A Man Called Ove - Frederik Backman, 5 Stars and ♡

[Sara]

I resisted reading this book despite numerous glowing reviews from readers whose opinions I trust. I mean how many books about grumpy but loveable old men can you read and not find that it is the same story, different cover. When my sister told me I had to read it, that it was like reading about our father, I bought the book, but I put it off for nearly two months. And then I got it. I got why of all the reviews written by my friends there isn't a single one that give this book less than four stars.

Throughout the book I found myself alternately laughing and crying. Ove's cynicism and gruff demeanor are at the very core of who he is, yet as you continue to read the book his layers are peeled away and his story revealed. By the end of the book you come to love and admire him as much as Sonja, Parvaneh, Jimmy, Cat Annoyance, and a whole cast of characters. You see Ove is not at all who he presents himself to be. He is a man who believes that right is right, that you don't tell tales about others, a man to be relied upon. A man whose heart is too big.

I cried for the last 30 pages. These weren't just the occassional tears either. It was full blown convulsive, ugly crying. Some of them, maybe most were sad, but they were mixed with tears of joy and humor. Backman is a master at slowly building emotion, at creating believable characters, and unparalleled wit. I know that he has written other books, but I cannot imagine that they can hold a candle to Ove. This book is destined to be one of, if not the best book I have read in 2016. If like me, you have hesitated to read this book, I am here to tell you that it is every bit as good as everyone says it is.

[Susie]

I'm so glad you loved it. I too was a blubbering mess at the end. What a wonderful character.

[Amy]

I too resist reading books that everyone thinks are wonderful, and found myself agreeing with everybody about how great it was. One thing to note, since joining Goodreads and PBT, I am giving higher ratings. I think that's because I am reading more books with higher recommendations from friends of similar tastes. So yes my TBR list has grown more diverse, and far too large to manage, but I haven't read a bad book in awhile. I think Anita or someone said something similar recently - that a group like this ends up directing you well. I am now interested in her other two, and according to our coterie of friends, they are purported to be just as good.

[Ellen]

This is a book we agree on Sara! Loved it too.

[Nicole R]

Add this to the list of books we agree on, Evil Book Twin!

[Ladyslott]

I loved this book too. I did not like My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry at all, but I did enjoy Britt-Marie Was Here - though not as much as Ove.

[Regina Lindsey]

I've had this on my TBR for a while but have just never picked it up. But, I love a book that can make me cry. Bumping it up now.

[Denizen]

Regina wrote: "I've had this on my TBR for a while but have just never picked it up. But, I love a book that can make me cry. Bumping it up now."

Laugh and cry - does it get any better than that?

[Karin]

Ladyslott wrote: "I loved this book too. I did not like My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry at all, but I did enjoy Britt-Marie Was Here - though not as much as Ove."

I LOVED My Grandmother Asked me to Tell You She's Sorry, which I read before Ove. Very different story and protagonist, but if you read one expecting the other, you will be very disappointed. It took me a long time to get into Ove after reading the Grandmother one first.