dockanz 's review for:

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

5.0

emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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: Complicated

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Earlier this week, I shared briefly about the book “A Confederacy of Dunces” by John Kennedy Toole. With the acknowledgment that it won the Pulitzer Prize, I expressed that I personally didn’t like it. In fact, it was hands down my least favorite book of the 150 I’ve read this year so far. When I shared this on Threads, the responses were many and diverse. Most people agreed with me and many described it as unfinishable. In contrast, there were many who said it was the best, funniest book they’d ever read. Some suggested I wasn’t smart enough to understand the brilliance of the novel. Perhaps that’s true.  
 
After finishing A Confederacy of Dunces, I had the good fortune to read “Anxious People” by Fredrick Backman. Whereas Toole’s book was my least favorite of the year, Anxious People was my favorite. What a wonderful palate cleanser. Anxious People is hilarious, touching, and endearing. I finished reading it in my office this morning, the last several pages blurred by tears. I cannot recommend it highly enough.