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Wonderful Feels Like This
Sometimes the person who understands you the most is the person you least expect.
For Steffi, going to school every day is an exercise in survival. She’s never fit in with any of the other groups at school, and she’s viciously teased by the other girls in her class. The only way she can escape is through her music—especially jazz music.
When Steffi hears her favorite jazz song playing through an open window of a retirement home on her walk home from school, she decides to go in and introduce herself.
The old man playing her favorite song is Alvar. When Alvar was a teenager in World War II-era Sweden, he dreamt of being in a real jazz band. Then and now, Alvar’s escape is music—especially jazz music.
Through their unconventional but powerful friendship, Steffi realizes that she won’t always be lonely in her small town. She can go to a music school in the big city. She can be a real musician. And she can be a jitterbug, just like Alvar.
But how can Steffi convince her parents to let her go to Stockholm to audition? And how is it that Steffi’s school, the retirement home, her music, and even her worst bully are somehow connected to Alvar and his story? Can it be that the people least like us are the ones we need to help us tell our own stories?
For Steffi, going to school every day is an exercise in survival. She’s never fit in with any of the other groups at school, and she’s viciously teased by the other girls in her class. The only way she can escape is through her music—especially jazz music.
When Steffi hears her favorite jazz song playing through an open window of a retirement home on her walk home from school, she decides to go in and introduce herself.
The old man playing her favorite song is Alvar. When Alvar was a teenager in World War II-era Sweden, he dreamt of being in a real jazz band. Then and now, Alvar’s escape is music—especially jazz music.
Through their unconventional but powerful friendship, Steffi realizes that she won’t always be lonely in her small town. She can go to a music school in the big city. She can be a real musician. And she can be a jitterbug, just like Alvar.
But how can Steffi convince her parents to let her go to Stockholm to audition? And how is it that Steffi’s school, the retirement home, her music, and even her worst bully are somehow connected to Alvar and his story? Can it be that the people least like us are the ones we need to help us tell our own stories?
307 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2012
37 people are currently reading
1767 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
February 18, 2017
Hmm. This is certainly interesting.
I must say, I'm quite unsure of how I feel about this one. On one hand, it's a fun, light-hearted story of standing out with all one's quirks and unique personality. It's a feel-good story. It makes you feel... dare I say it? It makes you feel wonderful.
On the other hand, WONDEFUL FEELS LIKE THIS, unfortuantely, offers nothing new that I have not seen before.
This saddens me, it does. Because, really and truly, the synopsis offers something fresh and new and interesting. And does it deliver? No, no, and yes. It's not fresh or new, but it did hold my attention. Somewhat. It honestly depends on whether you've read countless stories about fitting in despite bullying and finding your people. If you haven't, then you might enjoy this waaay more than I did. But I've just seen too much of the same subject matter recycled 'round and 'round for this to stick out.
But let's talk some positives, shall we?
The writing is quite beautiful. Some descriptions made me pause and read over the sentence several times because the way the words are put together is uniquely arresting. So, in terms of new and original material? The writing style gets the points for that.
But. And, in regards to the writing style, there is a big but I must address, unfortunately. (stop giggling. I'm trying to review here. Sheesh). The sentences did feel, more often than not, quite choppy and disjointed. I would get the impression that several words are deleted or that the words are paper-mached over each other without rhyme or reason. But, I do keep in mind that this book is translated from Swedish. So, I guess I could cut it some slack? Yeah. Let's be fair.
The choppy writing did not affect my rating, so rest assured.
So, I realize I haven't talked characters yet, so allow me to. Steffi is an interesting character. One of the qualities that I like most about her is that despite being constantly put down by her classmates, she never lets go of what she likes, never changes or tries to change to impress them or get them to stop. She simply tries to strengthen herself to defend herself. Not pressure herself into changing. Not force herself into the wrong mold. And I respect this very, very much.
Alvar is a pleasant surprise He is an old man nearing 90 years of age and a former jazz musician, and is basically Steffi's newfound role model and cheerleader. Although, I must admit, I felt almost disconnected from Steffi's storyline and more invested in Alvar's flashback history. Whoops.
So. Overall, WONDERFUL FEELS LIKE THIS is a light story and one that makes you feel wonderful (sorry. I'll stop with the cringe-y puns). Definitely recommended if contemporary feel-good stories and jazz history are your thing (or your jam? Because it's jazz and jazz is.. no? Nothing? Sheesh.)
But in all seriousness, I quite liked this one. Really.
Thank you, Flatiron, for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
February 18, 2017
Upon requesting this book, it was mostly the confetti on the cover that drew me in, as well as my knowledge that this book was originally written in Swedish. Admittedly, I know next to nothing about Sweden other than the fact that it's in Europe and that its capital is Stockholm, so I was so happy to get a glimpse into the Swedish culture in this book!
Wonderful Feels Like This turned out to be a very unique, memorable story, but not one of my favourites. There were tons and tons of things that I adored about it, but as with many books I read, there were still some flaws that put me off.
To briefly synopsize, this book revolves around a teenage girl named Steffi. She doesn't think she really fits in with others her age, so she turns to jazz music to cheer herself up. One day when she hears some of that music playing from inside a retirement home, she makes her way in and instantly bonds with Alvar, the player she heard. Will Alvar and the other senior citizens be enough to make her feel welcomed in her community? And will she be able to gain the confidence to try out for the Stockholm music school?
I really liked the loyal, strong character that Steffi was and thought she went through a lot of development by the end of the story. She started off being pretty insecure and ashamed of herself and her inability to fit in with her peers, but as the book progressed and she made bonds with the people at the seniors' centre, she learned to embrace her differences and accept the fact that nobody is exactly the same.
One thing that sort of irked me about this book was the flashbacks to the 1940s, around the time of WWll. In this story, WWll was a big part of many of the senior citizens' lives, but the memories and flashbacks about it just didn't really add much to the story. I didn't find them fascinating, they were confusing, and I didn't see the point of them.
Overall, Wonderful Feels Like This was a very good story with quite the unique premise and well-thought out characters. It just didn't hold my interest for the whole time, so I am going to be rating it 3.5 stars. If you are looking for a sweet story involving music in the heart of Sweden, then this book would be a wonderful choice! You'll be able to pick up your copy starting on March 7th!☺️
*I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Indigo Books & Music Inc. in exchange for an honest review.*
Wonderful Feels Like This turned out to be a very unique, memorable story, but not one of my favourites. There were tons and tons of things that I adored about it, but as with many books I read, there were still some flaws that put me off.
