11 Books like Anxious People That Will Tug at Your Heartstrings

‘Anxious People’ is the perfect amount of whimsy mixed with real-life. With its wit, character development, and the element of the very real conversations, it must’ve had you hooked from the very beginning. The characters were simple, flawed, and funny, so-much-so that you will see yourself rooting for them throughout the book.

This book is a rollercoaster of emotions that will make you anxious, laugh, and weep with it. With a chaotic, snarky, witty energy, ‘Anxious People’ will leave you craving for more once you’re done reading it. Fret not. We’ve got you covered, amigos!

Books Like Anxious People

We’ve curated a list of 11 books like Anxious People that are sure to tug at your heartstrings, capturing the essence of human connection, empathy, and the complex beauty of life’s ups and downs. From poignant family dramas to soul-stirring romances and tales of resilience, these novels offer the same heartwarming and emotionally resonant experiences you’ve come to love.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine (2017)

by Gail Honeyman

This is a heartwarming and poignant novel by Gail Honeyman. The story revolves around Eleanor Oliphant, a socially awkward and isolated woman living a highly regimented life in Glasgow, Scotland. Eleanor’s days are consumed by her job as a finance clerk and her solitary routines.

However, everything changes when Eleanor develops an unlikely friendship with Raymond, a coworker, and they save an elderly man named Sammy together.

As the story progresses, Eleanor receives unexpected kindness from Raymond and others, gradually learning to open herself up to friendship and human connection. Along the way, she confronts the dark secrets that have haunted her and embarks on a journey of healing and self-discovery.

The blend of humour with deeper emotional themes and well-developed characters who undergo personal growth throughout the narrative in the novel will remind you of ‘Anxious People.’

A Man Called Ove (2012)

by Fredrik Backman

A heartwarming and bittersweet tale that explores themes of loneliness, grief, and the transformative power of love, this book will remind you so much of ‘Anxious People.’ It’s also written by the same author, so the writing style will also be similar.

‘A Man Called Ove’ tells the story of Ove, a grumpy and solitary man who seems determined to make everyone’s life miserable. Set in a Swedish neighbourhood, the novel explores Ove’s daily routines, his strict adherence to rules, and his interactions with his neighbours, whom he views with suspicion and disdain. However, as the story unfolds, glimpses of Ove’s past are revealed, shedding light on the experiences that shaped him.

When new neighbours, Parvaneh and her family, move in next door, Ove’s life takes an unexpected turn. Despite his initial resistance, Parvaneh’s persistent attempts to engage with him gradually break down his barriers. As he becomes more involved in the lives of his neighbours and reluctantly helps them with their problems, Ove discovers the true power of friendship, compassion, and the importance of human connection.

Britt-Marie was Here (2014)

by Frederick Backman

‘Britt-Marie was Here’ tells the story of Britt-Marie, a middle-aged woman who finds herself navigating an unexpected life change. After leaving her unfaithful husband, Britt-Marie seeks employment and ends up in the small, economically struggling town of Borg. There, she takes on the role of a caretaker for the local recreation centre, discovering a ragtag group of misfit children and a quirky community.

Britt-Marie’s perfectionism clashes with the chaotic and disorganized environment, but she slowly begins to build connections and make a difference in the lives of those around her. As she encourages the children to participate in a football (soccer) competition and helps revitalize the town, Britt-Marie undergoes her own transformation, learning to let go of her rigidity and embrace the messy beauty of life.

Through Backman’s signature blend of humour, compassion, and insightful storytelling, “Britt-Marie Was Here” explores themes of second chances, community, and personal growth, reminding readers that it’s never too late to change and find joy in unexpected places.

A Gentleman in Moscow (2016)

by Amor Towles

Set in 1922 Moscow, the story of ‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ follows Count Alexander Rostov, an aristocrat who is sentenced to house arrest in the luxurious Metropol Hotel for his supposed revolutionary sympathies. Confined to the hotel’s premises, Rostov must adapt to a new way of life while navigating the shifting political landscape of Russia.

As the years pass, Rostov forges meaningful connections with the hotel staff, guests, and a spirited young girl named Nina. Despite his restricted circumstances, Rostov’s wit, charm, and resilience enable him to create a rich and fulfilling existence within the confines of the hotel.

