Reviews

Folk med ångest by Fredrik Backman

lajoiearchives's review against another edition

funny hopeful 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

4.0

 we need to be allowed to convince ourselves that we're more than the mistakes we made yesterday. That we are all our next choices,too, all of our tomorrows 

Anxious people is more then a book about a bank robbery turned hostage drama. It’s about people going through the motions of life - whether it be grieving a lover, being scared of the future, hating the life you have now, fearing letting people in … it’s about anxieties of life. We are all similar if you peel back the smoke and mirrors we all place around our lives. We are human and being human means feeling inadequate, not liking who you are, thinking you aren’t loved but it’s also about reaching out to people, being connected and not being scared of trying again and again. Life hurts…. A lot, but it is also so damn beautiful when you stop worrying so much and give people and yourself a chance.

Funny, relatable read and I felt there were some nice plot twists in the book - kept me entertained until the end. 

mtoolan89's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad 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

meri2024's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

hebgraham's review against another edition

5.0

I just really liked this book. No- its story isn’t that realistic, the characters aren’t that likable, and it has a neat and tidy ending that some may not like.

But I love a redemption arc, a happy ending, meaning out of tragedy- all of it. Kindness, quirkiness, and grand gestures. Complicated relationships being sorted and cherished. It’s a special one.

laura_corsi's review against another edition

5.0

Quirky, funny and real. This story shows what adulthood really feels like...Crappy, btw, crappy and bewildering is what adulthood really feels like. You will root for these characters and pray that somehow they figure a way out of their particular mess, because if they can do it maybe we can too. Hilarious and heartwarming. A great antidote for the times we find ourselves in.

hanzy's review against another edition

5.0

There is something about Backman’s writing, something that beautifully captures the essence of ordinary humans. We embark upon a journey as strangers, unable to quite comprehend the characters, confused, seeing them for who they really are, and not mere characters in a book. When it’s time for us to let go of the book, we’ve known the characters like they’ve been our friends for a while. 
Backman’s characters come to life for who they are, imperfect beings, yet you love them just the same. Puts into perspective our relationships in real-life. With little snippets of advices, a heart-warming tale, Anxious People also helps build empathy... the fact that we’re all trying our best as humans and that there’s always more to what meets the eye.

“We need to be allowed to convince ourselves that we’re more than the mistakes we made yesterday. That we are all of our next choices, too, all of our tomorrows.”

ashleync7's review against another edition

emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

aggielexi's review against another edition

emotional reflective

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I am so impressed by these characters. They are flawed, they are interesting, they seem well flushed out. It's goofy and sad at the same time because it's dealing with serious topics 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Suicide, Suicide attempt, Gun violence, and Suicidal thoughts

remmslupin's review against another edition

emotional funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

kaynuh18's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0