To briefly synopsize, this book revolves around a teenage girl named Steffi. She doesn't think she really fits in with others her age, so she turns to jazz music to cheer herself up. One day when she hears some of that music playing from inside a retirement home, she makes her way in and instantly bonds with Alvar, the player she heard. Will Alvar and the other senior citizens be enough to make her feel welcomed in her community? And will she be able to gain the confidence to try out for the Stockholm music school?
I really liked the loyal, strong character that Steffi was and thought she went through a lot of development by the end of the story. She started off being pretty insecure and ashamed of herself and her inability to fit in with her peers, but as the book progressed and she made bonds with the people at the seniors' centre, she learned to embrace her differences and accept the fact that nobody is exactly the same.
One thing that sort of irked me about this book was the flashbacks to the 1940s, around the time of WWll. In this story, WWll was a big part of many of the senior citizens' lives, but the memories and flashbacks about it just didn't really add much to the story. I didn't find them fascinating, they were confusing, and I didn't see the point of them.
Overall, Wonderful Feels Like This was a very good story with quite the unique premise and well-thought out characters. It just didn't hold my interest for the whole time, so I am going to be rating it 3.5 stars. If you are looking for a sweet story involving music in the heart of Sweden, then this book would be a wonderful choice! You'll be able to pick up your copy starting on March 7th!☺️
*I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Indigo Books & Music Inc. in exchange for an honest review.*
dnf
February 1, 2017DNF at 30%
I am just not able to wrap myself around this one. The time period keeps switching randomly and it is so hard to follow. I have just lost interest in this book. Not for me, unfortunately.
I am just not able to wrap myself around this one. The time period keeps switching randomly and it is so hard to follow. I have just lost interest in this book. Not for me, unfortunately.
December 27, 2016
The writing→ This was such a wonderfully written novel! I loved the style of writing Lövestam used. It was such a neat experience, switching between Steffi and Alvar- present and past. I really, really enjoyed how we got to 'go back in time'.
The characters→ I ADORED THESE CHARACTERS! Both Steffi and Alvar were so honest and real. Like, i feel like i could reach out my hands and touch them. (that's not weird.) I really admired Steffi's ambition, and I loved how down-to-earth Alvar was. Steffi's character developed so much throughout the book, and she really seemed to grow as a person. I found myself wishing that i could go be a part of their story multiple times throughout the book!
The lessons that can be learned→ There was so many things that can be learned from this book. Wonderful Feels Like This is a story about chasing your dreams, ambition, bravery, true friendships, and so much more.
The plot→ To be honest, i'm not entirely sure what the plot was supposed to be. There was some minor plot twists, i guess you could say, but nothing major seemed to happen. But this doesn't bother me much, because-as most of you know- I care more about the characters in a book than about how well the plot was executed.
Now, why did I give it 4.5 stars instead of a full 5, you ask?
The pacing→As much as I adored the writing, it felt very slow paced. Sometimes it just felt like i was trudging along with the story, but other times i would fly through chapters.
The ending→ Okay, so i have a love/hate relationship with this ending. I would've loved it all around if we got more resolution. It felt like the author forgot to go back to some parts of the story, if that makes sense?
Wonderful Feels Like This was a beautiful read, and one i highly recommend to anyone. Please keep an eye out for when this novel hits shelves in March 2017!
Huge thanks to Flatiron Books for sending a copy to me in exchange for an honest review!
Full review posted on thelovelyshelf.wordpress.com
The characters→ I ADORED THESE CHARACTERS! Both Steffi and Alvar were so honest and real. Like, i feel like i could reach out my hands and touch them. (that's not weird.) I really admired Steffi's ambition, and I loved how down-to-earth Alvar was. Steffi's character developed so much throughout the book, and she really seemed to grow as a person. I found myself wishing that i could go be a part of their story multiple times throughout the book!
The lessons that can be learned→ There was so many things that can be learned from this book. Wonderful Feels Like This is a story about chasing your dreams, ambition, bravery, true friendships, and so much more.
The plot→ To be honest, i'm not entirely sure what the plot was supposed to be. There was some minor plot twists, i guess you could say, but nothing major seemed to happen. But this doesn't bother me much, because-as most of you know- I care more about the characters in a book than about how well the plot was executed.
Now, why did I give it 4.5 stars instead of a full 5, you ask?
The pacing→As much as I adored the writing, it felt very slow paced. Sometimes it just felt like i was trudging along with the story, but other times i would fly through chapters.
The ending→ Okay, so i have a love/hate relationship with this ending. I would've loved it all around if we got more resolution. It felt like the author forgot to go back to some parts of the story, if that makes sense?
Wonderful Feels Like This was a beautiful read, and one i highly recommend to anyone. Please keep an eye out for when this novel hits shelves in March 2017!
Huge thanks to Flatiron Books for sending a copy to me in exchange for an honest review!
Full review posted on thelovelyshelf.wordpress.com
December 28, 2024
Внезапно Стеффи поражает одна мысль. Она вытаскивает блокнот из внешнего кармашка футляра и пишет, что Анита всего лишь несколько секунд может мыслить ясно, но ей никогда не забыть мелодию.
А потом у нее рождается песня.
Она позвонит Альвару и попросит его включить радио, когда ее будут передавать.
Она была из высшего общества,
Она твердо стояла на ногах,
Но ее сердце всегда было полно джаза.
Трогательная книга про любовь, дружбу, войну и случайные обстоятельства жизни, которые заводят тебя в самые удивительные места.
Стеффи — пятнадцать, и она изгой в своем классе. Каждый день ее травят девчонки из школы, и у нее нет сил этому активно сопротивляться. Она живет джазом и музыкой, которую учится создавать сама. Однажды по дороге из школы Стеффи слышит знакомую мелодию из окна дома престарелых и знакомится с пожилым Альваром. Они начинают общаться, и оказывается, что Альвар когда-то давно играл с известными джазовыми музыкантами, которых так любит Стеффи.
