December Book Club: My Friends by Fredrik Backman

In a distant town, a group of teenagers find solace from their challenging home lives by spending their days laughing and sharing stories on a pier. There’s Joar, the fearless fighter; quiet and bookish Ted, mourning his father’s loss; Ali, the daughter of a man who never settles down; and finally, the artist, a boy who hoards sleeping pills and shuns attention, yet possesses an extraordinary gift that could lead him to a better life. Twenty-five years later, a young aspiring artist named Louisa becomes entangled in their story after inheriting a renowned painting created by the group’s artist. Fueled by curiosity, she embarks on a journey to unravel the painting’s origins, delving into themes of friendship, art, grief, and the profound interconnectedness of our lives.