I LOVED THIS BOOK! I have to say that this has been one of the best books I have read in a long time. I binged on reading this book. I could not wait to find out what happened next. My emotions were on a rollercoaster the whole time!

I have only read one other book written by Fredrik Backman, "A Man Called Ove" (which I loved too but not as much as "Beartown"). I have to agree with other reviewers of "Beartown", that it is a complete departure from the writing in "A Man Called Ove".

In "Beartown", you are introduced to a small dark town (where winter seems eternal) in Sweden and its cast of characters with nothing positive going for it but the love of hockey and the local kids' team. Hockey is everything in this town (very similar to football in Texas) and becomes an obsession for those kids who are currently playing on the team, adults who used to play or were tied to hockey in some way or another, and the spouses & other kids who understood the power of hockey.

In the first chapter, you already know "a teenager picked up a double-barreled shotgun, walked into the forest, put the gun to someone else's forehead, and pulled the trigger". This intriguing beginning had me hooked from the start because OF COURSE, I HAVE to find out what happened.

The first half of the book provides alternating stories to introduce you to the many characters who are involved in creating the drama of the hockey team going to the semi-finals. The back stories on everyone are very helpful and well written to get an understanding of the mechanics of the town and the people.

However, after the semi-final match, a violent sexual act to a young woman divides the town on very important issues regarding loyalty, friendship, sportsmanship, etc. The ending was amazing as it gave you a conclusion to some of the main characters...however, it left you hanging on for more information regarding others.

Oh Benji, what happened to you?? You were one of my favorite characters...there are hints but it could have gone several different ways.