У этой книги очень спокойное повествование, несмотря на то, какие темы она затрагивает. Стеффи пытается дожить свой последний год в школе и поступить в музыкальную гимназию в столице, а Альвар рассказывает ей о своем прошлом, которое выпало на войну и время, когда к джазу в Швеции относились с предубеждениями.
Они становятся друзьями, и это вселяет в каждого из них новую надежду. В Стеффи — на то, что она тоже сможет стать хорошей музыканткой, ведь Альвар сам когда-то уехал из их родного города, где у него не было перспектив. В Альвара — что жизнь еще не закончена, пока он помнит, пусть эти воспоминания и становятся все призрачнее в его девяносто лет.
В этой книге много и исторических событий, и ностальгии по временам и местам, где ты никогда не жил. Было бы здорово приложить полный плейлист с упоминаемыми композициями всех исполнителей, о которых шла речь.
И мне понравилась мысль о том, что люди становятся жестокими, потому что испытывают собственные проблемы, но мы не обязаны прощать за это всех и каждого.
August 25, 2018
Un grand coup de coeur pour ce livre rempli de jazz, d'Histoire, de gentillesse et de personnages attachants. J'en aurais pris huit tomes.
November 20, 2018
This book continues when Steffi (The main character) goes on a trip with an old man she met on the bus who liked the same type of jazz as her. But when she decides to take a visit to her parents, her mother was mad at her. Her mom kept repeating "If you do good in school you will be lead to a great future. Steffi usually replied with a "how do you know where I can go with Jazz. This reminds of the Eagle hunters in Mongolia. The girl in Oklahoma read books about eagles, and one day her dad took a visit to Mongolia, and she loved it there. She made a living with just a few books. The books changed her life. Just like Steffi who later got into a jazz band, and that was both what The girl from Oklahoma and Steffi desired to do. I think a major theme in this book, is one little thing can change your entire life.
Recommend This book to others pretty good.
Recommend This book to others pretty good.
September 25, 2016
Aww!! Förstklassig feelgood.
January 22, 2024
"They're small people."
He uses his thumb and forefinger to make a small space and he peers at Steffi through it. "This small."
She nods and says, "I know. There are small people and big people. A small person hopes that another small person will just disappear. A big person hopes that the small person will grow up and become big."
This girl warms his heart. She looks indifferent on the outside, but there's so much going on.
"Wise words. Who told them to you?"
"Pappa. But he said it in a different way. He can't always use good syntax, but simple words... they're easy to say."
~
This was such a pleasant surprise! Sara Lövestam's characters feel so beautifully human. I wish I could have a chat with Alvar Big Boy Svensson
He uses his thumb and forefinger to make a small space and he peers at Steffi through it. "This small."
She nods and says, "I know. There are small people and big people. A small person hopes that another small person will just disappear. A big person hopes that the small person will grow up and become big."
This girl warms his heart. She looks indifferent on the outside, but there's so much going on.
"Wise words. Who told them to you?"
"Pappa. But he said it in a different way. He can't always use good syntax, but simple words... they're easy to say."
~
This was such a pleasant surprise! Sara Lövestam's characters feel so beautifully human. I wish I could have a chat with Alvar Big Boy Svensson
April 6, 2017
Did you know that Sweden had a lively jazz scene in the 1940s? Alvar reminisces to his new friend Steffi, a burgeoning jazz musician who's bullied in her high school. A sweet story about following your dreams and being true to yourself. Jazz enthusiasts will truly appreciate the story.
Thanks to Goodreads for the ARC.
Thanks to Goodreads for the ARC.
April 27, 2021
Men det här var bannemig en varm och fin berättelse. Om vänskap som överskrider generationer, allt med lite hjälp av jazz och blues. Jag är inte kunnig inom genrerna själv men har musicerat i yngre dagar och hade gärna velat ha en gammgubbe att jamma med, precis som Steffi. Jag upplevde inte heller att min ickekunskap om jazz och blues gjorde min läsupplevelse mindre eller sämre. Det var fint att få hänga bland swingpjattar och snajdare, att träda in i värld långt borta i tiden.
Är ett fan av Lövestam sedan länge, men detta är min första roman jag läst av henne. Jag älskar att kärleken till språket även märks av i hennes prosa. I boken tas många ämnen upp, såsom lesbisk kärlek, mobbning, klass och rasism. Allt på ett i storyn snyggt invävt sätt.
Är ett fan av Lövestam sedan länge, men detta är min första roman jag läst av henne. Jag älskar att kärleken till språket även märks av i hennes prosa. I boken tas många ämnen upp, såsom lesbisk kärlek, mobbning, klass och rasism. Allt på ett i storyn snyggt invävt sätt.
March 2, 2017
This review can also be found at Lost in My Library. I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a really lovely surprise. I'll admit that I wasn't really engaged in the story at the beginning, but before I knew it, I was completely sucked in!
Steffi Herrera is such a wonderful character. Right from the beginning, I felt a connection to Steffi, and I think that will apply to tons of readers. It's not that she's relatable in any specific way - it's more that there's just something inside her that speaks directly to you. Sure, you could put her straight into the cliché boxes of the loner, the one who gets picked on, the one who doesn't quite fit in with her peers, but she never feels like a cliché. She just feels like a person, just like all the best characters do.
I really loved the way this story was told. I love books that have multiple plotlines coming together, especially when one is in the present and one is in the past. This book takes that to a remarkable level, with one story being set in the present and the other in the 1940s. I'll admit that the transitions were a bit clunky - pretty much every time, some sentence would be repeated almost exactly, going from first-person dialogue to third-person narration. The two stories were mostly separate, but the ways that they fit together made both of them stronger.
This was a really good book, but I found myself wishing that it were a movie. The music in this book was so important that i really wanted to hear it accompanying the story, and there were so many scenes that I could envision perfectly in my head. I want to hear Steffi play bass. I want to see the 1940s nightclubs. I want to experience everything.
By the end of the book, Steffi, Alvar, and their stories had firmly worked their ways into my heart, and I'm sure they'll do the same for you.
This book was a really lovely surprise. I'll admit that I wasn't really engaged in the story at the beginning, but before I knew it, I was completely sucked in!
