Great review and Christina's vlog was fantastic. I have only read one other Backman but I feel like this book is going to stand as his best IMO. My favorite quote is “People said Ove saw the world in black and white. But she was color. All the color he had.” I love when the little girl drew the picture of her family that included him - they were all black and white and HE was the only one in color.
Having just visited Sweden last summer, and having loved the Swedish film based on this book, AND hearing your beautiful thoughts here on A Man Called Ove here, I think I really ought to read it! Cheers, Allen!
When you see Allen review a book without a single rant, even searching for right words at moments then you KNOW that it has touched him and it has an Allen seal of approval. I like all the videos that you and Christina have made about Ove. Keep up the good work and I wish for you to be less mad about (inconsequential) stuff and all the best to you, Christina and Atticus in 2025.
I don't think I can express how grateful I am to both you and Christina for sharing how deeply this book touched you both, absolutely beautiful to see. Perfectly said about Backman's uncanny ability to just describe everything in the most inexplicably simple yet hard-hitting ways. Now I can't wait to re-read this gem. Exceptional review, Allen ❤
I love this book. I quote it a lot from that scene where he says "Complete idiots figure it out and you're not a complete idiot." I love Backman's writing style. I've read a lot of his books.
I loved this book when I read it a few years ago. I had just lost my Dad and he was Ove personified, so this story hit me like a tonne of bricks. Cried my eyes out. Your review and seeing how moved you are made me tear up, so, thanks, I guess, for making me look all read and splotchy.
I think morally I am against Ove filming a rave review about his own book 🤔 But anyways I think this is your best review. It's clear this book hit you very personally and it's such a powerful book. Sometimes just hearing people talk about this book gets me all sad over the book again, I've read it twice but I will probably read it again in a year or two.
Great review! I haven't read this book, but I watched the movie starring Tom Hanks while I was on an airplane one time. I thought it was really cute, and I'm sure the book is better. The plot kinda reminded me of the Clint Eastwood movie Gran Torino without the violence, of course. Lol
It always makes me so happy when I hear of someone who shares my feelings about this book. I shed multiple tears reading it, but And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer got me real bad. Just in case your cheeks ever feel too dry.
Alright, you are the deciding factor in me finally picking this book up soon. I've watch many of your fellow booktubers giving tremendous reviews of this novel, and I don't doubt they're correct about it, but you found the words to express how --beyond a good story/characters, and, great and emotional writing-- this book was relatable and managed to move you. That little something that makes me want to prioritize it rather than sit on too long TBR. Great review man. I'm glad you're still doing them, you're great at it. And even if sometimes you believe you're not relevant compared to other channels since you can be so niche, I believe the few of us that fits right in that niche are glad you can shine a light on some books they probably would never have heard of anywhere else. Happy new year to you and yours.
thank you so much for the kind words, and I'm glad me talking about this book resonated with you. It's definitely one of the rare books that I saw way too much of myself and my wife in and Backman is so good at creating snapshots of real people in real experiences that it can't help but touch people
This is an incredible review. I gave the book 3 stars, but the reasons you love it come through in this review, and they make me question if I should read it again. This shows how important relating to characters and feeling seen is in books. I enjoyed Anxious People by this author, and still need to read his other works.
I completely agree. People's experiences and connection to the story do so much to shape our enjoyment of any particular story. Thanks so much for watching!
Oof, this review made me remember how much I love this book. And now I want to go reread it. I also sobbed throughout it, so your wife's reaction was normal.
I loved it so so much. I’m glad Allen’s review piqued your interest! It’s definitely not for everyone, or for every season, but Allen and I both connected with it deeply.
I understand where you are coming fron Allen. My husband is the kindest man and people wonder all the time why he is with someone like me. I related to Ove so much in this book.
Great review! I tried to read this book a few years ago but put it down very quickly because I was already getting emotional and needed happy, fluffy reads at the time. I'm in a much better place now and definitely think I'll pick it up in 2025!
I was worried about Allen reading it, actually! While I absolutely loved it, I can completely understand why it might not be a book for all people and certainly not for all seasons.
A new year present from Allen in video form - yay Middle of the review - and I can already say. Great review. Made me want to put this ahead of a lot of stuff of the TBR. ❤
Love Backman - Ove and the Beartown trilogy are treasured reads for me. I totally understand the anger Beartown incited for you. Awesome review - really appreciate your honesty and vunerability - much love to you good sir.
