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The Winners
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
117 posts | 59 read | 1 reading | 34 to read
The long-awaited conclusion to the beloved New York Times bestselling and 'engrossing' (People) Beartown series - which inspired an HBO series of the same name - follows the small hockey towns residents as they grapple with change, pain, hope, and redemption. Two years have passed since the events that no one wants to think about. Everyone has tried to move on, but theres something about this place that prevents it. The residents continue to grapple with lifes big questions: What is a family? What is a community? And what, if anything, are we willing to sacrifice in order to protect them? As the locals of Beartown struggle to overcome the past, great change is on the horizon. Someone is coming home after a long time away. Someone will be laid to rest. Someone will fall in love, someone will try to fix their marriage, and someone will do anything to save their children. Someone will submit to hate, someone will fight, and someone will grab a gun and walk towards the ice rink. So what are the residents of Beartown willing to sacrifice for their home? Everything.
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SanjanaGhosh
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

The book is basically the aftermath of the first 2 parts in the series, based on the hockey town of Beartown. Speaks intricately about the culture of hockey in the town, how the sport is interwoven itself into every aspect of the town‘s everyday activities and lives. Though the book was mixed with sadness and joyous moments in disproportionate amounts, it was such a perfect send off to the entire Beartown series and characters.

Shamzi Love this entire series!!!the first one was such n eye opener and had Universal themes, the second one was about moving on and the third one is about Closure!! 3w
SanjanaGhosh @Shamzi You described it so perfectly:) 3w
19 likes2 comments
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LadyCait84
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

After rereading Beartown & Us Against You over the last few months, I was finally ready to find out if Backman stuck the landing of his hockey town saga.

He did.

I could not read this book fast enough. & while I was repeatedly (if unsurprisingly) wrecked as the story unfolded, I cherished every word on every page because it made me think & feel so damn much.

I will carry these characters with me for a long, long time.

LiteraryinPA Backman is a wizard. 💗 2mo
45 likes1 comment
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Kboltz
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

Waited to read this and it was once again worth it to go back to Beartown to a hockey community that has had its heart broken yet again. Love the interaction of the people of these two hockey towns. Sports make or break a community. Great friendships and worthy rivals.

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Arvena
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

Slow paced, thought-provoking, exhilarating, depressing, detailed observation of human nature, great emotional impact and splendid character development. Very sad...

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JenReadsAlot
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Andrew65 Loved this. It was my favourite read of December 2022. 9mo
27 likes2 comments
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Bookwormjillk
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Mehso-so

I hate to rate this anything less than pick, but I just really feel like Backman had already put these people through enough. To listen to 22 more hours of pain and suffering wasn‘t really necessary. The first book in this series was so good, the second was okay, but this one just seemed like overkill (literally.) I really love the cover though.

TheAromaofBooks I really found Beartown to be such an emotional and thought-provoking read, but weirdly had zero interest in reading the sequel. I just felt like that story was genuinely concluded somehow. 10mo
BookmarkTavern It is a gorgeous cover! ❤️ 10mo
See All 12 Comments
LiteraryinPA I think @BennettBookworm had a similar reaction when she read this one. I love the author but didn‘t feel compelled to read on after Beartown. 10mo
Texreader Oh no!!! I was hoping this was the positive one?! No? I don‘t think I can take anymore 10mo
TheBookHippie I‘m in the minority I do not like this author at all 😵‍💫🤷🏻‍♀️. But it‘s so disappointing when bad books happen. 10mo
Bookwormjillk @Texreader nope sorry 10mo
TheBookgeekFrau This is exactly the reason I've been hesitant to read them. I thought the first book was perfection and needed nothing more. But I'm sure I'll eventually get around to them 😄 10mo
DieAReader 🥳🥳🥳 10mo
BennettBookworm Absolutely agree. So much unnecessary pain to put our beloved characters through. Could‘ve been finished after one book. 10mo
Catsandbooks I've loved the other Backman books I've read but after hearing how dark and heavy this series is from so many people I think I'm gonna have to pass on the whole thing. The cover is beautiful and I love the northern lights 🩵💚💜 10mo
Kboltz Maybe I liked it since I skipped the second book! Good to know. 9mo
58 likes12 comments
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Elizabeth2
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

