★★★★★ (5/5)

Okay, wow!! This book!! I only started reading Fredrik Backman this year, but now I can confidently say I'll read anything he writes!

My Friends is a profoundly moving novel about the families we choose, our friends. The story revolves around a famous painting of a pier with three teenagers sitting at the edge. The narrative jumps between the past, 25 years ago, when these friends leaned on each other during tough times, and the present, where 18-year-old Louisa is determined to find out the story behind the painting.

I found this book both funny and heartwarming, while it also explored deeper themes like grief, identity, social anxiety, and the power of art. I connected with the characters instantly and knew from the first few pages that I was going to love it!!

I was totally fascinated by how the painting was used as the centerpiece of the story. It left me thinking that we often look at art and interpret it in our own way, but we forget there's a whole, real, messy, and beautiful story behind it.

And my favorite character was Joar, he's the best friend everyone deserves, and such a beautiful reminder that some people will believe in you even more than you believe in yourself.

I absolutely loved every bit of it and highlighted so many quotes...

One of the best books I've read this year!