Steffi Herrera is such a wonderful character. Right from the beginning, I felt a connection to Steffi, and I think that will apply to tons of readers. It's not that she's relatable in any specific way - it's more that there's just something inside her that speaks directly to you. Sure, you could put her straight into the cliché boxes of the loner, the one who gets picked on, the one who doesn't quite fit in with her peers, but she never feels like a cliché. She just feels like a person, just like all the best characters do.
I really loved the way this story was told. I love books that have multiple plotlines coming together, especially when one is in the present and one is in the past. This book takes that to a remarkable level, with one story being set in the present and the other in the 1940s. I'll admit that the transitions were a bit clunky - pretty much every time, some sentence would be repeated almost exactly, going from first-person dialogue to third-person narration. The two stories were mostly separate, but the ways that they fit together made both of them stronger.
This was a really good book, but I found myself wishing that it were a movie. The music in this book was so important that i really wanted to hear it accompanying the story, and there were so many scenes that I could envision perfectly in my head. I want to hear Steffi play bass. I want to see the 1940s nightclubs. I want to experience everything.
By the end of the book, Steffi, Alvar, and their stories had firmly worked their ways into my heart, and I'm sure they'll do the same for you.
July 29, 2014
This is a sweet story about a teenage girl befriending an old man, and their mutual love for jazz. The story deals with going your own way, following your dreams and passions, and not giving up when met with difficulty. Having the courage to be yourself and treating others with respect and kindness is a major theme in this novel that tells two different, yet similar, stories about a girl in a small town in modern day Sweden and a young man in Stockholm in the 1940s. Jazz music is the centre about which the story revolves, and I could almost hear the music while reading.
I highly recommend this book!
I highly recommend this book!
May 13, 2017
**NOTE: This is a book that I won through a Goodreads giveaway**
I was not sure at first if I would enjoy this book but, it sucked me in and kept my attention throughout the book. There were so many things that happened that I was not expecting and for a book that was translated to English, it is very well translated! I also love how accurate the book was with the music and musicians involved. All in all, it was a very good and touching book. I can also identify with leaving home to try and accomplish your dreams since, I am currently thinking about doing so myself! :)
I was not sure at first if I would enjoy this book but, it sucked me in and kept my attention throughout the book. There were so many things that happened that I was not expecting and for a book that was translated to English, it is very well translated! I also love how accurate the book was with the music and musicians involved. All in all, it was a very good and touching book. I can also identify with leaving home to try and accomplish your dreams since, I am currently thinking about doing so myself! :)
December 3, 2017
I loved this book. I think I'm a bit of a sucker for teen/olds friendship stories. This book is a just as much about Alvar's experience living and falling in love in Stockholm as a young jazz musician during World War II as it is about Steffi, and the two narratives come together in a lovely way. If you need a feel-good story, pick this up.
March 23, 2018
Plot: 15 year old Steffi is a jazz aficionado and a school outcast. She copes with her troubles by immersing herself into the world of jazz. One day on her way home from school she hears jazz music coming from a neighbors home. It is there where she meets Alvar, an man in his eighties who is not only a jazz aficionado as well but a man who lived in Sweden during WWII. As the novel progresses, Steffi and Alvar form a sort of friendship based on their love of jazz and where they tell each other their life stories.
To say I loved this book is an understatement. First off, the writing was absolutely fantastic Lovestam's writing style is extremely approachable to the reader, she makes you feel like you want to hear her story. Only a few authors have held this kind of power for me so Ms. Lovestam pat yourself on the back!
Lovestam's story alternates between both Steffi and Alvar's experiences. She manages to have two very different characters who are decades apart in age have two very distinct voices and very engaging backstories. To add authenticity to Alvar's backstory, Lovestam weaves in parts of Swedish history and describes in intricate detail how it was for Swedes during one of the most difficult times in European history. As I am not very familiar with Swedish history, I found those parts of the novel to be extremely fascinating. In addition to their backstories, we really get to see Alvar and Steffi's friendship blossom from being complete strangers to each other's closest confidants. Watching their unlikely friendship emerge one was of the most heartwarming aspects of the book. This really demonstrated to me just how much we can learn from each other only if we open ourselves up to meeting new people and learning from our past.
While this novel it not without its faults (sometimes Lovestam does not always smoothly transition from one backstory to another and some of the bullying that Steffi encounters is described in painstaking detail), it is overall worth the read.
To say I loved this book is an understatement. First off, the writing was absolutely fantastic Lovestam's writing style is extremely approachable to the reader, she makes you feel like you want to hear her story. Only a few authors have held this kind of power for me so Ms. Lovestam pat yourself on the back!
Lovestam's story alternates between both Steffi and Alvar's experiences. She manages to have two very different characters who are decades apart in age have two very distinct voices and very engaging backstories. To add authenticity to Alvar's backstory, Lovestam weaves in parts of Swedish history and describes in intricate detail how it was for Swedes during one of the most difficult times in European history. As I am not very familiar with Swedish history, I found those parts of the novel to be extremely fascinating. In addition to their backstories, we really get to see Alvar and Steffi's friendship blossom from being complete strangers to each other's closest confidants. Watching their unlikely friendship emerge one was of the most heartwarming aspects of the book. This really demonstrated to me just how much we can learn from each other only if we open ourselves up to meeting new people and learning from our past.
While this novel it not without its faults (sometimes Lovestam does not always smoothly transition from one backstory to another and some of the bullying that Steffi encounters is described in painstaking detail), it is overall worth the read.
February 24, 2017
efore I get into the review I’d like to address a couple of things. The first is my thanks to Flatiron books for reaching out to me and asking me to review this book. This fact in no way affects how I felt about the book, however.
Second thing I’d like to mention are a few trigger warnings for Wonderful Feels Like This, as there are some sensitive situations and topics. First up, there is mention of sexual abuse within a family. Secondly, there is bullying within the book – specifically name calling. I won’t say the names used, but if you’re not comfortable with harmful labels associated with those who enjoy sex, do be aware those terms are thrown around negatively. Lastly the bullying does involve the bullies thinking the main character is not straight. I just wanted to warn any people who are interested in reading this novel that these situations exist. Now, onto my review! Which is spoiler free.
