This book is the definition of fuck around and find out. In a silly and endearing way. Was a rather slow start for me personally but really picked up eventually. Had me lost at parts but the whole thing again was just so??? Like the silly human interactions are so realistic and funny and heartwarming, I can’t possibly give it only 3 stars.

"Wenn ich wüsste, dass die Welt morgen endet, würde ich heute noch einen Baum pflanzen." - Martin Luther King Was ein wunderschönes Buch!!!! ♥️ Zu Anfang war ich ein wenig verwirrt gewesen und fragte mich, worum es eig gehen soll.. doch dann machte es *klick* und alles war so deutlich. Das Buch ist so wunderschön geschrieben! 😍 Man findet sich und seine eigenen Gefühle sehr oft wieder. "Anxious People" regt sehr zum Nachdenken an, aber lässt einen hier und da auch schmunzeln. Der Autor berührt mit so vielen Themen, wie Liebe, Tod, Beziehungen, Selbstmord, Angstzustände, Depression, Elternschaft,..., der einer beeindruckenden Bandbreite an Charakteren mit einzigartigen Persönlichkeiten und Hintergrundgeschichten folgt. Die Charaktere sind Menschen wie du und ich, ängstliche Menschen, die durch diese Welt wandern, voller Unvollkommenheiten und Fehler. Ihr könnt euch nicht vorstellen, wie der ein oder andere Charakter mich verrückt gemacht hat 😄. Zara, zb.. oder Julia. Ich mochte die am Anfang überhaupt nicht. Selbst die Polizisten fand ich anfangs inkompetent 🙈. Aber... Dieses Buch bringt einen dazu, anfangs jeden zu verurteilen, aber am Ende zeigt es, dass jeder seine eigene Geschichte hat und es uns nicht gestattet ist, über einander zu urteilen. ♥️ Jeder hat sein Päckchen zu tragen und geht damit anders um. Wir dürfen uns nicht gegenseitig runter bringen, wir sollen füreinander da sein! Dieses Buch bedeutet mir viel und hat mir mehr als sehr gut gefallen ♥️. Bitte mehr davon!!

In my search for a feel-good book to help me cope with a family tragedy, I turned to Reddit for recommendations, and "Anxious People" by Fredrik Backman was a gem that exceeded my expectations. One of the aspects I appreciated most was the relatability of the characters, each grappling with their internal struggles in unique yet universally resonant ways. Backman crafted a compelling story around these diverse characters, skillfully highlighting common challenges like feeling inadequate or as if one's efforts are insufficient—themes that struck a chord with me and, I suspect, many other readers. The way the characters from different walks of life befriended each other during the hostage situation was a heartwarming element. Backman skillfully wove their connections, emphasizing the transformative power of unexpected bonds formed under unusual circumstances. It added a layer of hope and camaraderie that uplifted the overall tone of the narrative. The mystery aspect, led by Jack as he attempted to unravel the complexities of the situation, added an intriguing layer to the storyline. It kept me engaged and added depth to the narrative, balancing the emotional exploration with a sense of curiosity and anticipation. In summary, "Anxious People" not only provided the comfort and positivity I sought but also delivered a beautifully woven narrative with relatable characters, touching on profound themes of self-worth and camaraderie. Backman's storytelling prowess turned this novel into a therapeutic and enjoyable reading experience during a challenging time.

“How do you eat an elephant? One bit at a time.” “We can’t change the world, and a lot of the time we can’t even change people. No more than one bit at a time. So we do what we can to help whenever we get the chance.” “He was my echo. Everything I do is quieter now.” “Bridges exist to bring people closer together.” “Loneliness is like starvation, you don’t realize how hungry you are until you begin to eat.” “Empathy is like vertigo.” “We give those we love nicknames, because love requires a word that belongs to us alone.” “Boats that stay in the harbor are safe, but that’s not what boats are built for.” “That’s the power of literature, you know, it can act like little love letters between two people who can only explain their feelings by pointing at other people’s.” “We are asleep until we fall in love.”