Through Rostov’s experiences and interactions, the novel explores themes of friendship, loyalty, love, and the enduring power of the human spirit. It offers a window into Russian history, painting a vivid portrait of the country’s tumultuous past. Ultimately, “A Gentleman in Moscow” is a celebration of the beauty found in life’s simplest pleasures and the indomitable nature of the human soul.

“Anxious People” and “A Gentleman in Moscow” share similarities in their character-driven narratives, non-linear storytelling, exploration of confinement. These common elements contribute to the depth and richness of both novels, making them compelling reads that explore the complexities of human relationships and the resilience of the human spirit.

Beartown series (2016)

by Frederick Backman

“Beartown” is a novel that revolves around the fictional town of Beartown, a tight-knit community in Sweden where ice hockey is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life. The story primarily follows the lives of the junior ice hockey team players, coaches, and their families.

At the center of the narrative is Kevin Erdahl, a talented young hockey player. One night, Kevin’s actions set off a chain of events that send shockwaves through the town. The novel explores the intricacies of this close-knit community, the immense pressure placed on young athletes, and the moral dilemmas that people face when the reputation of their beloved sport and town is at stake.

As the plot unfolds, “Beartown” delves deep into the themes of loyalty, ambition, friendship, and the consequences of silence and complicity when confronted with wrongdoing. It vividly portrays the hockey culture in Beartown, showcasing the emotional struggles of its residents, both on and off the ice.

The book highlights the power of community and the difficult decisions individuals must make when their values and loyalties are put to the test.

About a Boy (1998)

by Nick Hornby

The novel follows two main characters: Will Freeman, a 36-year-old man-child who lives off the royalties of a Christmas song written by his father, and Marcus Brewer, a socially awkward and introverted twelve-year-old boy.

Will, enjoying a carefree and shallow lifestyle, spends his days pursuing leisure activities and dating single mothers, believing that this allows him to avoid serious relationships. Marcus, on the other hand, is an eccentric and bullied young boy who lives with his depressive and unconventional mother, Fiona.

Their lives intersect when Marcus, desperate for friendship and guidance, begins to spend time with Will after a series of incidents brings them together. As their relationship develops, Will starts to recognize the emptiness of his superficial lifestyle, while Marcus finds comfort and support in their friendship. They both undergo personal growth and learn valuable life lessons from each other.

This novel has also been adapted into a successful film in 2002, starring Hugh Grant as Will and Nicholas Hoult as Marcus. The character development and the witty and sometimes deep conversations in the novel will remind you of ‘Anxious People.’

A Confederacy of Dunces (1980)

by John Kennedy Toole

This novel is a hilarious and biting satire that showcases the author’s sharp wit and keen observations, making it a cult classic in American literature. Ignatius J. Reilly, a socially inept and eccentric protagonist is a pompous and overweight intellectual, who is forced to find employment to support himself and his overbearing mother. However, his unconventional personality clashes with the modern world, leading to a series of hilarious misadventures.

As Ignatius navigates the city, he encounters a colourful cast of characters, including his long-suffering mother, a lascivious policeman, a flirtatious barmaid, and a host of eccentric individuals. The novel brilliantly satirizes various aspects of American society, including consumerism, bureaucracy, and conformity.

With his outrageous worldview and constant clashes with those around him, Ignatius becomes a symbol of individuality and nonconformity. Through his comedic escapades, the novel explores themes of identity, societal expectations, and the absurdity of everyday life.

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

by Gabrielle Zevin

This novel is a heartwarming and poignant tale cantered around A.J. Fikry, a cantankerous and isolated bookstore owner on Alice Island. After losing his wife and experiencing a series of unfortunate events, A.J. finds himself in a state of desolation and bitterness.

However, his life takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious package is left in his bookstore—a baby girl named Maya. As A.J. navigates the challenges of single parenthood, Maya becomes the catalyst for transformation in his life. With Maya’s presence, A.J. rediscovers his love for literature and forms unexpected connections with the people around him, including Amelia, a persistent sales representative, and Lambiase, the town’s police officer.

As A.J. learns to let go of his past and embrace the possibilities of the present, the power of books and community emerges as a central theme, highlighting the ways in which literature can shape and unite lives.