The third and final book in the Beartown trilogy broke my heart. You know what might be coming because Backman foreshadows the events of the end of the book, which does soften the blow. Backman wraps up these characters lives very well. Having binge read the series, I had spent some time with them and was invested in their lives. Excellent book. Backman is a master. Check trigger warnings before reading. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ❤️📚 #serieslove2023

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BennettBookworm
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Mehso-so

I hate to say it, but this was too long. Backman can do no wrong in my eyes, but this got to the point where I felt like it was just cruel, the level of suffering he was putting his characters through (and me alongside them). So much tragedy for this town we‘ve come to love.
I‘m glad I finished the trilogy but I think this ending could‘ve been accomplished in < 670 pgs, and with fewer casualties.
PS - Why is Litsy only calling it 400 pgs? Rude.

Prairiegirl_reading I agree, it did not have to be so long, but I still gave it a pick because for a book to make me so emotional (or trilogy actually) it‘s got to be very well written. It was a bit torturous after a while though. 12mo
BennettBookworm Totally, so well written at the same time as being so tortured @Prairiegirl_reading 12mo
54 likes2 comments
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RebelReader
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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1. The tagged book

2. My trip to Asheville, NC

#Two4Tuesdays

TheSpineView Enjoy your trip. Thanks for playing 12mo
25 likes1 comment
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ornatelyplain
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

Obviously we still hoped. Dear God, how we hoped.

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GatheringBooks
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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#BookBinge Day 6: My #LeastFaveGenre would have to be sports yet Backman‘s writing is so stellar that he has made me an avid fan of the Beartown series. 🏒🥅⛸️

Eggs Agree 💙💙 1y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks That‘s why I‘ve held off on reading some of his!! 1y
48 likes2 comments
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JenReadsAlot
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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1. Tagged and it was so good!
2. I'm reading Hamilton right now and started it in January 😕
3. My Masters degree and career as a therapist!
Thanks @peaknit @Eggs #wondrouswednesday

Eggs Great accomplishment #3👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 1y
wanderinglynn #3 fantastic accomplishment 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 1y
peaKnit I haven‘t has the courage to startGrant yet…😳 1y
JenReadsAlot @peaknit Grant took a really long time too! 1y
17 likes4 comments
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Lizwarnerpdx
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
Pickpick

I‘m a fan of Bachman, and this is the third book in a loose trilogy surrounding Beartown. It‘s sad, it‘s loving, it‘s emotional. Trigger warning for rape and violence. I enjoy the occasional emotional roller coaster and liked to see how everyone ended up.

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lauraisntwilder
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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My favorite book of 2023 so far is no surprise.

Clare-Dragonfly It‘s right there in the name! 1y
lauraisntwilder @Clare-Dragonfly Ha! It sure is! 1y
16 likes2 comments
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Evita
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
Pickpick

4.5 out of 5! This man can do no wrong. Loved this trilogy.

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AudiobookingWithLeah
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

5⭐I put this off because of the length, for way too long since I hardly noticed just how long it was. What a comprehensive send-off this was for the series. We did get closure for these characters and I have to say that they are some of the most amazing and amazingly written ones I‘ve ever encountered in a series. Their story is all things…happy, sad, heroic, funny, worrisome, familial, and so compelling. Although, this could've been less verbose.

Megabooks That is a fantastic graphic! 🤩 1y
AudiobookingWithLeah @Megabooks Thank you!!!😊 1y
30 likes1 stack add2 comments
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emilycoc
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

This got off to a slow start for me (and I mean SLLLLOOOOOOWWWW), but it picked up and kept my interest about halfway through. I later learned this is the third of a trilogy, but I didn't feel like I was missing something by not having read the first two books first.

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emilycoc
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Catching up on some reading before it gets too hot to be outside.

