first and no, I don't think it's absolutely necessary. The worst part is I'm struggling to want to read Beartown now because I know how it all ends.
Michele
Yes. It is so good.
Sue
I recommend reading it first. It would be hard to make sense of the second book without the first. Parts of the second are redundant, but
I could read Backman until the cows come home, so it didn't bother me. His characters live and breathe!
I could read Backman until the cows come home, so it didn't bother me. His characters live and breathe!
Igor Neox
It’s a series, how is this even a question? You wouldn’t read “The Two Towers” before “The Fellowship of The Ring”, would you? Why would you even *want* to read “Us Against You” without reading “Beartown”?? Either read all 3 or none 🤷♂️
bluerose
Yes it is absolutely imperative that you read Beartown first in order to fully get the sense of it.
Laura
Can I read The Winners if I have not read Beartown or Us Against You?
Diane
I wish I had known. I should have paid more attention!
Cheryl
I just finished reading both of them and although "Us Against You" can stand on its own I think you would get much more out of the books reading them in order. Lots of characters, lots of plot.
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