Us Against You by Fredrik Backman

This sequel shows us what happens to a town in crisis. Beartown is a small town ripped apart, not only by the loss of its heart - the hockey team but also by its soul - the people who have left adrift with nothing to anchor to. Hockey was everything to Beartown, the whole reason people wake up in the morning and with the loss of the team to a neighboring rival town and most of the star players, Beartown just wants to pull up the covers and hide. A new female coach is brought in who just may be able to patch up the team using unconventional methods and a dangerous combination of volatile boys along with the support of the old coach and new management. After some "boys will be boys" pranks, not all committed by boys and other more dangerous events take place it is hard to see if this new team will make it. Marriages will falter, old friendships will be tested and childhood cut short for some. Backman once again seduces us with colorful, yet everyday characters blended with thoughtful phrasing all the while prying our eyes wide open to the effects of hate and stupidity that drives the human race. You don't have to read the first book to enjoy this one but you will be missing the finer points of what led up to these events and denying yourself one beautifully crafted read.