This reading year just gets better and better. I can honestly say that this is one of the most unique and interesting books I have ever read. This is my first time reading a book set in Sweden, and it is my first time reading a book by a Swedish author, and I was thoroughly impressed. I don’t know how much I can say about this book without spoiling it, but just know that this book is incredible, heartwarming, heartbreaking and just overall impressive. 

 

This is one of those books that each character just makes you angry and they are all terrible people, but they grow so much throughout so few pages, it just warms your heart. Overall, this book is such a testament to the decency of the human race and brought a smile to my face by the end. 

 

All you really need to know going in is that this book is about a bank robber who takes a group of people hostage during an apartment viewing. That’s it! If you know anything else, it will probably take away from the genius and beauty of the book. This book is an experience to read, and it is best to go in knowing as little as possible. 

 

The pacing of this book is interesting and takes definite attention to put the pieces together, but the author is really able to give us such enriching insight to this group of strangers that have ended up being in this awful situation together. Every chapter ending had me either squealing, gasping or just wanting to punch the wall. 

 

This book definitely turned out a lot different than I thought it was going to be, but in the best way possible. A seemingly simple story about a bank robber and a group of strangers really becomes a testimony to the power of people, love and human connection. 

 

I will forever be pushing this book on everyone I know, so I hope you pick it up too. I don’t think I can say much more without spoiling the book, so I will just say this; if you read one book on my review list, please let it be this one. 5/5 stars to Anxious People by Frederik Backman.