8 likes1 comment
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Kristy_K
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

4.5 Stars

Another Backman that had me tearing up. I felt this was a little longer than it needed to be, but I love all these characters and it‘s bittersweet for this series to end. (Benji will always be my favorite.)

Also- suggestions for getting the sticker off the cover?? It‘s not a glossy book jacket. I hate when they do this.

Desha Was it from Target? Lol I can NEVER get the stickers off my Target books…it‘s so frustrating! 🤪😄 1y
Kristy_K @Desha Yes! It happens all the time to me with books from there. 1y
Desha I‘m so sorry! Ugh! 😆📚♥️ 1y
53 likes3 comments
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emilycoc
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Been a minute for me! Just coming here to say hi and show off how I'm starting my sunny Sunday. 😎☀️

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Cupcake12
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

Two years have passed and we return to Beartown. This story introduced more strong characters and brought familiar faces back.
Well written and so many themes are explored. I knew something would happen to my favourite character but I wasn‘t ready for the ending.
This story takes you on a journey and deals with some heavy subjects e.g. rape, politics, homophobia and power.
A powerful, moving series that will stay with you after finishing it.

31 likes1 stack add
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Cupcake12
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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My afternoon plans. The mini eggs are all mine!

Kappadeemom Beautiful dog!! 1y
Cupcake12 @Kappadeemom thank you. I rescued her from Spain 🐾 1y
IndoorDame She‘s gorgeous! 🐶🤎 1y
dabbe Da sweet puppy! 🤩💚🐾 1y
35 likes4 comments
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Cupcake12
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Starting this today. The last in the series. Hope it‘s as good as the others. Found out it‘s a tv series but it‘s not shown in the UK - typical!

35 likes1 stack add
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StellaDz
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

That quote right there sums up my feelings. Backman ended the Beartown trilogy by ending me. I‘m not exaggerating when I say I had to take crying breaks, and audibly sobbed as I flipped the last page. Backman, once again, gives you the ending on the first page, and then masterfully builds tension for 600 pages. It is beyond heart wrenching.

Amazing.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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StellaDz
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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It‘s a lovely Easter weekend here! The rest of the family is recovering from COVID so it‘s a time to just read and relax. I‘m almost done The Winners and hoping to at least get these two mangas read. I‘m loving that I‘m finding more and more LGBTQIA reads lately.

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StellaDz
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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When this book was delivered, I saw the size of it and immediately put it on the shelf. But in the spirit of finishing all the series I‘ve started, and really and truly loving all of Backman‘s work, it‘s time. Sunday morning feels.

Also, yes, I still have a Halloween tablecloth out 🤣

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EadieB
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

#ValentineReadathon #TheWinners #FredrikBachman #BookSpinBingo #SeriesLove2023

This is a great finale to The Beartown trilogy. It's a little long and starts out slow but what a impactful story. The people of Beartown still feel the bite from the first book and now they want to close down the two hockey rinks in Beartown and Hed. They want to start a brand new hockey rink for both towns.

EadieB So what are the residents of Beartown willing to sacrifice for their home? The main themes of the book are corruption, abuse, rape, politics, power, money, hypocrisy, pure rage. There are plenty of characters to learn about who are good and bad. Some of the characters have come back and some are new. This is a book you need to read in order to get the full impact of the book. 2y
EadieB If you like books about a small town then you will love this book. I look forward to reading more from Backman in future books to come. 2y
TheSpineView Sounds good! 2y
See All 6 Comments
Andrew65 An excellent ending to the series. As always with Backman a mixture of emotions throughout the book. 2y
EadieB @Andrew65 It was good but a little bit too long for me. Could have been cut back, I think! 2y
Andrew65 @EadieB Yes much longer than it needed to be. 2y
54 likes6 comments
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Twocougs
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

Fantastic and heartbreaking ending to a great trilogy!

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TorieStorieS
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

Wow- I feel emotionally wrung out after finishing this last book set in BEARTOWN! And yet, I don‘t want this to be the last of their stories either! I didn‘t expect to become so attached to so many of the characters here, or that I could love a book where a dog is killed… and though the ending is inevitable, it still had me reaching for the tissues. I‘m so curious to hear what the rest of book club thinks of this one! I can‘t wait to discuss it!

