Heartwarming, incredibly relatable, and just a captivating story. I loved this just as much as Ove. Loved the characters, narration, and the writing was just fabulous. I will recommend this to everyone.

I love Fredrik Backman's books because they always have such amazing characters--they're so real to life. He has this fantastic way of creating dynamic, totally believable characters, complete with flaws and strengths. He also has a way of inviting the reader to almost become a character, thinking about whether you would react and respond the same way his characters do or in different ways. What I love most about Backman's books, however, is how they make me empathize with others. At the outset of Anxious People, I had the thought that I might have to read it in small doses because several of the characters were annoying or abrasive. But as I continued reading Backman skillfully pulled back the layers on each character, taking me past their outward actions to their hearts. I found myself not only wanting to reread the book when I finished it but wanting to restart right in the middle of the book with my new understanding of and appreciation for the characters so that I could erase my earlier annoyance with them and instead read every moment with my newfound insights into their true characters. These sweet, beautiful, totally flawed, and totally relatable people stole my heart--and also reminded me of how often in real life if we would stop being annoyed with people and see who they really are, our hearts would melt and we would do whatever we could to help them.
Besides the wonderful cast of characters, Backman's plot and the setting were so interesting--the majority of the book takes place in one apartment--and there were several twists that I did not see coming at all. It was a fascinating read that was so thought-provoking. I adored it, and I want everyone I know to read it so we can talk about it!
5 stars. Definitely one of my favorites for 2020.
I read an ARC of #AnxiousPeople provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

For fans of Fredrick Backman, Anxious People doesn’t disappoint. Backman’s newest title boasts his fantastic prose: beautiful written, slowly unraveling, and always with a twist or two that you don’t expect. The premise of a botched bank robbery turning into a hostage situation of the friendliest sort is a bit improbably, but of course, Backman lays out a scenario in which it could be entirely probable.

Some parts of this book left me confused, and I don’t feel that my questions were answered as I’ve come to expect of this author. The book deals with serious subject matter, but Backman’s point in writing it doesn’t seem to land home quite as well as with his other books. On one hand, this is a good read, and on another hand, it doesn’t seem to quite live up to the high bar that he’s set.

Reservations aside, Anxious People is a great pick for fans of Backman and slow-burning fiction. It’s an essential purchase for libraries, and will make a great gift or rainy Sunday read.

‘They may not have had much in common, but they all knew what it was like to make a mistake’.

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED... however it didn't begin that way. I have to admit that as much as I ended up loving this I did struggle getting into it. The personalities in the beginning ‘interviews’ seemed to run together and felt too similar. ‘Idiots’. But, as the story hit about the 1/4 mark the characters began to separate into their own voices. Backman has a real talent in his ability break through and touch on feelings/emotions every reader can relate to in some way. I don’t know how he was able to make such an intricate story move so flawlessly.

There were so many moments in this that had me laughing and the next wanting to cry. This is also chocked full of amazing quotes... I have a whole ‘note’ on my iPad filled and I will be referring to them often. Another favorite of 2020.

What a delightful romp! The stage is set: a robber in a black ski mask walks into a bank waving a gun and demanding six thousand and five hundred kronors .... however, this bank is one of those newfangled "cashless" banks ... oops! The robber quickly retreats across the street in an attempt to get away. The robber stumbles into an open apartment ... in the midst of a group of people "viewing" the apartment in consideration of buying. The group consists of two couples.... older married couple of Anna-Lena and Roger and much younger couple of two women ... Julian ("Jules") who is pregnant and her wife, "Ro". We are to learn much about their lives ... both their strengths , foibles and idiosyncrasies. Then there is Estelle, an 87 year-old that tells all her dead husband, Knut, is parking the car. Definitely standoffish is Zara ... a fifty-something sarcastic and successful bank executive ... and any interaction with her is punctuated with derision. And lets not forget , the real estate agent ... who hides in the bathroom to gain courage before the "showing"
This is vintage Fredrik Backman ... he initiates his complex interwoven narrative in the form of a slapstick-like screwball comedy ... that would rival the Abbot and Costello "Who's On First?" routine. And, just when the reader is getting into the rhythm of slapstick and tomfoolery, Backman punches you in the gut with poignancy and deep observations of life. He manages to explore and comment on such diverse constructs of life as: love, friendship, addiction, marriage, parenthood, suicide and even the ramifications of death. Just a few pearls: "the ones who make you laugh last a lifetime" ... "we're doing the best we can"/ (we're all idiots to some degree) .... this narrative is littered with gems and absurdities in consideration of the human condition. Be prepared to shed some tears
along the way!
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing an electronic Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. ( at readersremains.com)

I was not that fond of a Man Named Ove, but I loved this book. This book needs to be a book club book bc you will want to talk to someone about it!! A set if people come to all look at an apartment for sale one day. Little did they know, a bank robbery that never really exists, begins to come into the apartment space. I would say that each character has been plauged with anxiety for some reason and that day brings it all out them. What happens when individuals who don't know each other quickly bonds over something happening to them all.

