The story begins when a small town obsessed with the local junior hockey team is rocked by a shocking act of violence, and the next two books explore the consequences while the residents face difficult questions and determine just what they are willing to sacrifice for their home.

In true Backman fashion, you will fall completely for this eclectic cast of characters, cheer them on through their victories, and weep with them in their grief.

The books in order:
1. Beartown
2. Us Against You
3. The Winners

Another story of quirky characters and found family, this novel is distinct from My Friends, yet both tackle more challenging topics with a lighter and even humorous touch.

Eleanor wants things done right and to be liked, but her people skills aren’t the best. Over time, we learn about her history and what made her who she is. This is a story of resilience and friendship.

This dystopian novel tells the story of a group of childhood friends reunited as adults, and explores themes of friendship and loss.

An extraordinary friendship. A lifetime of stories. In this novel about love, grief, and found family, an unlikely friendship blossoms between 17-year-old Lenni and 83-year-old Margot when they join an arts and crafts class in the hospital they call home. Knowing their days are dwindling, both are determined to leave their mark on the world.

This is a sweet intergenerational story that reminds us how much we all have to share with one another.

A book with a different tone, this is a laugh-out-loud yet bittersweet escape into the escapades of the over-80 set, exploring themes of regret, forgiveness, friendship, and found family. A case of mistaken identity lands Frederick in the local nursing home, where he finds friendships that almost eclipse his desperate loneliness.

I was willing to forgive our sweet octogenarian main character his one glaring misstep because he stole my heart from the start.

Part coming-of-age story, part love letter to the video game industry, part exploration of ambition, love, friendship, and the complicated ways people love each other. Like My Friends, it centers on the emotional bonds that form through creativity and shared passion.

A lonely artist leaves behind a notebook inviting strangers to write the truth about their lives, unknowingly setting off a chain reaction of honesty and connection. As each person adds their story, the notebook draws them together into an unexpected community. Blending humor and heart, Clare Pooley explores loneliness and vulnerability, while showing how small acts of openness can transform lives.

After surviving the accident that killed his mother, young Theo Decker clings to a small painting that becomes both a symbol of memory and a source of obsession. Tracing Theo’s life from grief-stricken childhood into adulthood, art becomes a powerful thread connecting beauty, trauma, and survival.

Reconnecting with a childhood friend, a young woman’s memories of her adolescence in Brooklyn resurface, especially the fierce friendship she shared with three other girls. Jacqueline Woodson reflects on the fragile moment between childhood innocence and adulthood’s harsh realities, and captures how formative relationships during youth shape a lifetime.

Following four college friends over several decades, this novel centers on their enduring bond — especially their devotion to Jude, whose traumatic past shadows his life. A dark and emotional story, it examines the impact of chosen family and the lasting impact of the past. Be warned, however, this story does not leave you more hopeful than it found you.

This darkly funny but heartwarming novel takes us on a cross-country road trip with PJ, a 63-year-old million-dollar lottery winner, his adult daughter, two orphaned kids, and a cat who can predict death. What could possibly go wrong? Every main character in this story has faced a difficult tragedy, and every day they pick up the remaining pieces and try again.

After saving a classmate from a serial killer, a boy named Patch is kidnapped and held in darkness, an experience that shapes the rest of his life. Chris Whitaker blends suspense with a sweeping coming-of-age story about survival, loyalty, and hope. 

What begins as a chaotic wedding story gradually unfolds into a witty yet poignant exploration of relationships, loss, and self-discovery. With humor, sharp observations, and moments of vulnerability, this story reveals the messy humanity behind everyday lives.

When his niece and nephew are suddenly left in his care, former sitcom star Patrick is forced out of his self-imposed retirement in Palm Springs to step into the role of “GUP” (Gay Uncle Patrick). What unfolds is a hilarious yet compassionate story about grief, family, and learning that love doesn’t require perfection – just showing up. Rowley balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine emotion, creating a fresh and feel-good found-family story.

Widower Mukesh lives a quiet life in Wembley, worrying about his reclusive, bookworm granddaughter Priya. Teenager Aleisha works at the local library, where she discovers a mysterious reading list tucked inside a book. Intrigued, Aleisha reads every book on the list, finding escape from her difficult home life through their magic. When Mukesh comes to the library desperate to connect with Priya, Aleisha shares the list with him, hoping it will help. Through their shared love of these books, two lonely souls forge an unexpected friendship that helps build a surprising community.

A coming-of-age story about a young woman searching for belonging through music, friendship, and found family. Like My Friends, it explores youth, art, and the healing power of connection.