A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman

A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman

We all know an Ove. Whether we call them set in their ways, socially awkward, unsocial, or just the older generation. Some people want everyone to respect how things are supposed to be. People today have a tendency to spend a tremendous amount of time judging others with little tolerance of differences. 

Ove, the main character in this book, is a grumpy old sod. As the story unfolds we learn that he has a lot of reasons to be. Regardless, it soon becomes clear he has always been that way. There is more to this man than meets the eye. Fortunately, there is someone for everyone and Ove found his someone who recognizes him for what he truly is.

As the book moves forward, we see an old man that has lost his will to live. But life is full of twists and Ove has a new cast of characters thrust into his world. Despite his best efforts to keep his walls up, they give their best efforts to break them down.

The end result is a heartwarming story of the good and bad in human nature. A story that can teach us a little bit about ourselves and hopefully get us to reflect on who we are and possibly who we want to be in the precious time we are each allotted here on earth. A thought provoking story with a ton of heart. This is a must read for ages mid-20's and above. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

Picked this one up at a book fair a few months back. Probably best suited for 7th grade and up. It was a quick read. I found myself quickly caring about all of the main characters and curious to learn more about their backstories.

America's children are being affected by a mysterious disease. Around their tenth birthday some children are dying but others are affected differently. They develop a variety of powers. When powers are discovered children are swept off to camps and segregated by color. Children that are too dangerous disappear from the camps. The story follows Ruby, who cleverly manages to hide her true powers for a long time. With assistance, she eventually breaks free of her camp and manages to discover other children that have also escaped. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery (including a mild love story) in a world that has changed dramatically.

I kept telling myself that the book was entertaining, but I wouldn't likely read the next book. However, by the dramatic ending chapter...Bracken had pulled me in. I will likely pick up book two, Never Fade, in the near future to see how Ruby's story unfolds. I watched the movie immediately after finishing the book with my wife and 11-year-old-son. They both really enjoyed the movie. I liked the movie, but their were too many dramatic changes for me and I felt disappointed by the end.

⭐⭐⭐⭐