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Reviews
The Almost Nearly Perfect People: Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia by Michael Booth
storeytale's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
3.5
Interesting insights into the Scandinavian countries and their recent histories.
csgiansante's review against another edition
3.0
A summary from this book:
Denmark - Bitter and Drunk
Iceland - Drunk and Broke
Norway - Rich and Racist
Finland - Saunas and Drunk
Sweden - Reserved and Bitter
Could have used a bit more of a nuanced take.
Denmark - Bitter and Drunk
Iceland - Drunk and Broke
Norway - Rich and Racist
Finland - Saunas and Drunk
Sweden - Reserved and Bitter
Could have used a bit more of a nuanced take.
elsower's review against another edition
funny
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.25
Interesting, although a bit outdated having been published in 2015.
Gives and interesting oversight to the region with British humour.
Gives and interesting oversight to the region with British humour.
spav's review against another edition
3.0
Sharp at times, hilarious throughout the book, it gives the view of a Brit living in Denmark about the Nordic countries, their economies, cultures and glitches.
As it usually happens, this book is just a (rather educated) view on the Nordic societies. It is compound by theories supported by numerous statistics and one-on-one interviews with specialists on the matter without any pretentious animosity.
As it usually happens, this book is just a (rather educated) view on the Nordic societies. It is compound by theories supported by numerous statistics and one-on-one interviews with specialists on the matter without any pretentious animosity.
sarainbookland's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
5.0
It is a very informative yet hilarious book about Scandinavians and their history, culture, food, customs, economy, politics and issues that arise from them. I found myself laughing out loud multiple times, mainly since now I am used to many of the weird stuff the author noticed.
I started this book ages ago but read it more carefully over the past few months.
As a foreigner living in a Scandinavian country, I find this book very interesting and thought-provoking. I can see some of the issues the author discussed in this book, especially concerning integration and multiculturalism, and it was the catalyst for many discussions I had with some of my Scandinavian friends. I am surprised this book isn't more well-known. However, it is outdated in the sense that it was written and published around 2014, so ten years ago from now, and many changes and new immigrants have come onto the scene, so a more updated book or chapter could also be a good choice.
Anyway, I recommend this book. It deserves a read if you want to know more about Scandinavia ;).
I started this book ages ago but read it more carefully over the past few months.
As a foreigner living in a Scandinavian country, I find this book very interesting and thought-provoking. I can see some of the issues the author discussed in this book, especially concerning integration and multiculturalism, and it was the catalyst for many discussions I had with some of my Scandinavian friends. I am surprised this book isn't more well-known. However, it is outdated in the sense that it was written and published around 2014, so ten years ago from now, and many changes and new immigrants have come onto the scene, so a more updated book or chapter could also be a good choice.
Anyway, I recommend this book. It deserves a read if you want to know more about Scandinavia ;).
erboe501's review against another edition
4.0
Booth manages to pull off a book that informs and entertains. He packs in a lot of history, background, and first-hand observation of the Scandinavian countries. He also lightens everything with his dry British humor (which I enjoyed, for the most part). Country by country, he shares the wonders of the Scandinavian utopia, as well as the less than exemplary aspects. I feel like I understand what makes each country unique and separate from the others. After listening to this book, I feel like I know more about the Nordic North, and I can't decide if that knowledge makes me want to move there or steer clear. Regardless, I definitely want to visit!
kingarooski's review against another edition
4.0
My curiosity about life in Scandinavia just got a bit of a boost because of this book. Michael Booth looks at the Nordic nations and examines them carefully, presenting to the reader a balanced picture of all the good and the bad aspects of Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden.