Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

*Susanne’s Review:

“Anxious People” is a thought provoking, heart-wrenching, comical novel that leaves you in wonderment. It’s Fredrik Backman at his best. At its heart, this book deals with human connection and the impact people have on each other. It showcases Mr. Backman’s talent in an entirely new way and it is another reminder as to why he is one of my favorite authors.

Fredrik Backman is an author who has an innate ability to capture the human spirit, get under his characters’ skins and relay his characters thoughts and feelings in a way that makes us feel as if we know them, as if we are friends with them and at times, as if we are them.

“Anxious People” is different from Backman’s other novels, there are no quirky curmudgeons like Ove or Britt-Marie and there are no Benji’s. This story features a Bank Robber, a Hostage Situation, a Real Estate Agent and an entire cast of other extremely complicated characters. This is a character driven novel and it delves into the trials and tribulations of each individual whose lives are affected by the situation that they are in. I had no idea what I was in for when I dived in – what I will say is that each and every character will steal your heart. It’s that thing called human connection.

Within just a few minutes of reading this, tears pricked my eyes and I knew from that moment on that this book was special. It is wild and crazy and unlike anything you’ve ever read. At times you will be exasperated and yet you will keep reading. One minute you will be laughing and the next you will be in tears. For me, it happened and happened often.

Once again, Fredrik Backman does something special here and I’m so very grateful for it.

“Anxious People” is a must read and will most certainly be on my Goodreads Best of List for 2020. This novel reminded me that everything I do can potentially impact others and therefore, I must think before I act. It also reminded me how important human connection is and how grateful I am for the relationships I have built with all of you. Though times are difficult right now, I am thankful that we have each other. I wish you all good health, peace and safety. Namaste.

A huge thank you to Ms. Ariele Friedman at Atria Books and NetGalley for the arc. Thank you also to Fredrik Backman for continuing to write such incredible words. You inspire me.

A re-read/buddy listen with Kaceey in November 2020, which I enjoyed immensely.

Published on Goodreads

*Kaceey’s Review:

I believe we’re all more than familiar with the overused but much loved quote,” Live…Laugh…Love.”
But those three simple words fit like a glove, perfectly describing this book!

A group of strangers thrust together in a most peculiar, desperate of situations. Case in point?
For the group of strangers, a bank robbery becomes a hostage situation followed by what else…how about a pizza party?💁🏻‍♀️

This book will go down as one of my all-time favorite. It touched all emotions for me. Tightly gripped my heart. Softly touched my soul. Had me laughing till tears streamed down my face. Had me deeply reflecting on my own life.

And most importantly in a favorite book? After all this time it continues to linger with me. I ask…What more could we possibly want than that?!!

The narrator of the audio version Marin Ireland did a superb job bringing color and life to every character.
Okay, I’m gushing. But I just can’t say enough great things about this book.
I hope it’s on your list… and I hope it touches you as much as it did me.

A buddy read with Susanne. Though this was a reread for Susanne I can now see why she so willingly joined me to listen to this book once again.

Thank you to libro.fm for an advanced 🎧