Beartown by Fredrik Backman

In Beartown, hockey is life. All hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the little town's revival lie in the upcoming semi-final match, which will hopefully lead to a final match and, ultimately, a win. In just a few more games, Beartown could be transformed. No longer would it be a declining, secluded, forgettable place. Instead, it would be reborn as a major hockey destination. Perhaps there would be a new ice arena, or new sponsors would swarm the city. As a reader, you root for the young men, seventeen year old boys, who could make this happen. They are so close to victory. Then, one day, something happens. An incident occurs. And this incident, even though it happens outside the hockey arena, turns out to be the real game changer.

While Beartown is a book about hockey, the reader does not need to be a hockey fan to appreciate the story. The first chapter piques curiosity right away. The characters are excellently fleshed out, and the story is very timely, especially with current events regarding harassment, rape, and the treatment of women. If A Man Called Ove made you into a Backman fan, then this is one you won't want to miss.