Backman's characters feel so real, and Ove might be the best one I've read. I'm with you, I connected with Ove so much, he just wants the world to be *right*
I see so much of myself in how you talk about yourself and your wife. Its so hard some days, its just so hard sometimes. Youre great thanks. Glad youre making videos again.
Thank you! And yes, it's just...so hard at times. These past few days have been pretty tough, mental health wise. I'm so glad you got something from the video!
I love A Man called Ove,glad you liked it too. I also love the movie. I have read Beartown and Us against You this month and loved both,gave them 5 stars. How Backman writes characters and small communities is incredibly. I will read The Winners next month.
read this almost 2 years ago with Mike’s channel, and enjoyed it quite a bit. it’s a fairly short / quick read. the swedish movie is really pretty great too… not going to try that hanks version
I have never actively wanted to re read a book. I desperately want to re read this book. I listened to it on audiobook and I was completely engrossed. At some point I will actually the book to see if it hits different. This is my all time favorite book.
Highly recommend the audio book of this one by JK Simmons. He really embodies the character and adds a great deal of depth by his performance. Glad this spoke to you Allen! I really do not recommend the US adaptation. Loses the soul entirely to me.
@ 😂 ps. your review was very articulate and moving! I read all three Beartown books last year, but hadn’t made it to Ove yet. I have watched both film adaptations of Ove, but the two of you convinced me I was missing out on deeper levels from the book. Can’t wait to hear what book Christina influences you to read next! 👀
read this almost 2 years ago with Mike’s channel, and enjoyed it quite a bit. it’s a fairly short / quick read. the swedish movie is really pretty great too… not going to try that hanks version
![Nino and Gianni | Their Full story [Fireworks]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/w0WxUe67Qzg/mqdefault.jpg)
Great review and Christina's vlog was fantastic. I have only read one other Backman but I feel like this book is going to stand as his best IMO. My favorite quote is “People said Ove saw the world in black and white. But she was color. All the color he had.” I love when the little girl drew the picture of her family that included him - they were all black and white and HE was the only one in color.
Oh my gosh yes!
Having just visited Sweden last summer, and having loved the Swedish film based on this book, AND hearing your beautiful thoughts here on A Man Called Ove here, I think I really ought to read it! Cheers, Allen!
You would find beauty in Backman's writing.
When you see Allen review a book without a single rant, even searching for right words at moments then you KNOW that it has touched him and it has an Allen seal of approval. I like all the videos that you and Christina have made about Ove.
Keep up the good work and I wish for you to be less mad about (inconsequential) stuff and all the best to you, Christina and Atticus in 2025.
Hahahaha thank you so much.
There is a rant, just not about the book but about dishonest salespeople.
@Chelrack hahahahahaha true
I don't think I can express how grateful I am to both you and Christina for sharing how deeply this book touched you both, absolutely beautiful to see. Perfectly said about Backman's uncanny ability to just describe everything in the most inexplicably simple yet hard-hitting ways. Now I can't wait to re-read this gem. Exceptional review, Allen ❤
Thank you, Esmay! This really is a book that touched us both deeply. I look forward to reading more Backman, for sure
I love this book. I quote it a lot from that scene where he says "Complete idiots figure it out and you're not a complete idiot." I love Backman's writing style. I've read a lot of his books.
hahahhhahahah. What other book by him to you recommend after Beartown and Ove?
@@TheLibraryofAllenxandria I really like Anxious People and Things My Son Needs to Know About the World
Wonderful review, Allen.
Your small town is your lovely wife and your very special booktube friends. God bless.
You are very kind! Thank you.
I wish I could like this a million times! Such an impactful book. Truly my favorite Allen review ever. Thank you for sharing 🩵
Thank you so much for watching! I absolutely loved it
I loved this book when I read it a few years ago. I had just lost my Dad and he was Ove personified, so this story hit me like a tonne of bricks. Cried my eyes out. Your review and seeing how moved you are made me tear up, so, thanks, I guess, for making me look all read and splotchy.
