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annagy's review against another edition
2.0
This was an extremely generic nothing book. After the 9th tip was "be more optimistic" I almost expected the 10th to be "stop being depressed".
The title was also misleading calling it a "scandinavian secret". The only scandinavian thing about this book was the author.
The title was also misleading calling it a "scandinavian secret". The only scandinavian thing about this book was the author.
nina_rod's review against another edition
3.0
The best thing about this book is the title. I think it’s selling because of the popularity of Nordic culture. I know I’m a Nordiphile (I made it up) so the title made me plunk down my money to instantly get it on my Kindle. This book is written by a Swedish doctor. I feel like his editor said “can you please write a book on health for Americans using simple words and ideas. Americans don’t know this stuff.”
I read this book after Michael Pollen’s book Caffeine, so I could see the obvious bias on extolling the values of coffee. I’m sitting at home going, coffee, no!
Despite the practical advice, I did learn something new. The author writes: “Avoid showering and using soap immediately after sunbathing, as the fat- soluble vitamin D will be washed away. It takes a few hours for it to be absorbed through the skin and into the body.” I will follow this advice during our PNW summers and I may even benefit from it!
I read this book after Michael Pollen’s book Caffeine, so I could see the obvious bias on extolling the values of coffee. I’m sitting at home going, coffee, no!
Despite the practical advice, I did learn something new. The author writes: “Avoid showering and using soap immediately after sunbathing, as the fat- soluble vitamin D will be washed away. It takes a few hours for it to be absorbed through the skin and into the body.” I will follow this advice during our PNW summers and I may even benefit from it!
amandakitz's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent book full of research and Swedish wisdom. I was loving the book right up until the point where he utilized BMI and waist measurement as signs of health and touting intermittent fasting, neither of which are natural, helpful means of measuring or restoring health. So ED warning if you choose to read this book, skip the chapter on weight management and the rest of the book is golden.
iicydiamonds's review against another edition
informative
3.0
I felt some of the advice wasn't very balanced. Like he talked about there being no upper limit to the amount of coffee that's good for you (due to antioxidants), but that's false because excessive amounts of caffeine can be dangerous, and having it late in the day can impact your sleep. He was, however, much more nuanced in his discussion of alcohol, which is good.
It was generally quite an accessible book and presented fairly straightforward things one can do to improve ones life. Just remember that even small changes are better than no changes! :) It doesn't have to be all or none!
It was generally quite an accessible book and presented fairly straightforward things one can do to improve ones life. Just remember that even small changes are better than no changes! :) It doesn't have to be all or none!
waterfear's review against another edition
1.0
Nordic? Really? These are tips I've seen in countless books and blogs. I see almost nothing specifically Nordic, other than a couple statistics. On the plus side, it's a super-quick read. Why? Because there's little to glean. Unless it's your first self-help/health improvement book, you'll already know what BMI is; how stress affects you; and how to increase healthy food while decreasing trans fats. If you want a great book on the subject, there's several other good books to choose from. My top pick would be: "The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living," by Meik Wiking.
kandisebrown's review against another edition
1.0
Quite a feat to make a book this short so tedious and redundant.