The novel’s cast of quirky and unconventional characters who are brought together by unexpected circumstances, a skilful combination of humour and heart in its narrative, characters who undergo personal growth and find redemption through their experiences will remind you of ‘Anxious People.’

Nothing to See Here (2019)

by Kevin Wilson

Like ‘Anxious People,’ this novel also skilfully balances humour and emotional depth.

‘Nothing to See Here’ is a quirky and heartfelt novel that tells the story of Lillian, a young woman who is asked to care for her childhood friend Madison’s twin stepchildren, Bessie and Roland. The catch? The children have an unusual condition: when they get agitated or angry, they spontaneously burst into flames.

As Lillian takes on this unexpected responsibility, she discovers that the children are more than their fiery affliction. Despite the challenges they face, Bessie and Roland are intelligent, caring, and yearning for love and acceptance. Lillian becomes fiercely protective of them, forming a deep bond that transcends their unusual circumstances.

The characters in the book are beautifully developed and feel incredibly real. Lillian, the protagonist, is relatable and flawed, making her journey of self-discovery all the more compelling. The twin stepchildren, Bessie and Roland, are surprisingly wise and endearing despite their fiery predicament. If the rawness of the characters is why you loved ‘Anxious People,’ this is the book for you.

The House in the Cerulean Sea (2020)

by TJ Klune

This is a fantasy novel, but is a part of this list because of how similar it is to ‘Anxious People.’

“The House in the Cerulean Sea” is a heartwarming and enchanting novel by TJ Klune that tells the story of Linus Baker, a quiet and by-the-book caseworker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. Linus’s job is to investigate and assess orphanages for magical children to ensure they are being properly cared for and not posing a threat to society.

Linus’s mundane life takes an extraordinary turn when Extremely Upper Management sends him on a highly classified assignment. He is tasked with evaluating an orphanage on the remote Marsyas Island, which is run by a peculiar and reclusive man named Arthur Parnassus. The orphanage houses six magical children, each with unique abilities.

As Linus spends time on the island, he gets to know Arthur, the enigmatic children, and the mysterious nature of the orphanage itself. Over the course of his stay, Linus undergoes a transformation. He learns about love, acceptance, and the importance of embracing differences, both in others and in himself. The story also touches on themes of prejudice, discrimination, and the power of compassion.

Throughout the novel, Klune weaves a tale of found family, friendship, and the extraordinary magic that can be found in the most unexpected places. “The House in the Cerulean Sea” is a charming and uplifting story that celebrates the beauty of diversity and the transformative power of love and acceptance.

Whether you are a fan of fantasy or simply appreciate stories that celebrate the beauty of human connections, this novel is a must-read.

The Midnight Library (2020)

by Matt Haig

‘The Midnight Library’ by Matt Haig follows the life of Nora Seed, a woman who is disillusioned and filled with regrets. Feeling trapped in her existence, Nora attempts suicide but instead finds herself in the Midnight Library, a place between life and death. In the library, Nora discovers an infinite number of books, each representing a different life she could have lived if she had made different choices.

With the guidance of the librarian, Mrs. Elm, Nora explores these parallel lives, experiencing different careers, relationships, and possibilities. Through her journeys, Nora learns valuable lessons about happiness, regret, and the importance of living authentically. As she navigates the library and confronts her own fears and insecurities, Nora must ultimately decide whether to return to her original life or choose a new path.

This novel, like ‘Anxious People’ employs witty dialogue, amusing situations, and humorous observations to lighten the tone and provide a balance between light-heartedness and more serious themes.

Conclusion to Books Like Anxious People

And there you have it, 11 Books Like Anxious People!

To sum it up, if you loved ‘Anxious People,’ you’re in for a treat with these 11 recommended books. These books Like Anxious People promise to take you on diverse and engaging journeys, from heartwarming tales to fantasies. So, go ahead and pick up one of these books for your next great reading adventure. Happy reading!

However, if you want even more books like Anxious People you should consider-

1. My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman
2. Freddy and Fredericka by Mark Helprin
3. Wilt by Tom Sharpe
4. Alice Isn’t Dead by Joseph Fink
5. Piranesi by Susanna Clarke (Read: Books like Piranesi)
6. The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert
7. Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
8. The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson