TLDR: Anxious People is for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re floundering through life (so… all of us?). It’s funny, poignant, and deeply human—a story that lingers long after the last page.

Fredrik Backman just gets it. Anxious People isn’t just a story—it’s a raw, messy, beautiful reminder of what it means to be human. The book dives into the absurdities and heartbreaks of life, but in such a way that it feels like Backman is holding up a mirror and saying, “See? You’re not alone.” And honestly? I needed that right now.

This story starts with a failed bank robbery and somehow unravels into this delicate tapestry of connection, empathy, and understanding. The characters—every single one of them—are flawed, anxious, and, above all, incredibly real. From the hostage-taker to the hostages themselves, each person’s story weaves together in a way that makes you laugh one moment and cry the next.

What I loved most was how Backman taps into the very human experience of just trying to figure it all out—life, relationships, your place in the world. There’s no polished, perfect answer here, and that’s what makes it so relatable. You see the mess, the misunderstandings, the moments of kindness that remind you why people are worth the effort.

The writing is sharp and witty, with just enough Backman-esque tenderness to make you feel like your heart is being gently squeezed. There’s something so comforting about his ability to turn a seemingly chaotic situation into a reminder that we’re all a little chaotic ourselves—and that’s okay. ♡︎