Anxious People

It's a light read, the kind of book with a log of dialogue where pages flow easily. It's entertaining and keeps you engaged until the end.

At times it's funny. Some jokes are good, but some are the kind where you give a short laugh out of politeness, others the kinds where you feel embarrassed and pretend you didn't hear. Some jokes were good until they were repeated a few times too many.

The problem I have with Backman's writing—and that's my personal opinion—is that I find many of his characters unlikeable. Not in a villain sense, but like a Ben Stiller movie, where each new embarrassment makes you cringe, instead of rooting for the hero.

The book does offer depth (unlike Ben Stiller movies), as it covers important topics, such as mental health and depression, and digs several layers deep into complicated family relationship. I felt it offers quite a realistic view on human relationships—and anxieties, as the title implies.

This reminded me of a grown-up version of The Westing Game, with its quirky mystery, interlocking backstories, red herrings, and fragmented storytelling style that ultimately came together with a focus on relationships and human warmth. My first Backman book but I'm curious to read some others by him now. Thanks to Netgalley for providing a copy from the publisher for review consideration.