This book was clever, witty, poignant, and all-around brilliant! I hadn’t read a Fredrik Backman novel prior to this, but I know now that I need to change that! Backman weaves together his humor with fascinating and relatable reflections regarding the human condition. I found myself need to pause after re-reading a few passages to revel in the profoundness of his writing. i decided to give this 4 1/2 rather than 5 stars only because I found the first 100 pages to be a bit redundant with his manner of storytelling. Once I was introduced to all of the characters, I couldn't put this book down!

Situations have an uncanny ability to careen out of control quickly, complicating matters and Fredrik Backman's Anxious People highlights the intricate ways lives overlap.

An attempted bank robbery, of a cashless bank, turns an apartment viewing across the street into an impromptu hostage situation, bringing together a collection of people who may never have otherwise interacted with one another. As these eight strangers spend time held at the uncertain-how-to-proceed whim of the failed bank robber, they begin to reveal deeply held truths about themselves and their lives to one another; in doing so, they realize that there are commonalities that connect them and their various anxieties and behaviors. As the situation develops, the bank robber wrestles with the decision to turn themselves over to the police or remain in the apartment with this impossible group. 

This quirky and entertaining story that reads like a comedy of errors reveals truths in a layered manner, pulling back an obscuring layer to present new details that help progress the story in a way that demonstrates that the quirks and intricacies of human interaction are complicated, yet can stem from the smallest and most unconscious of exchanges. Written in a style that is purposefully ambiguous, the narrative has a moderately choppy, complicated nature, which leaves some questions or issues with a few plot points; however, the text is witty and introspective in equal measures, making it an enjoyable adventure and easy to reflect upon the larger message of humanity conveyed. There are touching and thought-provoking sentiments portrayed through the experiences that the characters relay to one another, offering both heart-warming and heart-wrenching moments.

I didn’t love it. I’m sorry. I wanted to. I loved a few of his older books, like Ove and his short story And Every Morning the Walk Home Gets Longer and Longer. I did not like Beartown. So judge for yourself if you’ll like this. I just felt like what could have been an interesting fairly short story turned into a very long drawn out story about a bunch of people with anxiety who are thrown into a situation together and how it is resolved. I’m still glad I was able to read it. Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC.

This book was amazing. It really made you think about morality and that things aren't as black and white as they seem. You'll experience so many different emotions and keep guessing till the end. Every single character was very relatable...I could see pieces of myself in them. This is probably one of my favorite books of 2020.

I am actually struggling with how to write this review as I just finished read Anxious People and my eyes are welled up with tears. This is a book about being human, the struggle of being an adult and the connections that are around us (some obvious and some hidden). This is a story of idiots, as the reader is told numerous times. It is a story of a failed robbery and the people who are held hostage, as well as the police who are investigating. This is a story of stories filled with pain, regret and love. This novel is woven together in a beautiful way and Backman writes in a very specific manner that is different and unique, adding to the strength of the themes within the story. Reading this novel I wasn't sure what to expect and finishing it, I am thinking about when I will reread it. This book is going to touch on different emotions for different people (as most truly good books can) and for me it left me thinking of an old friend who was gone to soon from this earth. Backman's beautiful words have the ability to make you think and feel and this story is worth a slow, thoughtful and reflective read about the connections in our own lives. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

I am a huge Fredrik Backman fan. This book was different from the other books of his that I’ve read (A Man Called Ove, Britt-Marie, Beartown, etc.) but I found this more comedic take very refreshing. As always, I loved the complicated characters. The way their stories intersected was lovely and well done. The story was heart-felt, funny, and emotional. It is not my favorite by Backman but I really enjoyed this book and would still highly recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for granting early access to this book in exchange for an honest review. I will post this review tomorrow to my Bookstagram and companion Facebook page @thatreadingrealtor.

The writing style of Anxious People was hard to connect to at first and ultimately diminished my enjoyment of the book. The story is heartwarming, in the way typical of Backman.

Anxious People is another Backman classic. I loved this book so much.
I’m a huge fan of Fredrik Backman’s writing style and dark and witty humour so I was hoping I would also love this book - and it really lived up to my expectations.

