2017 – “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman
“A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman
Ove (pronounced “OOH-vah”) is a curmudgeon of the highest order. He believes in order, rules, and principles. To say that he is set in his ways would be a gross understatement. As the story opens, Ove is fifty- nine years old, forcefully retired, bitter, alone and unsure how to fill his days. More than anything, Ove longs to leave this life of “posers” and rule breakers and to be reunited with his beloved and deceased wife Sonja. Behind the cranky exterior there is a story that gives meaning to his sadness. And when a young couple with two young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove’s mailbox, it is the lead-in to a funny and heartwarming tale of unexpected friendship, seeing beyond the obvious exteriors and differences in people, and acceptance. All of which will change one old man and a community for the better.
2017 Companion Books:
- “Counting by 7s” by Holly Goldberg Sloan for grades 5–8.
- “Just My Luck” by Cammie McGovern for grade 4.
- “Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch” by Eileen Spinelli for grades K–3.
- “The Peace Book” by Todd Parr for pre-K.
From the film version of “A Man Called Ove”
2017 Program Highlights:
Highlights of the 2017 program included a night of community questing at Boda Borg, stargazing at Waitt’s Mount (storytelling for children and adults, music), and partnering with the Malden Kiwanis to present “Bubbles and Books” at Miller Park. Other community events included a special author talk with astronomer Noreen Grice and an artist talk related to the book’s themes, an age sensitivity training by a Lahey hospital expert, and a book talk in Cambridge at the Swedish outdoors store, Fjallraven. The program also included the continuation of our Reading Circles, community dinners, book discussions, and film series. A major highlight of the year was author Cammie McGovern coming to visit elementary school students as well as having an author talk the previous evening.