Fredrik Backman does it again! This book is tender, funny, hopeful and so many other wonderful things. But at its core, it's a love letter to teenagers, and how they're the greatest and dumbest people on the planet, and I love that so, so much.

Let me start by saying as soon as I read the paragraph my book loving heart was in it's happy place! All tucked in , nice and cozy, but knowing it will be going on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
I don't know how Backman does it. I really don't. How can someone make you laugh out loud one minute and the next have you sobbing? And not just once but all throughout the story? He takes such simple little things and makes ;you realize that is what makes up this thing called life. And he makes you thankful for all the good moments as well as all the bad ones.
This book felt a little different from his others. More along the lines of a fairy tale? Maybe? I don't know. But what I do know is that it is absolutely brilliant! These kids have my whole heart, right alongside One and Benji.
So, basically, READ THIS BOOK!! But buckle up your emotions! Actually, never mind. They don't stand a chance. But it's a ride you definitely don't want to miss!

5/5 ⭐️
“I love you, I trust you”
This book had me crying with ugly tears and laughing out loud countless times! I absolutely adored it. Fredrik has become one of my favorite authors; his writing has a way of making you truly feel every word. Each character in this story felt distinct and special. I can't wait for everyone to experience it when it's released on May 6, 2025. Huge thanks to NetGalley for providing this amazing ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Fredrik Backman for an ARC of this book. I was very excited and grateful for the chance to read it.

As the title of the story suggests it follows the story of a group of friends. But it is more then that. It has themes and representation of friendship, family, grief and many more. And all these are linked to the overall idea of art and the impact it has on our society and humanity.

This story takes place between two timelines; past and present. A story about the group of friends is slowly being told. More and more gets revealed and connected to the present.

Overall I really enjoyed this story. It had a similar voice that rings true of a Backman novel. He seems to find a way to describe simple, human things but in such a profound and beautiful way. It is one of the things I truly enjoy about his books. I do have to say that at times I was a bit confused between the dual timelines and the presence of so many characters. The ending I found satisfying as I felt that things came full circle, but it felt a bit rushed.

I still highly recommend this book, and think that most people would find something that they connect to within the story.

This is my new favorite Backman book. I laughed and I sobbed while reading. The friendships felt so real and were so beautiful. I loves Louisa and Ted's friendship and how the story of the painting was so carefully crafted. I will carry this book and these friendships with me forever.

It’s sometimes hard to pick up a new book by an author you love; you’re always comparing the new one to the ones that came before, the ones that you love. And sometimes that sets you up for disappointment. But there is nothing disappointing about Backman’s new novel, My Friends. If anything, it’s even better. It has all the found-family vibes of A Man Called Ove, all the narrative intricacies of Anxious People, and all the heart and wit that has endeared Backman to me.

What I particularly love about this book is the spotlight that it puts on a group of teenagers, and not “well-behaved” ones by the world’s standards. From the novel’s opening line, “Louisa is a teenager, the best kind of human,” I knew I would love it. I fell in love, not only with Louisa, but with the group of teenage friends whose story unfolds through the lens of memory and art. A good character-driven story is usually enough for me, but the added layers of commentary on art and class, and the way the narrative unfolds in fits and starts that make it feel so authentic, make this novel something special. The characters feel real as they experience both triumphs and heartbreaks, and Backman avoids making their brightest moments too saccharine or their darkest hours exploitative in the way some stories of “tragic” characters do. Like his other books, I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially to those who love art and love teenagers (or need to learn to love both more).

I felt misled by the heart-wrenching buildup, only to realize that the characters' situations were not as dire as I felt I was led to believe. Don't get me wrong—the stories are undeniably tragic, and it's heartbreaking that these situations really happen. But why lead the reader to believe it will be even worse than it turns out to be? Maybe it is a commentary on what grief can feel like in the moment. All-encompassing with little hope?

