I just love Backman. I KNOW what he's going to do by now having read two other books where he sets things up the same way, but I don't care. He makes it work. You'll start by hating the characters. Probably every one of the characters. Maybe one possibly two escape the venom. Eventually, you'll find out those characters aren't as bad as you first thought. A little later, you'll realize they're actually pretty good. You'll love the characters. You'll wonder how you could have hated them a mere 100 or so pages prior. That is the magic of Backman. ( )

I am so glad I read this book. I truly love the way its written, the characters, the life stories. So much anyone can relate to on a personal level. So much to learn. ( )

Wow, what a gem of a book! After a rather rocky start to my reading year, I'm so delighted to have picked up ANXIOUS PEOPLE. It's my first book by Frederik Backman, but it certainly won't be the last! This novel combines humour with deep emotional insights, making it an absolute standout.

Backman excels in delivering sharp wit throughout the narrative. His humor is well-timed and effective (I genuinely burst out laughing a few times), providing a delightful contrast to the more serious themes within the story. The plot twists are clever, surprising, and satisfying. The revelations about the characters are so engaging that they manage to add layers upon layers to the tale as it unfolds.

One of the most compelling aspects of Anxious People is its emotional range. From laughter to sorrow, Backman expertly explores his characters' experiences, making the story both moving and memorable. Backman's insightful observations on the human condition are also woven throughout the book. I was highlighting gleefully as I read! I can't wait to pick up another book by Backman. I'm delighted to have found a new favorite author. ( )

A good book, not a great book, mainly because reading Anxious People made me, well, anxious. I was quite impressed by how the author could draw in so many quasi-main characters (11 all toll) and not lose me. That is true artistry.

I have read another Backman book, and it was an over-the-top winner. Unfortunately, it may have set an unrealistic bar, leaving Anxious People reaching in vain.

When a bank robber botches their first attempt at such, trying to rob a cashless bank, they run across the street, up the stairs, and into an open apartment in the middle of an open house. The robber, also unskilled at taking hostages, ends up with 8 of them: two married couples, one of whom was pregnant, an executive, a real estate agent, an elderly woman, and a man in a rabbit costume who was hired as an open house spoiler.

Throughout the book, Backman gives snippets of backstory for the characters and the two policemen who try to solve several mysteries during the book, including those of their family dynamic.

There are some endearing moments in the book when the least likely of the hostages end up consoling or befriending each other, and the book ends with a surprisingly sweet twist (or two) that leaves everyone in a happy and good place.

I still could have taken or left the book with all of this going on. I actually had to work at finishing it, not because it was dreadful, but more because it felt lackluster. Again, this may be because I was so over the moon with expectations due to my previous Backman read.
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Good book. A bit sad and hit a few nerves. The ending was beautiful. ( )