Anxious People

To be honest, I wasn't sure if I was enjoying this book in the first 100 or so pages. As it progressed though and a lot more of the character's personalities and backgrounds started to become clear (and interconnected), I think this book really started to shine and by the end of it I really did not want to have to put it down and start a new book.

A bunch of charming idiots (i.e. everyday people) get thrown together and muddle their way through a crisis in the only way humans can: messily, and hilariously. Occasionally heavy-handed but the portrayal of people and their idiosyncrasies is a joy.

Man called Ove, but more hopeful and chaotic throughout. Honestly felt this was a little smidge better than Ove.

Loved watching the characters work through their issues during a "hostage situation" and learn how to accept themselves after the changes that life has thrown at them. It was fast-paced and sarcastic in just the right way. It's not all happy all the time, and it covers some heavy issues, but it's not done to bring you down and make you sad. I definitely recommend this one and will be keeping my physical copy.

Enjoyed this quirky, funny book. Some great one liners in it.

There are two kinds of favourite books for me; one where every chapter brings with it a fresh wave of insights about things hitherto unclear for me, and another where I get amazed by the love, understanding and empathy that is on display throughout the book. I guess this is the age-old debate of reading for pleasure and utility, between fiction and non-fiction.

I don't have anything new to add to the conversation, except that there's a place in my heart which longs for warm, fuzzy feelings - emotions that I only get from reading certain kinds of fiction. Zen Pencils is one of them. All the Light We Cannot See and The Book Thief belong there. This book marks another entry to that club. Such a joy all throughout!

Four stars for the book.. 1 gold star for Marin Ireland's phenomenal narration of the audio version..

The author knows how to make the reader feel deep despair and also laugh out loud..