This novel is so much more than just a story about a failed bank robbery and hostage situation. It’s about love and fear, doubt and acceptance. About found families and how deep down we’re not so different after all. Everyone has their package to carry in life and sometimes it’s just so much easier to share your pain with others. I was laughing and cursing them all but I was also crying and wanted to tell them it’s going to be okay. This story is very unique and I love how along the way it all just falls into place. This book carries such a serious message but it’s handled in such a tender way - incredible.

The way you just adore all his characters instantly despite all their flaws is so beautiful. I love that feeling. None of them are perfect, they are all idiots and going through a lot but you can’t help but feeling so weirdly connected to each and everyone of them. The character development is fantastic.

Please go and pick up Anxious People I can’t recommend it enough. You might come out with a major Stockholm syndrome after reading it but trust me, we’re in this together.

A story about a bank robbery that turns into a hostage drama that turns into a spot-on comedy that turns into a story about us, humans.
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I finished my advanced copy of ANXIOUS PEOPLE by Fredrik Backman.
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The pace is just perfect, you start the book with a good conversation with the author, or to be more accurate, the storyteller, and you enjoy the chat while you admire his witty remarks and comedy while also you, a writer too, envy af his way to use words to tell stories. It starts simple and it gradually grows to of going deep down in the soul and mind of the characters.
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Oh, and the characters are human beings put in an almost Sartrian scenario to show us human nature. They’re hostages in a bank robbery inside an apartment where the bank robber is not found, they open up and reveal so much that I can’t tell... but that’s not important. What’s important is that Backman is generous and he lets you choose whether you want to know the truth about the “robbery that turns into a hostage drama”, or the truth about the characters and their life, or both. You decide.
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This book is so many books, and so spot-on at the same time, that Fredrik Backman just solidifies my admiration for his work with it.
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Now, if I could make the decision for you, I’d focus on the stories of the characters and I’d see the plot as a cherry on top of everything. That’s my suggestion. And here’s what’s interesting about reading: it not only makes us more human, it also teaches us about humans. Their stories and lives, even if they’re fictional, teach us about living. That’s the beauty of reading.
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𝗔𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 will be released on September 8, 2020, but it’s already available for pre-order. I think it’s one of the craziest and best books by Backman so far, though I still put A Man Called Ove and My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry on the top of my list (because they’re hard to beat).

You guys! My heart. @backmansk has done it again!! ♥️ I absolutely LOVED Anxious People. This is written so beautifully and is undeniably Backman. Yet again he assails us with thought provoking, powerful insights but in such a roundabout way you don’t even realize you are getting important life lessons until you reach the ending and your heart is completely shattered. His writing is an intense game of cat and mouse, giving the reader a bit at a time until it all comes together at the end and leaves you utterly gobsmacked. It’s absolutely magical. ✨ I can’t scream my love for this book more. It’s a powerful look at humanity, how we are all interconnected and our influence on the world. It’s witty, insightful, heartbreaking, and a stunning piece of literature. This is so much more than a story about a bank robber friends, and one not to miss! One of my favorite books of the year. My immense gratitude to @atriabooks for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.

Fredrik Backman is one of my favorite authors. He has a way of making you love and hate a character in a few short pages. The beginning of Anxious People had just enough darkness that made we want to put the book down for another day. Fortunately, I know Mr. Backman has the talent to turn bad into good and I continued on with the story. I'm glad in did. Be prepared for talk of suicide and depression. It isn't his best novel, but I'm glad I read it and will recommend to my friends!

The author again gives us a tale of humans being human. I love how he gets into his character’s heads and slowly exposes their backgrounds and motives. In this book the framework is a desperate would be bank robber crashes a realtor’s open house. Then seemingly disappears. In the aftermath a father and son pair of perplexed policemen are left to sort it all out.

This is a story about idiots. It is also a story about hope, desperation, friendship, life, love, and having honest to god faith that people really are inherently good (and maybe just need a little help to get through).

The complexity of the characters and layering of stories is so complex, yet beautifully done. Anxious People not only makes you think about what it means to be human, but also what type of human you want to be. Talk about all the feels! Backman knows how to reach a reader on all levels, especially in the "I laughed, I cried, and then I reevaluated my entire life" type of way.

If you are a fan of his other novels - buy this book! If you've never read anything by Fredrik Backman before - buy this book! Anxious People does not disappoint.

Huge thanks to Fredrik Backman, Atria and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another awesome book by Fredrik Backman. Backman carefully chooses words to keep the reader in the dark, due to their own assumptions, as to details that will be revealed later in the book. This is a story of a bad day, fueled by desperation and love, and how this day is part of a web of days and actions that occurred before and after that one bad day. A book of caring and bending rules, reminders of how a few words can make a lifetime of difference, and how working together, we can accomplish a better world. Thank you, NetGalley, Fredrik Backman, and the publisher for an ebook ARC version in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are all my own!