Community Read Discussion: A Man Called Ove (Rotary)

“You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll feel new sympathy for the curmudgeons in your life.” —People

The #1 New York Times bestseller about the grumpy old man next door that’s an uplifting exploration of the unreliability of first impressions and a reminder that life is sweeter when it is shared with other people. Also a major film called A Man Called Otto starring Tom Hanks.

Meet Ove. He’s a curmudgeon–the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him “the bitter neighbor from hell.” But must Ove be bitter just because he doesn’t walk around with a smile plastered to his face all the time?

Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove’s mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. All of which will change one cranky old man and a local residents’ association to their very foundations.

Fredrik Backman’s beloved first novel about the angry old man next door is a thoughtful exploration of the profound impact one life has on countless others. “If there was an award for ‘Most Charming Book of the Year, ‘ this first novel by a Swedish blogger-turned-overnight-sensation would win hands down” (Booklist, starred review).

JOIN THE DISCUSSION! This book is a YPL community read. Reserve a copy in our catalog here. Additional copies of the book have generously been provided by THE YORK, MAINE ROTARY CLUB. Inquire at the circulation desk or look for it around town!

*Please note: this event is off-site at the St. Aspinquid Masonic Lodge, 101 Long Sands Road, York, ME

Embracing Wellness is a collaborative program series brought to you by York Public Library, the York, Maine Rotary Club, and many community partners in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month (May 2025). Participating organizations include York Hospital’s Choose to Be Healthy and Youth Resiliency Coalitions; Cornerstone Visiting Nurse Association; National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); York Parks and Recreation; York Center for Active Living; Sweetser; York School Department; York Community Service Association (YCSA), and the Center for Grieving Children. Learn more at yorkpubliclibrary.org/embracing-wellness.