“The truth is that this was a story about many different things, but most of all about idiots. Because we’re doing the best we can, we really are. We’re trying to be grown up and love each other and understand how the hell you’re supposed to insert USB leads. We’re looking for something to cling on to, something to fight for, something to look forward to. We’re doing all we can to teach our children how to swim. We have all of this in common, yet most of us remain strangers, we never know what we do to each other, how your life is affected by mine.” ~ pg. 336

I am in love with this book!! This is a story of a group of anxious hostages and an equally anxious bank robber in an accidental hostage situation that wasn’t supposed to happen this way because life doesn’t usually happen like we intend it to. 

In the course of this situation, these strangers become not strangers. They learn about each other as we, the readers, learn alongside them. This is the perfect setting for Fredrik Backman to do what he does best, which is present each and every character with care and in doing so explore the complexity and universality of the human experience. Backman has truly mastered the balance between his witty and slightly absurd sense of humor and his sad and human wisdom. I’m obsessed!!!

I think the provided quote is truly a summary of exactly what I’ve taken from this book. Offering others empathy and a listening ear is such a gift and it’s a neglected gift at that. We get so caught up in our own anxieties and concerns that we forget that others are anxious too and that maybe they have some helpful wisdom to share. And maybe we have something to offer in return. We’re all anxious and we’re all learning and thus we all are equipped with the necessary tools to offer wisdom, grace, and support to our fellow humans. We all affect each other and have the potential to do so for the better. We must simply take the first step.

READ. THIS.