TheBookgeekFrau You're killing me here 😂 Notice I've stacked it 🤦🏻‍♀️🤣 2y
TorieStorieS @TheBookgeekFrau Hahaha! I had to finish this one today, because my book club is discussing it in just a few hours!! I‘m not sure if all of them read all three books or just started with this one, so I‘m curious to see what they all thought! It‘s definitely our longest book yet though I thought it moved pretty quickly! Glad to see you have it stacked!! 🥰🥰🥰 2y
52 likes1 stack add2 comments
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JenReadsAlot
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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1. The Winners - solid 5 stars!
2. A pick for #auldlangspine @Jerdencon Thanks @TheSpineView @Kshakal #two4tuesday

TheSpineView Thanks for playing! 2y
21 likes1 comment
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emilycoc
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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If this doesn't describe me, I don't know what does. 😂 #bookthreeof2023

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Floresj
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

Every chapter ends on a mini cliffhanger or foreshadowing line. Every character is exquisitely written. For a moment, I thought that 670 pages es too long and, perhaps, it needed to be cut down. However, when I finished the Beartown trilogy, I immediately wished for 100 more pages. I recommend them all, for so many reasons that one should discover for oneself.

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perfectsinner
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
This post contains spoilers
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Pickpick

Never knew a series about hockey, of all things, could steal and break my heart like this series did. A lot of heavy, complicated emotions by the end of this one. Not ashamed that I cried reading about Benji, especially. 💔

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perfectsinner
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
This post contains spoilers
show me

Sheesh, why do I have the sneaking suspicion that Benji is going to die...

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lauraisntwilder
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

That blurry red shape out on the ice to the right is my son. I want him to read this series, but they're a lot longer than what he normally reads. I really never thought Beartown needed a sequel, much less a third book in the series, but I have loved all of them. Maybe I love them because I love hockey or because I love a boy who plays hockey or because of all the kids I've known who shine on the ice. Or maybe they're just really well written.

20 likes1 stack add
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kissmehardy
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

🎶 I get so emotional, baby / Every time I think of Beartown Hockey 🎶

What a finale. So many threads woven so intricately, so much PAIN, but also so much joy. Backman writes the realities of life, both good and bad. #contemporarylit #litintranslation #wearethebears

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lauraisntwilder
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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My son is 13 and started playing hockey when he was 4. This paragraph hit me HARD.

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Soubhiville
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

😭😔💔
I‘m feeling tender after finishing the Beartown trilogy with The Winners.

Backman has a way of telling you what‘s going to happen, then breaking your heart anyway when it does. His books hit my emotions like no other author.

I loved this.

#booked2023 #anypartofatrilogy

JenReadsAlot I had a bit of a book hangover with this one. 2y
Prairiegirl_reading I‘ve been listening in the car and am at the point where I‘m scared to keep listening for fear I‘ll show up at work in a puddle of tears. I‘ll have to do some audio puzzling this weekend. 2y
Soubhiville @Prairiegirl_reading I cried multiple times, both at work and in the car. Luckily I have a private workroom 😬🤣 2y
88 likes1 stack add4 comments
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JenReadsAlot
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

I'm not crying, you're crying.... What a fantastic book! @Jerdencon @monalyisha #auldlangspine

Jerdencon Glad you liked it! His books always make me cry but I always go back for more! 2y
marleed I loved it too! 2y
47 likes3 comments
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LitsyEvents
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Repost for @TheAromaofBooks

Hello friends!! I have finally sorted through all the 2022 #BookSpin entries!! 181 individuals read 2200 books last year!!!! An absolutely fabulous year for getting books off the TBR. I wish I could send a book to each and every one of you!!! However, until I win the lottery, I'll have to content myself with choosing five of you at random!!

LeslieO Congrats to all the winners!🎉👏👏🎉 2y
TheAromaofBooks Thank you for the repost!!! 2y
50 likes2 comments
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Andrew65
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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#December #12Booksof2022

I read a lot of Christmas themed books during December bu the final part of the Beartown Trilogy is still the overall Pick as this will stay with me a long time.

