Anxious People

Backman is a master at character development. His unlikely group of participants in this novel is funny, quirky, and skillfully mastered. We didn't know what was going to happen to our poor bank robber (that's right, we feel awful for our villain). We cheer these crazy people on as they become a family, of sorts, in a difficult situation. As with families, there is conflict, conversation, community, and love. It is hard not to love this book or all the surprises it offers.