This is not a book typically in the field of genres I read. Plus, it’s set in a country I don’t know too much about, and about a topic – Jazz music – that I don’t particularly care for. So going into the novel I was worried I wasn’t going to enjoy it. However, the fact that this novel takes place in Sweden and focuses on jazz did not take away from the story or how much I enjoyed it.
Wonderful Feels Like This is a contemporary set in Sweden of a fifteen year old girl who suffers from bullying. The girl’s name is Steffi and she has a passion for jazz. The bullying is terrible and she has no friends. So one day she hears jazz playing at a retirement home – she inquires and meets Alvar, an old man who loves jazz as much as she does. An unexpected friendship blooms between them were he tells her his story, and Steffi sees that she isn’t what the bullies call her, and Alvar helps her with her dream of becoming a musician (like him).
This story has a lot of life lessons in it – at least that’s what I got from it. The first one being that you can achieve your dreams if you work towards them, even if obstacles get in your way. Tackle those obstacles and you can achieve anything. Steffi has to deal with the bullies at school, and she overcomes them by working towards learning how to play the bass and other musical instruments.
The second lesson that I got was that you shouldn’t let the bullies win. Steffi remained polite and acted as if the bullies did not get to her. Even when she had plenty of opportunities to say something to them, she remained calm and kept her head high. Now I know this isn’t always how bullying situations go – because we do need to stand up to bullies. I wish somehow the girls who said such nasty things to Steffi could have been reprimanded or something for their words. That’s my only complaint. But these two lessons I think are important for young teens. Don’t give up, fight for your dreams, and don’t let the bullies beat you down.
Despite the fact I found it very hard to get into this book at first (in fact the story didn’t really pick up much until 150 pages or so) I still very much enjoyed it. Once the ball started to get rolling, and the flashbacks with Alvar more interesting, I was dedicated to find out how Alvar’s love story played out, and whether or not Steffi was going to get into the music school she wanted, if those bullies were ever going to leave her alone.
The end of the book was my favorite part, and the most heartbreaking part. I felt so emotionally attached to all the characters at the end and everything worked out so beautifully. Pieces to a puzzle you didn’t even know existed came together to a beautiful finish. I felt very touched by this story and truly didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did.
Also I'm 99% sure the main character is aro/ace which !! Made me so happy. Multiple times in the book Steffi mentioned that she really didn't find guys attractive and then she also said she didn't like girls that way either (in other words). So I headcanon her as aro/ace because she didn't seem to feel attraction, romantically or sexually, and practically stated that. It's not canon that Steffi is, but that's what I got from the context. And I love that because it makes me happy to see some rep for my people!
This is not a typical book I would pick up myself, and I was completely surprised and put through an emotional, beautiful story. If this isn’t in your normal lists of books, add it to your list. I think this book will touch a lot of people. Just give it some time for it to get good and do be aware of the trigger warnings above in case you’re sensitive of those kind of things.
Wonderful Feels Like This hit’s shelves on March 7, and I highly suggest you think of adding it to your TBR! It’s an amazing story filled with friendship, love, overcoming hardships, and going for your dreams. Don’t miss out! Thank you again Flatiron for the chance to read it early.
Second thing I’d like to mention are a few trigger warnings for Wonderful Feels Like This, as there are some sensitive situations and topics. First up, there is mention of sexual abuse within a family. Secondly, there is bullying within the book – specifically name calling. I won’t say the names used, but if you’re not comfortable with harmful labels associated with those who enjoy sex, do be aware those terms are thrown around negatively. Lastly the bullying does involve the bullies thinking the main character is not straight. I just wanted to warn any people who are interested in reading this novel that these situations exist. Now, onto my review! Which is spoiler free.
This is not a book typically in the field of genres I read. Plus, it’s set in a country I don’t know too much about, and about a topic – Jazz music – that I don’t particularly care for. So going into the novel I was worried I wasn’t going to enjoy it. However, the fact that this novel takes place in Sweden and focuses on jazz did not take away from the story or how much I enjoyed it.
Wonderful Feels Like This is a contemporary set in Sweden of a fifteen year old girl who suffers from bullying. The girl’s name is Steffi and she has a passion for jazz. The bullying is terrible and she has no friends. So one day she hears jazz playing at a retirement home – she inquires and meets Alvar, an old man who loves jazz as much as she does. An unexpected friendship blooms between them were he tells her his story, and Steffi sees that she isn’t what the bullies call her, and Alvar helps her with her dream of becoming a musician (like him).
This story has a lot of life lessons in it – at least that’s what I got from it. The first one being that you can achieve your dreams if you work towards them, even if obstacles get in your way. Tackle those obstacles and you can achieve anything. Steffi has to deal with the bullies at school, and she overcomes them by working towards learning how to play the bass and other musical instruments.
The second lesson that I got was that you shouldn’t let the bullies win. Steffi remained polite and acted as if the bullies did not get to her. Even when she had plenty of opportunities to say something to them, she remained calm and kept her head high. Now I know this isn’t always how bullying situations go – because we do need to stand up to bullies. I wish somehow the girls who said such nasty things to Steffi could have been reprimanded or something for their words. That’s my only complaint. But these two lessons I think are important for young teens. Don’t give up, fight for your dreams, and don’t let the bullies beat you down.
Despite the fact I found it very hard to get into this book at first (in fact the story didn’t really pick up much until 150 pages or so) I still very much enjoyed it. Once the ball started to get rolling, and the flashbacks with Alvar more interesting, I was dedicated to find out how Alvar’s love story played out, and whether or not Steffi was going to get into the music school she wanted, if those bullies were ever going to leave her alone.
The end of the book was my favorite part, and the most heartbreaking part. I felt so emotionally attached to all the characters at the end and everything worked out so beautifully. Pieces to a puzzle you didn’t even know existed came together to a beautiful finish. I felt very touched by this story and truly didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did.
Also I'm 99% sure the main character is aro/ace which !! Made me so happy. Multiple times in the book Steffi mentioned that she really didn't find guys attractive and then she also said she didn't like girls that way either (in other words). So I headcanon her as aro/ace because she didn't seem to feel attraction, romantically or sexually, and practically stated that. It's not canon that Steffi is, but that's what I got from the context. And I love that because it makes me happy to see some rep for my people!
