Us Against You (Beartown #2) by Fredrik Backman--Restarting October 3rd 2021

[Dr. Andy]

After everything that the citizens of Beartown have gone through, they are struck yet another blow when they hear that their beloved local hockey team will soon be disbanded. What makes it worse is the obvious satisfaction that all the former Beartown players, who now play for a rival team in Hed, take in that fact. Amidst the mounting tension between the two rivals, a surprising newcomer is handpicked to be Beartown’s new hockey coach.

Soon a new team starts to take shape around Amat, the fastest player you’ll ever see; Benji, the intense lone wolf; and Vidar, a born-to-be-bad troublemaker. But bringing this team together proves to be a challenge as old bonds are broken, new ones are formed, and the enmity with Hed grows more and more acute.

As the big match approaches, the not-so-innocent pranks and incidents between the communities pile up and their mutual contempt grows deeper. By the time the last game is finally played, a resident of Beartown will be dead, and the people of both towns will be forced to wonder if, after all they’ve been through, the game they love can ever return to something simple and innocent.

[Dr. Andy]

I'll be a couple days late!

[Jenn]

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Date changed. Restarting October 3rd 2021. Happy Reading ☺

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[Eesh]

Hey, I'm trying to finish a book before I start this one. So I'll join you in a few days, if that's okay.

[Robin P]

Read till Page 90 (view spoiler)[

Hey, I hope you got the time to start the book! Backman does it always in his own way. The beginning was ominous. I do not sense good things happening in this book so while I am reading, I am trying to mentally prepare myself for worse things to come.

So three things

1. New characters! As much as I like the old characters, it's good to see new names although I don't fancy any of them. Or maybe I am judging them too early? I don't know what to think of them. So far, the story has been just one thing- The club is going down, a new politician has come and everyone is distraught over the dissolution of the club. I did not find anything else striking apart from that. I don't know if it is just me but it feels like things are unfolding very slowly here. I finished My Gradmother asked me to tell you she is sorry just before I started this one. The pace of that book was a tad slow in the beginning, but because everything was new, I did not mind the pace that much. Here, even after reading 90 pages, I don't feel like the story has progressed. Even the new characters feel quite distant.

2. Kira and Peter. I can't bear to see them separated. I just can't. If they end up getting divorced, it is going to break my heart. I love the chemistry between these two so much as it is so ordinary and beautiful. Backman does a very good job of representing Kira's thought process. She reminds me a little bit of Parvaneh from A Man Called Ove. Parvaneh is one of my most favourite characters. And Kira's demeanour and attitude are akin to hers. I find Peter disillusioned and annoying in this book. In Beartwon, I developed a soft spot for him but in this one, I find him extremely selfish. His character is also in a way reflective of how some of us try to justify the insane desire behind pursuing our ambitions in the name of providing for our family or 'doing it for you'. Isn't it ironical that they very thing we think will give our families or our loved ones most comfort tends take them away from us? I totally empathise with Kira's frustrations. 20 years, moving for your husband who is unwilling to do make any compromise for her. But then...I also try to think from Peter's perspective. What would he do if not pursue Ice Hockey? That aspect of his life is so integral to his identity...he believes he cannot exist without it but will he pursue it at the cost of his family...

3. What do you think about Benji? I understand him, but he is a trouble-monger. He tries so hard to fit into the stereotype people have created about him. I read this in psychology somewhere...something iabout how long-held stereotypes about groups or individuals may compel some individuals to act in the way and confirm what people think of them. I am forgetting the term for that...but Benji's behaviour is so similar to that prejudice-affirming behaviour. I wish someone could look at him differently. He has been through such a hard time... he needs a friend. most of all.

(hide spoiler)]

[Eesh]

Chapter 7
(view spoiler)[There's almost a feeling of dread when it comes to reading this book, because of how heavy and sad this series is. But the introduction of this mysterious stranger helps to alleviate some tension. (hide spoiler)]