Why am I passionate about this?
As a nonfiction author, I’ve always been mystified by fictional character development. What qualities make one character fascinating and another a dud? How do great writers make us fall in love with their creations? If I had one wish as an author, it would be to create one truly beloved character. I particularly like quirky nonconformists who forge their own paths, making mistakes along the way, yet they remain sympathetic. When I finish reading the story, I miss their company. My five recommended books include some of my favorite characters in modern literature.
Daniel's book list on quirky people and their adventures
Why did Daniel love this book?
At first, the main character, Ove, seemed like a curmudgeon whose odd behavior infuriated and confused people around him (in humorous ways).
As I read further, I learned that his every quirk had a deep and satisfying reason. I also loved how the story was filled with kindness. The author, Fredrik Backman, is the king of quirky character development. I’ve read this book four times.
19 authors picked A Man Called Ove as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.
'THE PERFECT HOLIDAY READ' Evening Standard
'A JOY FROM START TO FINISH' - Gavin Extence, author of THE UNIVERSE VERSUS ALEX WOODS
There is something about Ove.
At first sight, he is almost certainly the grumpiest man you will ever meet. He thinks himself surrounded by idiots - neighbours who can't reverse a trailer properly, joggers, shop assistants who talk in code, and the perpetrators of the vicious coup d'etat that ousted him as Chairman of the Residents' Association. He will persist in making his daily inspection rounds of the local streets.
But isn't it rare, these days, to find…