This is not a typical book I would pick up myself, and I was completely surprised and put through an emotional, beautiful story. If this isn’t in your normal lists of books, add it to your list. I think this book will touch a lot of people. Just give it some time for it to get good and do be aware of the trigger warnings above in case you’re sensitive of those kind of things.
Wonderful Feels Like This hit’s shelves on March 7, and I highly suggest you think of adding it to your TBR! It’s an amazing story filled with friendship, love, overcoming hardships, and going for your dreams. Don’t miss out! Thank you again Flatiron for the chance to read it early.
July 29, 2017
Thanks to A&U and Goodreads for my copy of Wonderful Feels Like This. I have mixed feelings about this book. The premise of the story is an interesting choice if this is intended as a YA novel. The parts narrated by Steffi, a year 9 secondary student, who is bullied and has feelings of not quite fitting in are typical of this genre but the voice of Alvar, a nursing home patient whom Steffi befriends, really felt a bit odd for a YA novel. As an adult I really liked Alvar's story of his adolescence in Stockholm during WW11 but I didn't feel much connection with Steffi's character ( even though I could empathise with her predicament). I'm not particularly musical so a bit of the detail about the playing of jazz probably also went over my head. I also felt the translation was at times a bit stilted and I wonder how the lines of lyrics were translated (if they were). I must say I loved the ending and thought it tied the novel together beautifully while dealing with some important issues.
dnf
February 12, 2018The first paragraph:
"Steffi is becoming happy jazz. She lies on her striped bedspread, eyes shut, while deep down inside, she’s turning into an upbeat happy blues, a going- crazy-with-happiness blues. All the stupid people vanish into a fog far beyond her win dow; they’re nothing now as she walks the bass line with her guitar. She rubs away a few tears, which have mingled with the hair at her temples. Povel Ramel sings: Just slap them away like a mosquito! Who cares what they say? Get on with your own show! She’s singing along with his hit “A Happy Blues.” She takes a deep breath and no longer gives a damn about any of the other kids in class 9B. Th e bass player works the blues line like a madman. It’s one of the most difficult walking bass lines on the whole record. As if there were no rules, as if you could play exactly what you wanted, but she hasn’t yet figured out how."
My goodness is this not for me.
"Steffi is becoming happy jazz. She lies on her striped bedspread, eyes shut, while deep down inside, she’s turning into an upbeat happy blues, a going- crazy-with-happiness blues. All the stupid people vanish into a fog far beyond her win dow; they’re nothing now as she walks the bass line with her guitar. She rubs away a few tears, which have mingled with the hair at her temples. Povel Ramel sings: Just slap them away like a mosquito! Who cares what they say? Get on with your own show! She’s singing along with his hit “A Happy Blues.” She takes a deep breath and no longer gives a damn about any of the other kids in class 9B. Th e bass player works the blues line like a madman. It’s one of the most difficult walking bass lines on the whole record. As if there were no rules, as if you could play exactly what you wanted, but she hasn’t yet figured out how."
My goodness is this not for me.
January 1, 2019
Superb YA taking place in Sweden, that brings attention to how isolating it can feel as a teen who doesn't quite fit in with their peers. This novel also highlights the value of intergenerational friendships, jazz music, and the importance of being kind. "Everyone you meet is fighting a battle of their own which you know nothing about" and this book does a brilliant job of demonstrating that truth from the perspectives of numerous characters.
February 16, 2023
I read this for my Swedish class which automatically made me assume that this would be boring. Now I can’t say that it exceeded my expectations but it wasn’t terrible either. I liked the writing and the story of the book. Alvar and Steffi’s friendship is really sweet and I loved to see her working to accomplish her dreams. However this simply isn’t my type of book and it’s hard for me to keep myself interested. There really wasn’t anything to keep me reading and I’m quite sure I would have DNF it if I didn’t have to read it in class. 2/5⭐️
November 1, 2022
Бакман об эпохе джаза.
June 12, 2017
Friendships do not always happen in the ways that we would expect.
For instance, when 15 year old Steffi finds herself listening to the jazz music pouring out of Alvar's nursing home window, she expected to be yelled at for loitering.
Instead, she is invited inside and a friendship based on a mutual love for jazz music is built.
Their conversations ignite in Steffi a passion for playing music and she wants nothing more than to get accepted into a music school in Stockholm, where Alvar was a successful jazz musician in the 1940's.
As Alvar tells the story of his life in Sweden during and after World War Two, Steffi finds his wisdom for living helpful in overcoming her own struggles, especially at school where she is relentlessly bullied.
Despite the age gap, Alvar and Steffi's friendship blooms as they use their vastly different life experiences to give advice and offer support to each other through the difficulties they both face.
Steffi provides a good audience for Alvar as he finds that sharing his life story has brought the spark back into his life, as his passion for jazz music is ignited once more and the memories of his youth override the mundane routine of nursing home life.
What better way to keep music alive than to share it with a younger generation.
Wonderful Feels Like This is a beautiful story highlighting the positive impact intergenerational friendships can have on both the young and the elderly, and how important it is to realise that you can always learn something new from someone, regardless of their age.
For instance, when 15 year old Steffi finds herself listening to the jazz music pouring out of Alvar's nursing home window, she expected to be yelled at for loitering.
Instead, she is invited inside and a friendship based on a mutual love for jazz music is built.
Their conversations ignite in Steffi a passion for playing music and she wants nothing more than to get accepted into a music school in Stockholm, where Alvar was a successful jazz musician in the 1940's.
As Alvar tells the story of his life in Sweden during and after World War Two, Steffi finds his wisdom for living helpful in overcoming her own struggles, especially at school where she is relentlessly bullied.
Despite the age gap, Alvar and Steffi's friendship blooms as they use their vastly different life experiences to give advice and offer support to each other through the difficulties they both face.
Steffi provides a good audience for Alvar as he finds that sharing his life story has brought the spark back into his life, as his passion for jazz music is ignited once more and the memories of his youth override the mundane routine of nursing home life.
What better way to keep music alive than to share it with a younger generation.
Wonderful Feels Like This is a beautiful story highlighting the positive impact intergenerational friendships can have on both the young and the elderly, and how important it is to realise that you can always learn something new from someone, regardless of their age.
