Do You Read Book Series?
/The idea of having to read this before you read that is not usually my cup of tea. But, there are a few series that changed my mind.
Recently I read the Beartown Series by Fredrik Backman. As a Hockey Mom I love the sport and so enjoyed being able to take a deep dive into a world I know a bit about. But, friends you don’t have to be into Hockey to enjoy these books; the characters are complex and deeply interesting.
Beartown: We enter a small forest town - where Hockey is omnipresent - we meet inhabitants who carefully share only select parts of themselves - they monitor who knows what - who they are to their parents, coach, children. The Son who can’t share who he loves, the Mother who wishes she’d shown her love, the Father who is unsure what to say. We see a community who is afraid. I listened to this book in 2-1/2days - a page turner - I found riveting characters and as a hockey parent I understood the ever present sport - because hockey is a lifestyle.
Us Against You: This 2nd volume in the Beartown series had me staying up late and like it’s predecessor I listened to it in 2-1/2days - another page turner. We find a new coach in Beartown but, the rivalry with Hed is even more frenzied. By the time the last game between them is played, a resident of Beartown will be dead and people in both towns will be forced to wonder if, after all they’ve been through - was any of it worth it?
The Winners: This 3rd and final volume in the Beartown series is the longest at 21hrs and 23 minutes. Fredrick Backman holds us in suspense for the first 3+hrs. as we wait for the identity of a Beartown resident who has died. We meet new characters who are woven in seamlessly who we care deeply for and old friends return. This novel made me cry more than once and at it’s end we will mourn for more than that single resident it’s the saddest of the series.
This series by E. Lockhart - We Were Liars and Family of Liars are gripping, surprising, sad and will stay with you. The story lines are serious and deal with death - so not for the faint of heart. But, Lockhart tells the story in such a unique way and as an avid reader when you come across a format you have not read before it makes an impression.
Family of Liars: I didn’t expect this is one of my top reads. It’s the prequel to We Were Liars. You must read We Were Liars before reading this. This second visit to the Sinclair family and their private Massachusetts island is illuminating. The story is shared by Caroline Lennox Taft Sinclair. Being a Sinclair means acting and never showing weakness. Welcome back to the Sinclair family. They were always liars.
This is the series by J.K.Rowling that almost everyone has read - and of course watched the films. Poor little sweet orphan Harry Potter surrounding by magic and danger. I have vivid memories of staying up late into the night reading.
I have a deep affinity for novels that take place at the turn of the 20th century - I love the Alienist and The Angel of Darkness both by Caleb Carr.
With summer here so many are looking suggestions. I recommend all and if you are interested in more book recommendations read: Get Your Read On!
Til next time be well and I’ll see you over on the Gram!
