Reading Between the Anxieties: Book Club Guide to Anxious People

For the month of September, we chose to read the book Anxious People by the famous Swedish writer Fredrick Backman at the Open Book Club. This book was originally published in 2019, and since then has continued to spark joy and discussions in so many reading communities. While it starts out as a comedy about a crime that never really happened, through its chapters we get to explore some delicate themes of hope, family, friendship, and our anxieties that make us human. Anxious People has abundant anecdotes that will make you pause and think about how we take some things in our life for granted until we lose them, and how our situations can be ripple effects of things happening to other people around us. 

During our book club discussion, we spoke on some observations and quotes from the book that made us reflect on the various layers of this story. The discussion went deep and far and added so much more to our understanding of the characters, the plot and perhaps Backman’s thoughts behind the narrative. So here’s sharing the list of questions that aided our discussion. 

Note: Do not scroll down if you haven't read the book as some of the questions might have spoilers.

Book Club Questions for Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

1. “Sometimes it’s easier to live with your own anxieties when you know no one else is happy either.” — Do you agree? Have you ever felt this way in your own life?
2. The author writes that one of the hardest truths of adulthood is realizing that nobody really cares about us. Do you think that’s true, or is it a matter of perspective?
3. The book contrasts “normal people” with “anxious people.” What does normal even mean to you?
4. Why do you think the author chose the title Anxious People? Did it shape your reading of the story?
5. “People’s dreams are always the grandest when they are looking for a place to live.” — Do you agree with Estelle? Why do you think homes inspire such big dreams?
6. The book suggests that in a crowded world, the most expensive thing to buy is distance. What does this mean to you in the context of modern life?
7. Anne-Lena says, “If you can do something for someone in such a way that they think they managed it all on their own, then you’ve done a good job.” Do you agree? Why or why not?
8. Anne-Lena also shadows Roger in their projects because she feels guilty for her own career success. Do you think that kind of sacrifice is justified in a relationship? 
9. “That’s the power of literature… it can act like little love letters between people.” — What’s your take on Estelle’s view of literature?
10. “It’s an odd thing, the way you can know someone so perfectly through what they read.” — Do you agree? Can books reveal who we really are?
11. What did you make of the different meanings of Stockholm in the story — both as a place and as a symbol?
12. “Even if I knew the world would end tomorrow, I’d plant an apple tree today.” — How do you interpret this idea? Do you relate to it?

If you are reading Anxious People in your book club, feel free to use these questions in your discussion. Also, tell us about your thoughts, feelings and questions on this story in the comments.