Toward the end, I found the sudden and repeated use of "damn" in several paragraphs annoying. It's not my favorite of his works, but the genius is undeniable. As always, his writing is beautiful, filled with so many poetic phrases that just have to be highlighted.

I laughed, I cried, I never wanted it to end. I closed the book, grateful for the tears rolling down my face, hugged my mom, and called my Fish.

My Friends is a masterpiece. Finishing it before the publication date felt wrong. I was the security guard staring at a painting that had been stolen—no, placed—in a gallery years before anyone recognized its brilliance.

I’m afraid I’ll never read a book this perfect again. Tender, human, flawed, brilliant. This is a love story—not necessarily romantic, not necessarily whole—but the truest one I’ve ever read. I love you and I trust you.

Thank you Simon and Schuster for the eARC.

Frederik Backman has done it again. The story of four friends is told mainly through Ted to Louisa - a girl that would have fit in with their crew. The story bounces between present day and the past. There is no way you will not fall in love with Ted, The Artist, Joar, Ali and Louisa. Backman has a gift for creating characters that pull you in and captivate you. He mixes humour and sadness throughout the story - so many emotions to feel when reading this book.

There were even a few plot twists that I didn't see coming in the story. I thought I knew exactly what had happened, but I was wrong. Backman keeps the reader entertained and guessing. He is brilliant!

I couldn't put the book down and I didn't want it to end. You will be rooting for all of these characters!

I legitimately almost cried when I saw I’d been granted an ARC of this book from NetGalley. Truly. Somehow Frederik Backman’s writing manages to be absolutely magnificent in every word. Like every. Single. Word. Makes me feel something. His language has this way of subtly making you consider things and laugh at things constantly. I don’t even have the words to describe it. But this book, of course, was a masterpiece.

my first Backman novel! a modern fairytale filled with tender, heartbreaking moments balanced with hilarity and found family love. to travel back and forth in time with the characters and experience their summer was magical and vibrant. thank you netgalley for the arc, this was wonderful!

This book is pure magic. The kind that grabs hold of your heart and refuses to let go. I laughed, I cried, I gasped—I even had to throw it down in frustration, only to snatch it back up moments later because I had to know what happened next.

The story weaves together the past and present, following a group of teenagers whose bond is so profound it echoes across decades. At its heart is Louisa, an 18-year-old orphan who unexpectedly becomes the guardian of a priceless painting—one that holds a mystery she can't ignore. Her journey to uncover the truth leads to stunning revelations, stirring emotions, and an exploration of art’s power to connect souls across time.

The characters feel achingly real—flawed, broken, but so deeply human. Their friendships, their struggles, their love for one another…it’s all written with such heart-wrenching beauty. The suspense, the nostalgia, the aching hopefulness—it’s all here in perfect harmony.

This is a book about love in all its forms: the love between friends, the love we have for art, and the love that remains long after people are gone. It’s devastating and uplifting all at once. I have no doubt this will stay with me forever.

I wish I could give it more than five stars—I want to shout my love for this book to the whole world! READ THIS. You won’t regret it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Frederik Backman is an auto buy author and this book is another reason why. I love his characters, their banter and the lives that they live. Flawless writing. Loved this!

How apropos that Backman’s artistry brought me together to reflect with friends, and now he’s written a book about the power of art and friendship. Like always, Backman masterfully, yet self deprecatingly, creates a beautifully written novel that perfectly captures the “I can’t believe someone else feels that way too” sentiment that is so very powerful and genuine, whilst telling a superbly plotted story.

My Friends felt a little more stream of consciousness to me than his previous works, perhaps even a little more personal? It seems completely counterintuitive that a novel that examines the perils of fame and how the masses likely never truly know the artist really made me think of Backman’s personal posts—I could be VERY wrong here (and likely am) but the portrayal of the artist seemed very much to be Backman himself.

Anyway, even if I weren’t searching for the equivalent of “Swiftie clues” in this book, I would still walk away completely satisfied—the friends, the art, the laughs, the sighs, the tears—they all made for a five-star reading experience.

