Evan

The concept of this book is phenomenal, and the actual topics and regrets discussed are really valuable to be aware of, but the book itself is quite bloated, with the author often repeating herself and yapping on about "healing" and other 'self-helpy' buzz words when they aren't remotely relevant. Overall, would still recommend. There is incredibly valuable wisdom in this book, you just gotta dig through some fluff to get to it.

This book was definitely not what I thought it was going to be, but I appreciate that. It's easy to see why it's one of the most adored surfing books out there. Definitely one of the more unique books I've read.

I really enjoyed the scenery of fantasized Oregon, I really like the characters in the book, but I was disappointed in the plot. It just didn't really seem to go anywhere. Specifically the main character's "gift" the book is named after is hardly mentioned let alone explored or explained. Started strong but failed to hold up.

In my opinion, this book pales in comparison to some of Backman's other novels, but it's still a solid read that made me chuckle at times.

I love how this book explores the double edged nature of loyalty. How such an admirable trait can also cause so much destruction. Backman is one of my favourite authors and this book is another reason why. Looking forward to getting my hands on the sequel.

I can't help but think the world would be just a liiittttlle better if everyone took the time to read this book. It's nothing groundbreaking but just a nice reset of perspective, with re-emphasizing basic principles we're all taught as kids but for some reason grow out of as we "mature".

to put it simply, it's extraordinary.

Such an interesting idea of heaven, really makes you sit back and evaluate what you're doing with your life and where your priorities are. I was really impacted by it, and it's scattered with great quotes to hold onto. My personal favourite comes right away on the fourth page:

"Had he known his death was imminent, he might have gone somewhere else. Instead, he did what we all do: He went about his dull routine as if all the days in the world were still to come." (pg. 4)

This book is a guilty pleasure of mine. It's like a Hallmark movie, it's corny, at times feels super cheap and shallow, yet I also can't put it down. Maddie McElwees is a W character tho. All the homies rock with Madison McElwees.

This may be the funniest book I've ever read while simultaneously impacting my outlook on life in a way that few books ever have. I love how the book is structured, the characters are all so easy to get behind (especially Ove of course). It's the perfect balance of hilarious and meaningful while remaining believable and interesting. Can't recommend this book enough.

I really wanted to like this book. The foreword and title and whatnot had me excited, expecting something truly miraculous, and while Eben's survival was a miracle, in my opinion he really fails to make his claim believable. He explains potential justifications for his experience, but then quickly writes them off with little explanation, always defaulting to the fact that each theory couldn't explain the "realness" of his experience.

I can't cap I didn't realize it was a true story til like halfway through. Instantly made the story 10x cooler. Super interesting read. Gonna go steal the Mona Lisa now fr.

Very approachable, interesting read. Book feels like nothing more than a real man sharing his real experiences. No present bias, just observation. Would definitely recommend.

Still my favourite book. Perfectly paced, fantastic characters, expertly written, plot is so thorough and fun to follow. If I have a daughter I’m gonna convince my wife to name her Kya.

this is what true brotherhood looks like.

Still my favourite book. Perfectly paced, fantastic characters, expertly written, plot is so thorough and fun to follow. If I have a daughter I’m gonna convince my wife to name her Kya.