Notable others
The Christmas Sisters - Sarah Morgan
Snowflakes and Secrets in the Scottish Highlands - Donna Ashcroft

Many thanks to everyone who played along with #12Booksof2022 (77 people) it‘s added to all our TBRs 😱 See you all on Dec 25th.

76 likes1 stack add
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Andrew65
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Jan 4th #WinterReadathon #WinterReadathonDailyChallenge

We are now on the penultimate day of the #WinterReadathon and the daily challenges. For today‘s daily challenge share your favourite book of the Readathon.

My favourite Seasonal book was Snowflakes and Secrets in the Scottish Islands by Donna Ashcroft, & my non-seasonal book The Winners by Fredrik Backman.

A bonus 100 points for those collecting points.

@Andrew65 @DieAReader @Ghabi4Roses

See All 11 Comments
DieAReader Looks good💜💜💜Looking forward to seeing everyone‘s picks! 2y
JanuarieTimewalker13 I‘m sick right now Andrew, so I‘m barely reading. But thank you for including me!! 2y
84 likes11 comments
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tpixie
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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#12booksOf2022 #October

This was worth the re- read of the 1st 2!!

Andrew65 Totally agree, this will be my December choice. 2y
tpixie @Andrew65 ❤️ 2y
49 likes2 comments
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JanuarieTimewalker13
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
Pickpick

Wow!!! What a trilogy!! At first, I thought I should‘ve read the first two books over before reading this last installment, but he recaps so well that it came back to me. I loved it. 4.5⭐️

JanuarieTimewalker13 Book 1 2023 (edited) 2y
34 likes1 comment
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JenReadsAlot
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Happy New Year! Starting the year off with one from @Jerdencon #auldlangspine list! @monalyisha

Jerdencon Enjoy! Happy New Year! 🎆 2y
monalyisha 🥳🥳🥳 2y
28 likes2 comments
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Traci1
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Probably 2/3 audiobooks and a lot of rereads.

Favorite of the year was The Winners by Fredrik Backman, with his Us Against You coming in a close second.
Honorable Mentions:
Remarkably Bright Creatures
The Bullet That Missed
The Guncle
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

GingerAntics I am 100% behind audiobooks!!! I‘ve been reading them almost exclusively lately. 2y
Ruthiella Well done! 👏👏👏 2y
marleed Audiobooks really help! I love downloading an audiobook when it‘s available, set the speed to my reading pace, then read and listen in stereo. One of the perks of living alone! 2y
See All 6 Comments
Megabooks Fabulous!! 🎉👏🏻👏🏻 2y
Reggie Wow great job! 2y
Gissy What.🤩📚📚📚💪📚📚📚📚🙌📚📚📚📚👏👏👏👏 2y
65 likes6 comments
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Andrew65
The Winners | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

Not sure what I say about this book, an emotional journey towards an end point where you can feel a train crash is about to happen. But oh what a great journey. Backman‘s turn of phrase and feel of writing within the book is oh so superb. A wonderful book and a tumultuous ending, and he just breaks your heart 💔💔💔💔 Be ready for plenty of tears in the last two chapters. 😢😭😢😭

One of the best books of the year but give it time, it is long!

Andrew65 39th book finished for #WinterReadathon
@DieAReader @Ghabi4Roses
(edited) 2y
mcctrish This is a January read for me. Backman really does have a great writing style 2y
Andrew65 @mcctrish I‘d hope to do it in January too, but was due back at the library. He is a truly excellent writer. 2y
See All 7 Comments
Elizabeth2 Oh, how I love a book that evokes emotion. Someone else just recommended the second book in this trilogy to me. ❤️📚 2y
Andrew65 @Elizabeth2 They do evoke strong emotions but all three are excellent. 2y
CarolynM I hope to get to this one soon. 2y
Andrew65 @CarolynM You do 😊 2y
71 likes3 stack adds7 comments