Backman does it again! His latest heartwarming story had me crying, chuckling and occasionally both at once. This must-read made me nostalgic for those youthful summer days filled with swimming, snacks and friends who have nothing better to do than to be with you.
My Friends, marked by Fredrik Backman’s signature humor, wisdom, melancholy and charm, was a beautiful read from start to finish. Four friends discover their place in the world — by one another’s side — via tough life circumstances and a mutual knack for mischief. The impact of their friendship reverberates into the future to help Louisa find her purpose in the present.
My Friends
by Fredrik Backman
More than 1 million copies sold! Winner of the 2025 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fiction * A Fallon Book Club Pick * USA TODAY Best Books of the Year * NPR Best Books of the Year * Marie Claire 25 Best Novels of the Year * BookPage Best Fiction of the Year * Real Simple Best Books of the Year * Libby Audiobook of the Year
The #1 New York Times-bestselling author of A Man Called Ove and Anxious People returns with an unforgettably funny, deeply moving tale of four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a complete stranger's life 25 years later.
Most people don't even notice them — three tiny figures sitting at the end of a long pier in the corner of one of the most famous paintings in the world. Most people think it's just a depiction of the sea. But Louisa, an aspiring artist herself, knows otherwise, and she is determined to find out the story of these three enigmatic figures.
Recipe and Cookbook Pairings for My Friends
Though Ted’s mom wasn’t outwardly affectionate, her way of showing love was by cooking. Her lasagna became a favorite of the four friends as well as a symbol of care and safety. This comforting dish from the Barefoot Contessa would make for a delightful pairing!
Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Lasagna From Barefoot Contessa
Cookbook Pairing: Something From Nothing
The four friends and Louisa often felt like nobodies; however, when the friends found each other and when Louisa found Ted, they felt like so much more. Individual ingredients are fine on their own, but together they can create a symphony of flavor. Roman’s recipes will leave you asking, “How did something so wonderful come from basically nothing?”
Featuring over 100 deceptively simple, casually stylish, impossibly delicious recipes, this cookbook filled with simple, smart, timeless ideas that rely on a home cook’s best-kept secret: a well-stocked pantry. Making the most of your shelf-stable bottles, bags, jars and cans, Roman shows you how to cook as she does — intuitively with maximum flavor.
Something from Nothing: A Cookbook
by Alison Roman
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: NPR, THE ECONOMIST, LIT HUB - A BON APPÉTIT BEST COOKBOOK OF THE YEAR
In this book, you'll find warm, opinionated writing coupled with classic recipes, both with signature Alison flair, such as:
- Snacks and Things to Start with: Herbed Artichoke Dip; Spanish Tortilla & Friends; and Labne with Caramelized Harissa
- Soups & Stews: Kimchi-Tomato Soup with Rice & a Soft Egg; Golden Mushroom Soup with Orzo & a Pat of Butter; and Ginger & Greens Noodle Soup
- Vegetables & How to Make Them Taste Even Better: Forever-Roasted Squash with Browned Butter Dates; Wine-Braised Romano Beans with Anchovy; and Spiced, Butter-Roasted Carrots with Walnuts
- Pasta & Noodles: Saucy Roasted Eggplant Pasta; Bolognese with Fennel; and Carbonara for Two
- Beans & Grains: Crispy Baked Beans with Mushrooms & Parmesan; Buttered Polenta with Fresh Corn; Caramelized Beans with Tomato & Cabbage
- Meats & Fishes: Crushed-Olive Chicken with Turmeric; Steak Like Tartare; Crispy Fish with Dill & Fried Capers
Whether you're feeding yourself on a busy weeknight or hosting a last-minute dinner party, this book has just what you need. For easy, straightforward recipes that still impress, Something from Nothing has you covered, showing you how to turn every bag of beans, tin of anchovies and jar of olives into a meal worth celebrating.
Drink Pairing for My Friends
An Old Fashioned is a smooth classic cocktail that pairs nicely with a rich Italian dish like lasagna and, of course, good friends!
Cocktail: Classic Old Fashioned From AllRecipes
Book Club Discussion Questions for My Friends
Much like the ocean or a pool on a hot summer’s afternoon, this book begs to be dived into. Consider the overarching theme of friendship: is the type of friendship that the four friends have also possible in adulthood? This book also lends itself well to literary analysis. Is Backman’s gift with and use of metaphor effective? See what your discussion reveals about this lovely book as a whole!
- When the artist is relaying his encounter with Louisa in the alley to Ted, he says, “She’s one of us!” What does he mean by this?
- In My Friends, characters who appear very different from one another form deep bonds. What brings these characters together, and what do you think their relationships reveal about the power of human connection?
- Although My Friends is often humorous and lighthearted, it also explores profound themes of grief, loss and trauma. Is Backman’s balance of the two true to life?
- Characters are frequently described as laughing throughout My Friends. Why do you think Backman portrays laughter as such a vital component of friendship?
- Throughout My Friends, one person’s belief in another has the power to change the course of a young person’s life. Where did you see this idea most clearly, and why did it stand out to you?
- At its heart, My Friends is a celebration of the power of friendship. How did the novel’s portrayal of friendship deepen, challenge, or affirm your own understanding of what it means to be a true friend?
- What’s your interpretation of the following quote: “Art is a fragile magic, just like love, and that’s humanity’s only defense against death. That we create and paint and dance and fall in love, that's our rebellion against eternity.”
- According to My Friends, what is the value of art and artists in our current cultural moment?
- If you were creating a film adaptation of My Friends, who would you cast the roles of Louisa, Ted, the artist, Joar and Ali? Which moments from the book would you wish to highlight?
- What would you say the ultimate message of My Friends is?
Related Reads
If you’re looking for similar stories to My Friends in terms of theme or feel, check out our list! Of course, the closest match to writing style would be any additional books in Backman’s library: Anxious People, A Man Called Ove, Britt-Marie Was Here, etc. ...
1. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine: Reese's Book Club by Gail Honeyman
2. The Wedding People by Alison Espach
3. The People We Keep by Allison Larkin
4. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
5. The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery - Alison Anderson