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" That's all of life. All we can hope for. You mustn't think about the fact that it might end, because then you live like a coward, you never love too much or sing too loudly. You have to take it for granted, the artist thinks, the whole thing: sunrises and slow Sunday mornings and water balloons and another person's breath against your neck. That's the only courageous thing a person can do."

Deeply moving story of friendship and art and everything in between. A few shortcomings (too much telling in the first half rather than showing is the major thing) but it is more than made up for with the gorgeous tale.

This is the story of four friends. And one girl who needs to connect with them. Twenty-five years ago, four teenagers forged a bond that circumstances can never break. One of them goes on to become a famous artist, and the first painting he created serves as a catalyst for what happens in the future.

I think it's best to just go with this story. You really don't need to know what it's about, because Backman's writing stands on its own regardless of the subject matter. His words paint a picture of flawed people looking for connection, looking to find their true selves. I know there are readers who just don't connect with his writing style, but I'm not one of those. I love the stream of consciousness writing, where I get to know the thoughts of the characters despite how broken they might be, and I am able to join them in their journey.

I think his characters are so viscerally real because he puts himself into them. His writing is raw and vulnerable and incredibly meaningful due to that vulnerability. His writing makes me think and feel and that's exactly what I want a book to do.

Backman remains my absolute favorite.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.