July 22, 2017
This was an interesting novel! I enjoyed the incorporation of jazz history throughout and at the end, as jazz doesn't seem to be too popular among youth these days (I say as a 27 year old, haha). Honestly, I'm not sure how I felt about the contrast between the loveliness of moments with Alvar and the horrible bullying Steffi experiences at school. It was a great juxtaposition, but it was also disheartening. Yes, Alvar teaches Steffi to be the bigger person and to not say things to make the situation worse...but do the bullies ever get dealt with. Yes, there is so much that influences a person to act the way they do, but I just felt that storyline was never resolved. Steffi's bass was so badly broken, she suffered emotional abuse from these individuals, and she was also basically catfishing the main bully online. So....not sure how I feel about that. Overall, I found Steffi and Alvar's relationship to be sweet and caring, and I really like the jumping back and forth between the past and present. The only other thing I can think to mention is that I wasn't too thrilled with the author hinting at Alvar's death so often...especially because he doesn't even die at the end! It's like unnecessary stress for Steffi and the reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2020
May I start with the writing style? This is my debut-read for Lovestam's piece, and as it is for an English translation, Lovestam does have a charm for her writing. The words arrangement, unique kind of subject describing, and how she creates these memorable moments, thus crafted a loveable, memorable but quirky, strong and powerful hearts. Some parts I had to pause and reread the part, for the sake of digesting the scene and merge with the emotion and tense, I had to say, Lovestam wrote her story, beautifully.
She mastered the story arrangement, with the diverse POV, diverse perspective, diverse location and diverse time throughout the piece. The continuation of the time switching done flawlessly, and the pace itself, along with the conflicts, self-building going on, was well-crafted enough for me. Yes, I still can see through the realism lense, several characters are not behaving and reacting the way they should, or the way we should, but they do keeping up with the story, and Lovestam making it up with the two memorable characters, Steffi and Alvar. Our Hepcat, and Bigboy.
How do I say, that, uh, Lovestam's piece makes me feel, wonderful?
She mastered the story arrangement, with the diverse POV, diverse perspective, diverse location and diverse time throughout the piece. The continuation of the time switching done flawlessly, and the pace itself, along with the conflicts, self-building going on, was well-crafted enough for me. Yes, I still can see through the realism lense, several characters are not behaving and reacting the way they should, or the way we should, but they do keeping up with the story, and Lovestam making it up with the two memorable characters, Steffi and Alvar. Our Hepcat, and Bigboy.
How do I say, that, uh, Lovestam's piece makes me feel, wonderful?
March 11, 2018
I really liked this book, but the ending left me a bit wanting more. I loved the immersion into jazz music and if I did not have an appreciation of this music before, I do now and I am inspired to listen and research more. The bullying in this book is horrendous and am amazed at the resilience of the main character, Steffi.
March 5, 2014
Fin, sorglig och rolig, men framför allt är den tänkvärd och oerhört välskriven!
September 24, 2015
Jättetrevlig och mysig. Jag som musikintresserad tyckte att det var jättekul att läsa om jazzen i Stockholm på fyrtiotalet.
June 11, 2017
Steffi hates going to school. She lives in a small town with just a handful of people in her class, who all pick on her and make fun of her, spread lies, and are just downright mean to Steffi. She is just waiting until the end of the year so she can graduate and go to University for music. As long as she can survive until then, Steffi knows that the harassment she is getting at school won't matter anymore, because she will be at a school that she loves and all of the other kids will love the same thing as her: music.
When Steffi was walking home from school one day, her music's batteries died and she was left with silence to listen to. But then she heard jazz music coming from the distance. Since jazz music is her all time favorite genre, she went to investigate, and found the person playing the music: Alvar.
Alvar is at the nursing home and after he hollered at her from his window, Steffi made an instant best friend. Turns out, Alvar was a famous jazz guitarist/bassist player during the WWII. He traveled to Stockholm by train and was on a mission to be the best jazz player around town. And he just so happened did become one of the best players in the jazz industry.
Steffi is amazed by Alvar's life and how he overcame many issues to get his dream come true in the end. The more Steffi hears Alvar's life story, the more confident she becomes about her own life. Sure, things suck right now, but in a year? Who knows what Steffi can achieve.
As Steffi is getting ready to perform at a music university, she is worried about the present and the future, depending on what the outcome of her audition is. But one thing is for certain: she was a lucky girl to have found Alvar at the right time in her life.
I found out about this book because it was in the Kirkus top 10 books for young adult bookclub books for adult readers. Since I am in charge of such a bookclub at my library, I thought I'd give it a whirl beforehand and see if I like it or not. I'm not much of a history, different country, or a music fan, so this book was very out there for me, but I was up for giving it a try.
And overall, I did enjoy the book. There were a few times when I thought the book was pretty slow going and that nothing was really getting done in the book, but this isn't an adventure book and I was liking the overall message the author was giving the reader: never give up hope.
I mean, Alvar was a brave man to go live with a distant relative and try to achieve his dream. That is so scary to me - I need to have a plan with detailed information for me to feel comfortable to do something. But Alvar was loving the life he was creating for himself and that is admirable. Especially for Steffi since she was an artist being crammed into a nonmusical box.
I felt so much for Steffi. She is one tough cookie and doesn't let the main bully, Karro, bring down her spirits. And when Steffi got lost in her music and other students made on comment on how great she was on the guitar in front of Karro? That was amazing.
As much negativity Steffi got from her classmates and her older sister, I admire her for not stooping to their level and blackmailing them with deep dark secrets. Seriously, if I was Steffi I would be holding leverage over everyone negative in my life to make them feel just a smidgen of what they made her feel, but Steffi is a better person than I am. She didn't throw secrets into the world and watch chaos happen. She kept the secrets deep inside of her and didn't let that affect how she treated these terrible people.
I love the relationship and friendship between Alvar and Steffi. Seriously, how many 16 year old girls go hangout at a nursing home and spend all of their free time with an old man? Not that many, I can tell you that.
They have a special connection between the two of them and that is because of the music they both love. Having just one thing in common will bring two of the most opposite people together, and that is what happened to these two characters.
I think this book can touch a lot of readers even if they have no common interests with the main themes of this book, because in the end it's about friendship. And I think everyone can relate to that!
Really enjoyed this book! I'll have to debate if I will use it for bookclub, but I'm glad I read it overall!
