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nessreadsalot's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This is a story about a bank robbery that never happened and the hostages caught up in the mayhem that ensues when the bank robber disappears and bumbling local detectives try to solve the case.
The cast of complicated characters was wonderful and I loved how we learned about their true selves as the story went on.
I wasn't a fan of the police interviews, I found them incredibly frustrating and repetitive to read although they may have been more enjoyable on audio.
I loved this book and the dark comedy throughout the story. It took me from laughter to tears and back again.
The cast of complicated characters was wonderful and I loved how we learned about their true selves as the story went on.
I wasn't a fan of the police interviews, I found them incredibly frustrating and repetitive to read although they may have been more enjoyable on audio.
I loved this book and the dark comedy throughout the story. It took me from laughter to tears and back again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Blood, Suicide attempt, and Grief
victoriaaurora's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Suicide, Pregnancy, Infidelity, and Mental illness
roxanez's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I adored this book. It tackles the small things that are really the big things in your life. It touches on serious issues but remains lighthearted, hopeful and genuinely funny. I also loved the author's use of narrative devices.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
maryehavens's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow.
Are all Fredrik Backman books like this?
I wanted to highlight so many gems. I started off listening to it but switched to print because I wanted to devour. Listening was great but when I switched to print, it became apparent that I had missed some things. There's a lot going on so it's easy to miss.
The actual story is interesting, cute, a little slow. But the message is what I'm here for. And what I was interested in highlighting. Just so many things I think about or have experienced. Like people not wanting to be on anti-depressants because they are numbed out. Been there, done that.
One of the very last lines really got to me. I've been feeling very stressed out and unmoored and when I get like that, I get pretty low. It's hard to put one foot in front of the other on those days. But that last part of just getting through the day made me feel so seen and hopeful.
I'm a huge mood reader and part of that is because I believe that certain books need to be read at certain points in your life. I think that's why I juggle so many at once. This book was the book I needed for today.
An extra special thank you to my niece, Karis, for gifting me this book many Christmases ago. I finally got around to reading it was because it was meant for this day :D
Are all Fredrik Backman books like this?
I wanted to highlight so many gems. I started off listening to it but switched to print because I wanted to devour. Listening was great but when I switched to print, it became apparent that I had missed some things. There's a lot going on so it's easy to miss.
The actual story is interesting, cute, a little slow. But the message is what I'm here for. And what I was interested in highlighting. Just so many things I think about or have experienced. Like people not wanting to be on anti-depressants because they are numbed out. Been there, done that.
One of the very last lines really got to me. I've been feeling very stressed out and unmoored and when I get like that, I get pretty low. It's hard to put one foot in front of the other on those days. But that last part of just getting through the day made me feel so seen and hopeful.
I'm a huge mood reader and part of that is because I believe that certain books need to be read at certain points in your life. I think that's why I juggle so many at once. This book was the book I needed for today.
An extra special thank you to my niece, Karis, for gifting me this book many Christmases ago. I finally got around to reading it was because it was meant for this day :D
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Suicide
Minor: Drug abuse
rosietomyn's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman is a character driven story of redemption. The cast of characters are at times sympathetic, grating, lovable, and baffling. The time-jumping narrative is well done, easy to follow, and unravels skillfully.
I am really glad I read this novel. As happens so rarely, I know I will be thinking about how these characters are doing for a good, long while.
I am really glad I read this novel. As happens so rarely, I know I will be thinking about how these characters are doing for a good, long while.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
crismcmahon's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Nearly the perfect book. I don't know what is keeping it from 5 stars so it might turn into one over time. Overall, would recommend to anyone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
mmciver's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Suicide
Minor: Gun violence
sandysmith's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I'm gradually adding books I've read in 2021 to give a true reflection of the books I've read since keeping records. In January 2021, I kick-started my reading journey having put reading on the back burner whilst bringing up the children only reading when on holiday, having previously being an avid reader. This is a heart warming story about a diverse set of people at a house viewing and a bungled robbery. Fantastically developed characters. A light hearted read that makes you think, whilst at the sam time an easy going. I loved this book and i am looking to read more by this author
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
nik_a's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
amina2002's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Backman is incredible at creating and developing a cast of characters. He flushes every character out and made me interested in every storyline even though I would not have been interested just based on the description. In this book he was so good at making me reflect on society and the lack of community we have. It was so beautiful to see people so willing to help someone that could be seen as a criminal. We need to be more empathetic today and realize that not everyone has the same privileges. We need to hear people’s stories and put ourselves in their shoes and give a helping hand. That can truly change the outcome of their lives.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Suicide, and Death
Minor: Infidelity