I’m so sorry for your loss. If your dad was like Ove, I’m sure he had a heart of gold and loved you fiercely. ❤
oh my gosh I can't even imagine
I think morally I am against Ove filming a rave review about his own book 🤔
But anyways I think this is your best review. It's clear this book hit you very personally and it's such a powerful book. Sometimes just hearing people talk about this book gets me all sad over the book again, I've read it twice but I will probably read it again in a year or two.
Hahahahaha true.
But thanks. This one hit both me and Christina. Backman knows how to move emotions of stone!
Beautiful review Allen, genuine and heartfelt. We love that you're back! Y&C
Thank you guys so much!
Great review! I haven't read this book, but I watched the movie starring Tom Hanks while I was on an airplane one time. I thought it was really cute, and I'm sure the book is better. The plot kinda reminded me of the Clint Eastwood movie Gran Torino without the violence, of course. Lol
hahahhaha i can see that
I absolutely love Backman and I can’t wait for his new release this year, but I also really recommend Britt-Marie and Anxious people
Will check them out!
Yes! I read this last year. Loved it then and loved your review!
Thank you for watching!
It always makes me so happy when I hear of someone who shares my feelings about this book. I shed multiple tears reading it, but And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer got me real bad. Just in case your cheeks ever feel too dry.
That one's on my list
I've had A Man Called Ove sat on my shelf for well over two years at this point, I'll have to make it a priority to read it early into the new year.
Yesssssss dooooo eeeet!
Alright, you are the deciding factor in me finally picking this book up soon. I've watch many of your fellow booktubers giving tremendous reviews of this novel, and I don't doubt they're correct about it, but you found the words to express how --beyond a good story/characters, and, great and emotional writing-- this book was relatable and managed to move you. That little something that makes me want to prioritize it rather than sit on too long TBR.
Great review man. I'm glad you're still doing them, you're great at it. And even if sometimes you believe you're not relevant compared to other channels since you can be so niche, I believe the few of us that fits right in that niche are glad you can shine a light on some books they probably would never have heard of anywhere else.
Happy new year to you and yours.
thank you so much for the kind words, and I'm glad me talking about this book resonated with you. It's definitely one of the rare books that I saw way too much of myself and my wife in and Backman is so good at creating snapshots of real people in real experiences that it can't help but touch people
This is an incredible review. I gave the book 3 stars, but the reasons you love it come through in this review, and they make me question if I should read it again. This shows how important relating to characters and feeling seen is in books. I enjoyed Anxious People by this author, and still need to read his other works.
I completely agree. People's experiences and connection to the story do so much to shape our enjoyment of any particular story. Thanks so much for watching!
Oh I need to check out Anxious People!
Oof, this review made me remember how much I love this book. And now I want to go reread it. I also sobbed throughout it, so your wife's reaction was normal.
Hahahahaha I'm glad she's not the only one
You got me at "We're in a Renaissance of honesty!" 😁
Hahahahahahahaha
@@TheLibraryofAllenxandria for real, though, great review. I have this book, and now I wanna kick it up the TBR
@@alynam82you should! It is masterfully written and so painfully beautifully human.
This is the first time that this book has ever sounded interesting to me.
I loved it so so much. I’m glad Allen’s review piqued your interest!
It’s definitely not for everyone, or for every season, but Allen and I both connected with it deeply.
What my wife said
I understand where you are coming fron Allen. My husband is the kindest man and people wonder all the time why he is with someone like me. I related to Ove so much in this book.
Same! Christina is so wonderful...she does not apologize for me because she doesn't think who I am needs apologizing for.
@@TheLibraryofAllenxandria Same! You and Christina are made for each other. I been watching the channel awhile and I love you two together!
@RadiantRoxie awww thank you! 😀
I am so glad you enjoyed it! I too found it deeply moving.
It's so good!
Great review! I tried to read this book a few years ago but put it down very quickly because I was already getting emotional and needed happy, fluffy reads at the time. I'm in a much better place now and definitely think I'll pick it up in 2025!
@@KFoxtheGreat I can absolutely see that. I hope you love it!
I was worried about Allen reading it, actually! While I absolutely loved it, I can completely understand why it might not be a book for all people and certainly not for all seasons.
Seeing Christina’s vlog convinced me to read Ove and I absolutely loved it as well!!!!! So glad you read it and enjoyed it! And reviewed it 😱
Yes! She'll be so pleased to hear that!