When Steffi was walking home from school one day, her music's batteries died and she was left with silence to listen to. But then she heard jazz music coming from the distance. Since jazz music is her all time favorite genre, she went to investigate, and found the person playing the music: Alvar.
Alvar is at the nursing home and after he hollered at her from his window, Steffi made an instant best friend. Turns out, Alvar was a famous jazz guitarist/bassist player during the WWII. He traveled to Stockholm by train and was on a mission to be the best jazz player around town. And he just so happened did become one of the best players in the jazz industry.
Steffi is amazed by Alvar's life and how he overcame many issues to get his dream come true in the end. The more Steffi hears Alvar's life story, the more confident she becomes about her own life. Sure, things suck right now, but in a year? Who knows what Steffi can achieve.
As Steffi is getting ready to perform at a music university, she is worried about the present and the future, depending on what the outcome of her audition is. But one thing is for certain: she was a lucky girl to have found Alvar at the right time in her life.
I found out about this book because it was in the Kirkus top 10 books for young adult bookclub books for adult readers. Since I am in charge of such a bookclub at my library, I thought I'd give it a whirl beforehand and see if I like it or not. I'm not much of a history, different country, or a music fan, so this book was very out there for me, but I was up for giving it a try.
And overall, I did enjoy the book. There were a few times when I thought the book was pretty slow going and that nothing was really getting done in the book, but this isn't an adventure book and I was liking the overall message the author was giving the reader: never give up hope.
I mean, Alvar was a brave man to go live with a distant relative and try to achieve his dream. That is so scary to me - I need to have a plan with detailed information for me to feel comfortable to do something. But Alvar was loving the life he was creating for himself and that is admirable. Especially for Steffi since she was an artist being crammed into a nonmusical box.
I felt so much for Steffi. She is one tough cookie and doesn't let the main bully, Karro, bring down her spirits. And when Steffi got lost in her music and other students made on comment on how great she was on the guitar in front of Karro? That was amazing.
As much negativity Steffi got from her classmates and her older sister, I admire her for not stooping to their level and blackmailing them with deep dark secrets. Seriously, if I was Steffi I would be holding leverage over everyone negative in my life to make them feel just a smidgen of what they made her feel, but Steffi is a better person than I am. She didn't throw secrets into the world and watch chaos happen. She kept the secrets deep inside of her and didn't let that affect how she treated these terrible people.
I love the relationship and friendship between Alvar and Steffi. Seriously, how many 16 year old girls go hangout at a nursing home and spend all of their free time with an old man? Not that many, I can tell you that.
They have a special connection between the two of them and that is because of the music they both love. Having just one thing in common will bring two of the most opposite people together, and that is what happened to these two characters.
I think this book can touch a lot of readers even if they have no common interests with the main themes of this book, because in the end it's about friendship. And I think everyone can relate to that!
Really enjoyed this book! I'll have to debate if I will use it for bookclub, but I'm glad I read it overall!
May 7, 2017
{In the interest of giving full disclaimer, I was sent a free copy of this book by the publisher after winning a social media giveaway competition. }
'Wonderful feels like this' tells the story of 15 year old steffi Herrera. A music ( especially jazz) lover who dreams of attending music school and leaving behind her school bullies. Steffi dreams of becoming who she really is and leaving behind the persona that others have attached to her.
During this tough period of her life, steffi meets Alvar, an elderly man in a retirement home. She is at first intrigued by the Jazz music that Alvar plays in his gramophone and then by the stories he tells her about his life as an aspiring jazz musician and eventually as a jazz 'great' of the 1940s.
Things I liked:
The characters feel real and well thought out. | although there were dark themes in this story, the light was always chasing darkness away. Steffi was remarkable in many ways, not just as a muso but in her ability to question her bullies in a practical manner. e.g. They called her disgusting but she knew she didn't smell, they called her slut but she knew this wasn't true either. And when the words did get to her and sting and she was tempted to internalize and believe, she would find solance in her music, in her friend Alvar, and in the truth. | I like how the bullies are not vilified but an attempt is made to understand the reasons behind the behavior. There's always a reason for behavior. It's easy to forget when it's in your face but the truth has many shades. | it is beautifully written and I quite like how she links the past and present when Alvar is remembering the past, by repeating the last sentence spoken while in the present.
Things I didn't like: I don't think I didn't like anything per se. More like, I wish we could have found out a bit more about the fate of some of the people in steffi's life. Also, I would have loved to take a peek at Steffi's future.
Overall, I really love this story. It is beautiful and I will miss Steffi and Alvar for sure. Also, I think it is so current with bullying ( particularly, online bullying )being such a real and scary problem for our young adults at the moment.
Recommended:)
'Wonderful feels like this' tells the story of 15 year old steffi Herrera. A music ( especially jazz) lover who dreams of attending music school and leaving behind her school bullies. Steffi dreams of becoming who she really is and leaving behind the persona that others have attached to her.
During this tough period of her life, steffi meets Alvar, an elderly man in a retirement home. She is at first intrigued by the Jazz music that Alvar plays in his gramophone and then by the stories he tells her about his life as an aspiring jazz musician and eventually as a jazz 'great' of the 1940s.
Things I liked:
The characters feel real and well thought out. | although there were dark themes in this story, the light was always chasing darkness away. Steffi was remarkable in many ways, not just as a muso but in her ability to question her bullies in a practical manner. e.g. They called her disgusting but she knew she didn't smell, they called her slut but she knew this wasn't true either. And when the words did get to her and sting and she was tempted to internalize and believe, she would find solance in her music, in her friend Alvar, and in the truth. | I like how the bullies are not vilified but an attempt is made to understand the reasons behind the behavior. There's always a reason for behavior. It's easy to forget when it's in your face but the truth has many shades. | it is beautifully written and I quite like how she links the past and present when Alvar is remembering the past, by repeating the last sentence spoken while in the present.
Things I didn't like: I don't think I didn't like anything per se. More like, I wish we could have found out a bit more about the fate of some of the people in steffi's life. Also, I would have loved to take a peek at Steffi's future.
Overall, I really love this story. It is beautiful and I will miss Steffi and Alvar for sure. Also, I think it is so current with bullying ( particularly, online bullying )being such a real and scary problem for our young adults at the moment.
Recommended:)
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