My New Happy: TBB Book Review: A Man Called Ove

Thursday, March 2, 2017

TBB Book Review: A Man Called Ove


From the moment I learned to read, books have been my favorite way to escape, relax, and dream.  There's nothing like the feeling of opening a new book to Chapter One, knowing that some kind of adventure awaits.  

I've belonged to several book clubs over the years, but they never seemed to stick because life always got in the way.  So when Deena suggested a virtual version on The Blended Blog, I was all in.

Last month we kicked things off with six book choices and a great big group of ladies reading and chatting.  If you'd like to get in on the fun, fill out this form and we'll send you all the deets!  The four choices for March have been announced and we'd love to have you join us. 

Today we're doing a blog hop book review, so be sure to visit everyone to find out what they thought about the February reads.  


My contribution to the first month was A Man Called Ove.

I put off reading this book even though I'd had it on my nightstand for months.  I had heard so many good things, but was worried that I'd be disappointed.

I wasn't.  

The story begins with a lonely introvert named Ove.  He's grumpy, set in his ways, has just lost his job, and is mourning the death of his wife.  All that's left for him is to end his own life and join her again. But then a charming and very annoying family moves in next door, and everything is turned upside down.

Bit by bit, through glimpses of Ove's past, we learn how he came to be such a curmudgeon. I was reminded that behind every face there is a story, if we take the time to listen.  And that one life can have such a positive impact on those around them, even if it's unintended.

Eventually Ove is dragged out of his depression by his caring cast of neighbors, and finds friendship, love, and a renewed sense of purpose.  In the end I cried happy/sad tears, as everyone in the story was transformed in some way, including Ove himself.  I was a little changed too.

A Man Called Ove is heartwarming and uplifting, witty and well written.  And bonus:  there's a cute cat.  Many, many thumbs up!

Next, head over to Alison's blog to see what she thought about The Fifth Season.  Link up a book review with us at The Blended Blog, or share on social media with #theblendedblogreads, #tbbbookclub, or #tbbvirtualbookclub.


35 comments:

  1. Man Called Ove has been one of my favorite books in a long time. Glad you liked it! If you have Amazon Prime, the movie is coming to Amazon Prime Video at the end of March. It is Swedish with subtitles, but looks really good. Have a good day!

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    1. Thank you for letting me know! I can get it On Demand, but I think I'll wait for Amazon Prime.

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  2. My mom just gave it to me! I can't wait to read it, and then see the movie. I'm glad you liked it, because I would honestly second guess it if not.
    (I do love cute cats)

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  3. i have always been a serious book addict...though unfortunately in the last year or so I seem to be reading less and i'm not really sure why. It has been on my mind to start up again like I used to...devour books...

    This book does sound good and I'm glad you weren't disappointed.

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    1. I used to read a lot more and I'm finally getting started again.

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  4. This sounds like a great read! I think I'll read it and then watch the movie on Prime. Thanks for sharing your review!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

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  5. I want to join a virtual book club!!!! I’m an avid reader when I was a teenager I picked books over watching TV, now that I’m an adult I have to carve out time to read, it's not so easy but it’s always worth it. A Man Called Ove looks like my kind of book, I’m going to buy it this week. :)

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    1. You'll love this book Mary. And you should definitely join our club - it's super easy and there's no pressure!

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  6. This has become one of my favourite books and now favourite author. I just read Britt Marie and loved it and picked up another of his books today. So glad you recommended it!

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    1. I just bought two more books by him - can't wait to read them.

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  7. I love those kinds of books you read that when you're finished you miss it... it's been so long since I just sat down and read a novel I got lost in. I'd love to join in but I know I'm not sure I can make a commitment... it might be what I need though... I'll think about xox

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    1. You should definitely join us Launna! There's no pressure, and everything is at your own pace. You can hop in whenever you have time and comment. We'd love to have you!

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  8. based on yours and Deena's reviews, I may have to add this to my "to read" book list!

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  9. Curmudgeon...perfect description of our mutual friend Ove. PC and I listened to this book together. Something we have been doing lately. It was a such a good book for us to enjoy, talk about, share together. Through your review, sounds like you have created a lot of interest in this wonderful book. Good job, girlfriend.

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    1. It would be fun to listen to this one. How fun that you and PC do it together!

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  10. I have not heard of this book! I am adding it to my Goodreads to read list right now!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

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  11. I love that - behind every person is a story. I wish I was a reader - I need to make more of an effort to "escape" in a good book.

    Lisa
    Daily Style Finds

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    1. It's hard sometimes when there are so many other things to do!

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  12. You did a great job on this review! I definitely want to read this one! I'm on the hold list at the library. Slowly getting there! I'm a big reader too!

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  13. Very true - there is a story to be told by all, we just may not hear them all. Like you, I totally love books and can't imagine lie without them. Love your review! Hugs...

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    1. Thanks Ro. Life would be so much less interesting without books!

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  14. Ooo... Sounds like a good book! I'm going to have to see if my library has it! <3

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  15. Loved The Man Called Ove. Was an unexpected pleasure to read. Read The Curious Life of Arthur Pepper was almost as good.

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