2024 the best written books of all time review

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(as of Dec 10, 2024 22:30:16 UTC - Details)

An instant number-one New York Times best seller, the new novel from the author of A Man Called Ove is a “quirky, big-hearted novel.... Wry, wise and often laugh-out-loud funny, it’s a wholly original story that delivers pure pleasure” (People).

Looking at real estate isn’t usually a life-or-death situation, but an apartment open house becomes just that when a failed bank robber bursts in and takes a group of strangers hostage. The captives include a recently retired couple who relentlessly hunt down fixer-uppers to avoid the painful truth that they can’t fix their own marriage. There’s a wealthy bank director who has been too busy to care about anyone else and a young couple who are about to have their first child but can’t seem to agree on anything. Add to the mix an eighty-seven-year-old woman who has lived long enough not to be afraid of someone waving a gun in her face, a flustered but still-ready-to-make-a-deal real estate agent, and a mystery man who has locked himself in the apartment’s only bathroom, and you’ve got the worst group of hostages in the world.

Each of them carries a lifetime of grievances, hurts, secrets, and passions that are ready to boil over. None of them is entirely who they appear to be. And all of them - the bank robber included - desperately crave some sort of rescue. As the authorities and the media surround the premises, these reluctant allies will reveal surprising truths about themselves and set in motion a chain of events so unexpected that even they can hardly explain what happens next.

Proving once again that Backman is “a master of writing delightful, insightful, soulful, character-driven narratives” (USA Today), Anxious People “captures the messy essence of being human….It’s clever and affecting, as likely to make you laugh out loud as it is to make you cry” (The Washington Post). This “endlessly entertaining mood-booster” (Real Simple) is proof that the enduring power of friendship, forgiveness, and hope can save us - even in the most anxious of times.

Reviewer: Frank Donnelly
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: A Witty, Clever, Heart Warming Work of Contemporary Fiction Set in Sweden
Review: "Anxious People" is a very clever, witty, heart warming work of fiction authored by Swedish author, Fredrik Backman. The story is set in Sweden. It is of medium length and clearly written, although there are numerous characters and various storylines. In that context the story often demanded my complete attention.I have previously only read one novel by Mister Backman; "A Man Called Ove". I also completely enjoyed that novel. Although the stories are completely different, there are some stylistic similarities. If one has enjoyed "Ove" as I did, then one might enjoy this novel to a similar extent.Mister Backman tells a story that has certain ironic twists. A reader can begin to draw one conclusion and then discover in short order that he/she had come to a premature, mistaken, conclusion. I find these slight misdirections enjoyable and they make me think. However I do not feel that they come at my expense and I can enjoy the momentary confusion.The author also causes me to really like certain characters. I identify with them, and care about what happens to them. I find some of the storylines quite touching. Although the author does not write a great deal about scenery, when he does so I also feel he is very gifted in depicting scenery. Some readers tell me that they don't care so much about scenery. I enjoy such narrative very much.At the same time, the author has a clever sense of humor. I purchased an audiobook and read and listened simultaneously, as I often do. I found the narrator, Marin Ireland, to be quite professional. She gave different voices to different characters and had an excellent sense of comedic timing that enhanced my reading experience. I am not one to suggest lightly that one spend extra money. I emphasize that I did pay the full standard retail price for both products. I did so in this case and was glad that I both read and listened.In summary, I was very glad that I read and listened to this book on Kindle and Audiobook. I have now read and thoroughly enjoyed two novels by Fredrik Backman. I find his style in the two books similar enough that I intend to take a break before reading a third novel of his. But it is more than fair to say Mister Backman is one of my favorite authors of contemporary light fiction. Thank You for taking the time to read this review.