I am so pleased to hear it!! ❤ I loved it so much and expect it will remain a favorite for a long, long time.
A new year present from Allen in video form - yay
Middle of the review - and I can already say. Great review. Made me want to put this ahead of a lot of stuff of the TBR. ❤
@@mastersal4644 happy new year!
Love Backman - Ove and the Beartown trilogy are treasured reads for me. I totally understand the anger Beartown incited for you.
Awesome review - really appreciate your honesty and vunerability - much love to you good sir.
Thanks so much!
Hmmmm you may have convinced me to read this …. Only time will tell … Thanks.
Thanks for watching, Twainy!
Backman's characters feel so real, and Ove might be the best one I've read. I'm with you, I connected with Ove so much, he just wants the world to be *right*
Yes, exactly! Completely agree on his characters...he creates real characters so masterfully.
I see so much of myself in how you talk about yourself and your wife. Its so hard some days, its just so hard sometimes. Youre great thanks. Glad youre making videos again.
Thank you! And yes, it's just...so hard at times. These past few days have been pretty tough, mental health wise. I'm so glad you got something from the video!
@@TheLibraryofAllenxandria No Thank you. Youre doing work making these videos that I enjoy. Its appreciated
I rarely cry anymore but I did have a few tears in my eyes at the end of this book. It reminded me of my dad.
❤️❤️
someone asked me to say a book that could help them understand me, I gave them this book, I love this book!!!
100%, Karo. This book + Samuel Vimes = me
One of the best reviews i've ever seen to a very special book. Thank you Allen!
@@Muz.Writes thank you so much!
Happy New Year Allen, Kristina and family! ❤
@@1siddynickhead thank you! Happy new year to you and yours as well!
Happy New Year!!
@christinak.walker9902 Wow! Thanks for replying Christina! Hope you're having a great 2025 so far!
The Empire is back! Brilliant review and a happy new year to you, Christina and Atticus!
@@petereverett2525 thank you so much! Happy new year to you as well!
10:30 so putting “Allen gets Botox” is a no go for the pitcher of punishments??
@@iSamwise hahahaha YES
😂
I also veto that one!! 😅
I love A Man called Ove,glad you liked it too. I also love the movie. I have read Beartown and Us against You this month and loved both,gave them 5 stars. How Backman writes characters and small communities is incredibly. I will read The Winners next month.
I have yet to decide if I'm continuing that series. Beartown made me so angry lol
"A renaissance of honesty" got me. 😆🤣 I'm only in my 30s and I totally understand Ove.
For real tho
Agreed that the cat was amazing!
@@LiteratureScienceAlliance yesssssss love the cat!
read this almost 2 years ago with Mike’s channel, and enjoyed it quite a bit.
it’s a fairly short / quick read.
the swedish movie is really pretty great too… not going to try that hanks version
I have never actively wanted to re read a book. I desperately want to re read this book. I listened to it on audiobook and I was completely engrossed. At some point I will actually the book to see if it hits different. This is my all time favorite book.
I will definitely reread this book one day. It's very meaningful to us
I read it in December and really enjoyed it as well. A great review!!!
nice! Thanks so much for watching!
Really made me want to read this. Would you say it's as good as Stoner?
@@thefantasythinker I connected with this more than Stoner, but I think it's as good as. Williams and Backman are both brilliant writers.
Highly recommend the audio book of this one by JK Simmons. He really embodies the character and adds a great deal of depth by his performance. Glad this spoke to you Allen! I really do not recommend the US adaptation. Loses the soul entirely to me.
@@Orik960 oh that awesome. I love JK Simmons!
11:41 … that voice just drips with sympathy 🫠
Lol my words have to do the heavy lifting since my tone won't
BOOSH!
💚
🏒What would you name the town where the Beartown residents relocate to in order to rethink their priorities?
@@covergirlbooks Prioritopia
@ 😂 ps. your review was very articulate and moving! I read all three Beartown books last year, but hadn’t made it to Ove yet. I have watched both film adaptations of Ove, but the two of you convinced me I was missing out on deeper levels from the book. Can’t wait to hear what book Christina influences you to read next! 👀
read this almost 2 years ago with Mike’s channel, and enjoyed it quite a bit.
it’s a fairly short / quick read.
the swedish movie is really pretty great too… not going to try that hanks version
I think I'm gonna watch this one