
Member Reviews

How could you not love a story about idiots? This is one of my favorites by this author. For me, the timing of this quirky, unbelievable novel was perfect. I needed to believe that there was still some good in the world and this book is a wonderful reminder of that. An excellent start to my 2021 reading.

Backman never disappoints! This is another recommended book club pick! Unique and engaging, this is one you will want to talk about when you've finished reading.

I did like Anxious People, but I didn't love it. I had a hard time sticking this book out until the end. I found it a little dull and boring at times.

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman is a mesmerizing novel. Book lovers who like surprises and entertaining characters are sure to initially read it twice, and place it on the list of books to go back to every few years. Also, there are inciteful quotes and funny lines that deserve to be remembered. Fredrik Bachman deserves a big thank you for giving this gift to readers.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
I so badly wanted to LOVE this book. And I did… for a while. It was funny, charming and interesting. It just simply went on a bit too long for me. The characters’ quirks that were cute at first grew stale and the story itself seemed to stall out for a while and become repetitive.
Still a Fredrik Backman fan!

I adored the layering of this book. I went in not knowing much about the story except that there was a bank robbery, a hostage situation, and a well-written examination of the cast of characters. I did not at all expect what this story turned out to be. And that was part of the beauty and genius of the story - that what it turned out to be kept changing. You never quite knew what to expect and I loved that new pieces of information were dropped like breadcrumbs over time, with each character's backstory leading them to this moment and slowly intersecting with other characters' stories until the real story became not about this moment, but about far larger events beyond the walls of the apartment where the story takes place. The characters were each so well thought-out with entertaining quirks and distinct personalities. The dialogue was fabulous (and well-read on audio!) - I was chuckling to myself on multiple occasions. And despite handling multiple serious themes, the book carried humor and hope throughout with a bit of absurdism thrown in (read: costume rabbit head and the world's most ridiculous job description). This book lived up to all the praise I'd heard and I absolutely recommend to anyone looking for an enjoyable and unexpected read!
Thank you to Atria & Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Fredrik Backman is one of my favorite authors. I'd read a menu if he wrote it. Grateful to NetGalley & Atria Books for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Incidentally I got introduced to Fredrik Backman's work through NetGalley - A Man Called Ove was one of the first reviews I wrote.
A failed bank robbery, a hostage situation at an open house & a group of individuals each with their own particular anxiety form a backdrop for this unexpectedly funny, warm and emotional drama. As police try to unravel the mystery of the missing hostage taker we get a glimpse into the story of each of the characters in an unconventional yet highly engaging way. I think what draws me the most to Fredrik Backman's writing is the fact that he is an excellent storyteller. The way he shares these stories is often slightly offbeat and maybe not necessarily mainstream but the fact that his books became so popular speaks volumes about the fact that he knows how to find a way into the hearts of readers.
I loved that this book was a lovely mish mash of genres, I loved that it made me care so deeply for many of the characters & most of all I love that it lived up to my very high expectations that seem to grow with each Fredrik Backman book I read. Eagerly anticipating his next one. In the meantime I know I'll very likely be rereading this one at some point.

So good! Backman is a master at making you laugh and cry in the space of a moment. He is so good at tying a book up nicely, even romantically, without making it feel like you are reading a Harlequin romance. His tone never drastically waivers - too many books will hold a tone throughout the book and then the author seems to check out for the last chapters and it comes off feeling like the end was written for a completely different book. He is, hands down, one of my absolute favorite authors - I can't fault Anxious People ... or anything else that he has written.

Fredrick Backman instantly became a favorite author after I read Beartown. Anxious people didn’t disappoint. In true Backman fashion I was engrossed in the story and loved it.
Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for the advanced e-reader copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this book. While this title is no longer within the realm of my current reading interests I appreciate the opportunity in receiving an ARC.

Backman has such a unique and quirky writing style. The build up to what was going on in the hostage situation in the apartment was very well executed. I guessed who the bank robber was from the beginning although it’s written to be kept a secret with a big reveal, but the writing style with that component was a bit obvious to any thriller lover. Overall, it’s a feel good story with funny parts laced in and I recommend giving it a try. I think his most loyal fans are going to love this one.

I found this to be uplifting and quirky. It’s a bit of a mystery, but also a study of individual and group dynamics. Very much in keeping with Backman’s typical style.

I think that in Anxious People, Backman tried something drastically different from his other novels. He infused a lot of humor, but still with his constant very emotional writing. The legitivity of the scenes would sometimes contrast with the subject matters, but in a melting pot that made it a book that isn't emotionally taxing to read.
The plot was clever and also very not what I expected. I thought the book would take more place "in the action" without the police work. Detective books are my "pet peeves" so that made it not the book for me, but that's entirely my fault and I understand why so many people like it.
Backman keeps creating masterworks and I really can't wait to devour his next book!

I love Backman's work and this one was no exception! I loved the different story that this one brought and I found myself engrossed in it. Thanks again for the opp to review!

Thank you Atria Vooks and Netgalley for providing this ARC. Unfortunately I missed the pre-publication review somehow, but I’m happy to review it now. Great book, like other Bachman books I have read. So positive and hopeful.

While at times it was hard to understand how all of the different stories were going to come together I loved how it was managed. Loved everything about this book.

I put this one off for a bit because of the heavy subject matter. Lesson learned: I just need to trust Backman - ALWAYS! because he is just such an amazingly gifted writer.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and well developed, plus the writing style helped lead the story along. I would recommend this to book groups and people who enjoy fiction. I found it very comforting g during the pandemic.

Good book. The writing was quick paced and easy to follow along with. I’d definitely recommend this to a friend.

It took me 3 attempts to read this book but wow once I got into it (it does take a few chapters) I COULD NOT put it down and I didn't want it to end. The authors books are always quirky but they draw you in and the characters in this book we so well written and the story was delivered in a beautiful poignant manner. Give this book a chance you wont' regret it. 10/10/10