Thank you to @netgalley and @atriabooks for the digital ARC.

My Friends by Fredrik Backman is a beautifully quiet, character-driven book that captivates the reader from the very first page. The story revolves around a small group of friends who share a profound bond during their formative teenage years. No summary can truly capture the essence of this remarkable book. It explores the depths of friendship, the weight of grief, and the complexities of love in all its messy, glorious forms. It resonates with both the young and the seasoned hearts among us. It’s infused with wit and profound insights that linger long after the last page is turned.

Like all of Backman's novels, it’s the unforgettable characters that stay with you, echoing in your thoughts. His vivid description of the sea sweeps the reader away to the enchanting waterfront on a sun-soaked lazy summer day. Backman thoughtfully reminds us of the complexities of being a teenager, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia. The book does conclude on a satisfying note. Just make sure to check out the trigger warnings.

Without a doubt, all five stars for My Friends by Fredrik Backman from me! I am genuinely proud to call myself a Fredrik Backman completist! A huge thank you to NetGalley and Atria for this incredible ARC.

Oh my heart! This book about the enduring friendship between 4 teenagers (Kim, Ted, Joar and Ali) is completely heart wrenching but funny at times. Louisa, an 18 year old orphan, carries a postcard of a painting for years and attempts to see the painting in person at an auction. She is chased by security and eventually runs into a sickly man that she assumes is homeless. She and the man, who is actually a world renowned artist, create artistic magic together and he later bequeaths his priceless painting to her. The artist was one of the 4 teenagers 25 years ago, and their story, full of horrendous abuse, love and loss, is slowly revealed as the orphan travels to their hometown with Ted, another of the 4 friends.
The writing style seems simple but the words are deeply moving. This is one of those books with characters I won’t soon forget. “I love you and I trust you.”😭
Highly recommended! 5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own. Available 5/20/25

This book captured the essence of what friendship is. It was filled with so much love, humor, and heartbreak. Fredrick Backman has such a way to make you feel every single emotion. The characters in this book are all so well developed and I found myself reflecting on my own friendships that have spanned decades. I loved how he weaved the importance of art into this story. Art is such a great humanizer allowing us to connect with one another of all ages and belief systems. I cannot wait to listen to this book again when it is released on audiobook to experience it again and through a different lens.

Endless gratitude to NetGalley for letting me read this book early.

am a die hard Backman fan, and I enjoyed his latest book, My Friends. It was clever and entertaining and full of all the things I love about Backman's writing. But it is also not my favorite Backman book.

The characters and the story didn't seem especially memorable. While I enjoyed reading it, I don't know that it is one that will stick with me for long? Although, I'm not an artist in any way, shape or form, so it's also possible that the art theme just wasn't a perfect match for me. And while the book was written in classic Backman style, it felt a little extra to me. Like maybe he was trying just a little too hard to write this one? For example, he always uses a circular, roundabout method of storytelling that allows layers of the story and characters to be revealed bit by bit. And this unique style is actually something that I really love about his writing. But in My Friends, this style led to the story feeling repetitive. Like we just kept returning back to the same parts of the story over and over again.

This review is sounding negative, but I did enjoy this book! Backman has such an honest and refreshing way of looking at the world and then relaying it to his readers. I was engaged from the opening paragraph. It was a slow read for me, but Backman's books are always slow reads for me because I want to soak up every word. Even if it isn't my favorite Backman book, I would still recommend this one!

I mean, wow. What a stunning portrait of people. Just people being their truest selves. I found a little piece in every character that I wanted to take with me.

The story telling in this book was so beautiful. You meet these beautiful flawed characters and learn about their struggles, their love, their pain. you will laugh; you will cry. You will think “why did I subject myself to this?” I loved this book, I loved the way it analyzed friendship, grief, and the way we are as teenagers. Another masterpiece by Bachman.