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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, My Thoughts About Fredrik Backman's Books and our BookBrowse Review of Beartown.
Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!
Introduction
Beartown is a small community on the brink of disappearing into the surrounding forest as the town loses more and more young people and commerce to the larger surrounding towns. But down by the lake stands an old ice rink, home of the hockey club that has long been the sole source of entertainment and pride for the townspeople, and the only possible ticket out of town for the young men who grew up playing hockey there.
Now, the seventeen-year-old boys who make up Beartown's junior ice hockey team carry the immense weight of all the town's hopes and dreams on their shoulders. The team is about to compete in the national semifinals, and they actually have a shot at winninga win that could bring a new hockey school, commerce, and prosperity back to Beartown.
The outcome of this semifinal match has the potential to change lives and make dreams come true. But when an act of violence leaves a young girl traumatized the night following the big game, the town is dividedand the people of Beartown must decide what they stand for, what they'll allow, and what they're willing to give up on the road to victory.
Topics and Questions for Discussion
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Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Washington Square Press. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.
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