::raises hand:: I’m 50% in and I’m done, will not finish. Same thing with The Song of Achilles at 25%. Now I’m reading All the Ugly and Wonderful and it sucked me in right away.
Same here ! But I’m planning on finishing it … I had to call the library to extend the time for me to keep it…. usually I finish a book in 2 days …….i started reading it two days ago and two days later I’m still on page 22 lol… I’m blaming it on the kids being off school
I found the characters fascinating and loved the book. I think it’s one of those books people either really dislike or love. I loved it but I’ve seen tons of posts from others that did not.
Finished it 2 days ago, after all the accolades from this group. I picked it up after finishing “A Gentleman in Moscow” (another read I picked up from you guys!) – very different pace & style.
The first couple chapters seemed rather basic & predictable after “A Gentleman in Moscow”, but it grabbed me not long after that. A simple story that tugged at the emotions & tapped into those inner thoughts that sometimes ponder in our minds, of what might be going on in someone else’s life. All those people that you might only have the smallest of relationships with – a neighbour, a grocery store attendant, someone you met at work, how complex we all are beyond the surface… & a reminder of how seldom we scratch beyond that surface with most people.
I said The Stand was my favorite SK book, but what I didn’t say is that not only have I read it at least five times, I’m now listening to it on Audible, and what a BARGAIN that was! As you know, the book is enormous, so the Audible book is over 20 hours. I’m enjoying it so much!
I didn’t like the book, nor did I like the other author’s books. The writing style feels stunted and limited and the characters are annoyingly one-dimensional.
I’ve tried a few times and can’t get into but I will give it another try. Even on audio I couldn’t keep my mind on the book. I want to like it. I’ve enjoyed so many other Swedish authors I feel like I will love Ove if I read it at just the right time.
Nope. And I was just thinking about putting it aside and starting something else. But I always feel guilty when I do that. I don’t know why. Maybe I will give it another try.
It took me a while to get into it. My co-worker told me to stick with it. I’m glad I did.
::raises hand:: I’m 50% in and I’m done, will not finish. Same thing with The Song of Achilles at 25%. Now I’m reading All the Ugly and Wonderful and it sucked me in right away.
Took me awhile but once I did it was a great book
Nope
Hated it, wished I had not finished. I tried Grandmother too and DNF that. His writing just isn’t for me!
25% in I was meh —
50% in I thought this is a bit better —
75% in and I was hooked.
I was glad I read it.
I abandoned it. I felt like the author was trying so hard to create quirky characters that they became caricatures.
to each his own, I for one loved it
Loved it.
The first half is drawn out
Nope couldn’t finish.
I loved it but it was a slow start
I loved it, but ironically, I just posted that I’m not liking one of his other books at all.
I tried so hard, but it just didn’t happen for me.
No—I couldn’t read it but his book Beartown was good.
I couldn’t get into it either.
One of my very, very favorite books!!
As I said, I loved it, but I could not get into My Grandmother—what’s the rest of the name of the book!? I’m going to try again
I tried after I saw all the praise for it here, but it wasn’t for me.
Thought it was OK. I did like the ending and the story but I wouldn’t say its one of the best books. I love books that leave me wrecked. This didn’t.
It took me a while to “get into it” but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. I loved it. I have recommended to everyone.
I’m having a hard time myself
Don’t give up on it . . . It really is a good story . . . he truly is frustrating but…welll, hopefully you’ll see . . .
Yup, almost as bad as Bear Town…almost ?
I loved it
I was hooked from the beginning. I’m older and felt I had many of the same feelings he did. I did enjoy it the more I read though❤️???
Same here ! But I’m planning on finishing it … I had to call the library to extend the time for me to keep it…. usually I finish a book in 2 days …….i started reading it two days ago and two days later I’m still on page 22 lol… I’m blaming it on the kids being off school
Loved it. Starts a little slow but well worth the journey to the end.
Yes you might be! I loved it. It does take a while to build. That’s the authors style but so worth it in the end.
I think there are a few of us.
And do read his other two also . . . he writes different that what I’m used to but I loved it.
I’m struggling
I struggled in the beginning. It all ties up neatly and enjoyable 3/4 of the way through…. my only complaint.
Definitely worth the read!
I don’t get all the hype either
I know most people love it, but I didn’t like it at all.
I have been 45% done for a year.. ??♀️
Yup
I couldn’t stand it
No
I think there was one other person.
??♀️??♀️
Nope!!
I couldn’t either, nor have I had an urge to revisit it
I’m there with you. I only saw the movie. But may be the only one who didn’t fall in love with Beartown.
?♀️ I’m tired of grumpy old men in real life… so this book was not an escape.
I loved it!
I can’t but loved Beartown and the sequel.
I liked it from the start. If you can’t get into it…move on.
I struggled until I didn’t then I couldn’t put it down.
Yes
Yes
Didn’t expect it but loved that book
I loved it!
Loved both it and the sequel
No
I did not like this book either. I am glad it was a library book and that I did not spend money to buy it.
✋✋
I didn’t care for it. It’s rare that I don’t finish a book – this was one of them.
I found the characters fascinating and loved the book. I think it’s one of those books people either really dislike or love. I loved it but I’ve seen tons of posts from others that did not.
Awful book. The author’s style is not for me.
Didn’t like it
Finished it 2 days ago, after all the accolades from this group. I picked it up after finishing “A Gentleman in Moscow” (another read I picked up from you guys!) – very different pace & style.
The first couple chapters seemed rather basic & predictable after “A Gentleman in Moscow”, but it grabbed me not long after that. A simple story that tugged at the emotions & tapped into those inner thoughts that sometimes ponder in our minds, of what might be going on in someone else’s life. All those people that you might only have the smallest of relationships with – a neighbour, a grocery store attendant, someone you met at work, how complex we all are beyond the surface… & a reminder of how seldom we scratch beyond that surface with most people.
I felt same way. Although I tried very hard to love it.
I enjoyed the character.
Hang in there….it is a slow start….but worth it…
Nope!!! I didn’t like his book “My Grandmother Told Me….” either. Read it for a book club.
I’ve tried it 3 times, I just can’t finish it.
I never warmed up to Ove. He was just a disagreeable old coot!
He reminded me of my husband – a soft heart covered up with grouchiness.
Stick with it!
Loved it! Now reading his US AGAINST YOU. Definitely have to adapt my mind for how Backman writes!
One of my favorite authors. I listened to Bear Town on Audible, then read the book. Did the same with A Man Called Ove.
I couldn’t either.
I had a hard time to
begin with. But I’m glad I stuck to it. And I watched the movie as well.
I said The Stand was my favorite SK book, but what I didn’t say is that not only have I read it at least five times, I’m now listening to it on Audible, and what a BARGAIN that was! As you know, the book is enormous, so the Audible book is over 20 hours. I’m enjoying it so much!
I didn’t like the book, nor did I like the other author’s books. The writing style feels stunted and limited and the characters are annoyingly one-dimensional.
I think this book is posted about the most. I loved it but is not for everyone.
Yes, it’s right up there with Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver, another one of my all-time favorites!
I loved The Poisonwood Bible! I need to read that again!
I’ve tried a few times and can’t get into but I will give it another try. Even on audio I couldn’t keep my mind on the book. I want to like it. I’ve enjoyed so many other Swedish authors I feel like I will love Ove if I read it at just the right time.
Nope. And I was just thinking about putting it aside and starting something else. But I always feel guilty when I do that. I don’t know why. Maybe I will give it another try.