The Winners

We're home from Hawaii just in time for a massive snowstorm

which makes me think of Beartown and The Winners. 

Of course I pre-ordered and received it sometime back in November, I think. 

But I wanted to wait to read for when I could really savor it. 

Fredrik Backman understands humans.

I fell in love with A Man Called Ove so much, I read 

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry and 

Britt-Marie Was Here the very next week (way back in 2016).

He manages to show all sides of a person--where at first you see only the exterior, 

soon he shows you a different angle and suddenly where you felt anger, you then find compassion. 

For the family that looks perfect, you see the cracks.

Most of all he brings out our empathy, 

because deep down we're all very much alike. 

The Beartown trilogy is darker than his other books with date rape, hate, victim-blaming 

and violence at its core. 

And also overflowing with love, understanding, best friends, forgiveness and change.

And also those who don't change and those who don't forgive.

Not as much humor as his other books, but every single character, like those in his other books,

are rich in personality, frailties and strengths.

For me, The Winners highlights how we need to allow people the chance to change.

We see characters growth over the last three years since Beartown. 

How the bad guys have become good guys and vice versa.

Also seeing beyond stereotypes. 

And that people are not all good or all bad. 

Bonus: Backman's Instagram is pretty entertaining too.