Reviewer: Melissa
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Fun Book Club Pick, Unique Characters & Plot
Review: This book is not what I would normally choose to read. It was a book club pick, and I admit to not being thrilled with the prospect of reading it. However, beyond the discussion and getting to know other readers through the shared experience of reading a book, the whole point of book club is to stretch into genres and authors you wouldn't otherwise try. On the whole, I'm very glad that I had the chance to read this book.Anxious People has delightful characters and a creative plot that is pieced together like a puzzle. Much like finding all of a puzzle's edge pieces first to determine it's layout, you have to be willing to stick with the story long enough to get a feel for the shape of it. The story, though funny, is rather far-fetched and the characters seem combative with each other at the start. However, Backman, who frequently breaks the fourth wall to address the reader and relate the story to them, makes it clear that the story is meant to be unbelievable and successfully manages to convince the reader to "go with it." With that, it's easier to suspend disbelief and, instead, focus on how the characters connect (or don't connect) as Backman weaves backward and forward in the story timeline. The end result is an immensely satisfying conclusion in which all of the pieces finally form a whole.There is nothing wrong whatsoever with this book, though I doubt that I would read it again mostly because it's not my usual go-to genre. It might put off a less committed reader (if they were not honor bound by book club to finish it). The structure of the plot jumping back and forth is integral to this story, but I can see how it might not be enjoyable for readers who enjoy a linear timeline. However, my interest is now peaked regarding Backman's other books, and I have already arranged for a watch party with my book club of the 2015 Academy Award nominated film made from his first book, A Man Called Ove.Favorite Excerpt:“The truth of course is that if people really were as happy as they look on the Internet, they wouldn't spend so much damn time on the Internet, because no one who's having a really good day spends half of it taking pictures of themselves. Anyone can nurture a myth about their life if they have enough manure, so if the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, that's probably because it's full of shit. Not that that really makes much difference, because now we've learned that every day needs to be special. Every day.”Since it's not a book I'd likely keep on my shelf, I cannot give it my highest rating. Nonetheless, I would definitely recommend Anxious People to readers who love a sentimental story with clever characters and plot organization, and I would likely also suggest it as a "palate cleanser" for readers who need an uplifting shift out of their genre ruts. The message of this story is sweet and valuable for any reader willing to give it a go. Backman perfectly balances the ridiculousness of the story with just the right amount and timing of humor.

Reviewer: Me encantó, para mí que tengo la piel seca, es perfecto. Llegó en tiempo y en buen estado. Lo volvería a comprar.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Buena historia, me gustó mucho pero hay mucha lectura introspectiva que te desvía de la historia, eso no me agrado tanto, pero la historia es buena.

Reviewer: Ana Paula
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Estou muito animada para ler esse! Chegou bem rápido e gostei da versão de capa comum! O meu não veio com aquele adesivo chato da Netflix, então fiquei feliz ahhaha

Reviewer: Shelby
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Enjoyed getting to know all of the characters and seeing their humanity and vulnerabilities unfolding, and discovering the connections between them as the book progressed. Captures complex emotions in ways that feel relatable and, at times, humorous. Many quotes that validate and speak to mental health struggles.“But when you get home this evening, when this day is over and the night takes us, allow yourself a deep breath. Because we made it through this day as well. There’ll be another one along tomorrow.”

Reviewer: T
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Interesse Lektüre, sehr zu empfehlen

Reviewer: Swati
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: 🌻 They say that a person’s personality is the sum of their experiences. But that isn’t true, at least not entirely, because if our past was all that defined us, we’d never be able to put up with ourselves. We need to be allowed to convince ourselves that we’re more than the mistakes we made yesterday. That we are all of our next choices, too, all of our tomorrows 🌻This book was a birthday gift from a friend i love very much. It came to me at a time when i hopeless and was looking for something to smile about. It was the first book picked up after a long long time and happy to report it was worth it. I'm not going to lie and say this is an easy book to read. Because Backman has a point, "no one and nothing is as they seem " and he drives it home repeatedly with every incomplete reveal. The first half will test your patience, because the narrative has no set time-line, it's non-linear and it waves back and forth between the past and the present. Frankly, i found the characters quite annoying. But once i got to the second half, the speed picked up and timelines became crystal clear. After that i didn't even want to put the book down and drink water. The characters became people i see on the streets daily, like friends, like people i love. It was charming, sad, hilarious and had me right where it wanted. Entranced.For me, Backman is a magician. Because weaving sensitive topics such as sui**de, love, loss, parenthood and grief in such a way that the reader ends up laughing and crying at the same time seems like quite an impossible task. But this book for me has struck that fine balance. It's a beautiful reflection of humanity. I feel like this is going to one of those books that's going to stay in my heart for years. Looking forward to reading more from this author.