My Friends by Fredrik Backman

Fredrik Backman has a way of writing stories that feel deeply human, and My Friends is no exception. This book is a heartfelt, emotional reflection on friendship, creativity, and the quiet ways people shape one another’s lives, often without even realizing it at the time.

Centered around art and the bonds that form through shared experiences, My Friends explores memory, meaning, and the enduring impact of the people who become part of our story. It’s tender, thoughtful, and full of Backman’s signature ability to balance humor with heartache in a way that feels incredibly real.

Because art plays such a central role in the novel, we decided to plan a book club night that brought the themes of the book to life.

We started the evening at the Ottawa Art Gallery, where we met for dinner and our discussion at Jackson Café. The café was the perfect setting, specializing in small plates and an absolutely delicious meal. It was quiet and intimate enough to have full discussions. It felt warm, relaxed, and ideal for lingering conversation.

After dinner, we toured the museum together, which became such a memorable extension of the book itself. Each of us chose a painting that we felt captured a feeling, emotion, or moment from the story, and we shared why it resonated. It was such a meaningful way to connect not only with the book, but with each other.

A beautiful book paired with a beautiful night: full of art, reflection, conversation, and friendship.