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thedeathmaven's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
4.5
hafsa's review against another edition
4.0
A cute, informative book that showcases the many faces of snow across the world. I definitely enjoyed these little windows into different cultures and countries, the wonder and joy snow can bring set alongside reminders of the perils of climate change.
keysersuze's review
4.0
Fifty Words for Snow - Nancy Campbell
This is a perfect book for this time of year, and I’m glad I kept it to this month to read.
Nancy Campbell has compiled a fascinating list of words from around the world, to teach us about how other languages describe or communicate snow - ice, hail, glacier water, light dustings and avalanches (which is actually, a word in the book).
I read it straight through but I can see this being an excellent creative non-fiction reference book, one to be dipped into when you have a spare few minutes. Perhaps you could make a competition of it, where you have to use the word you read about that day in a sentence, and the other people need to guess what it means.
I picked a few of my favourites: Hundsaffapaddi, an Icelandic word which describes snowflakes as big as the paws of a dog. Cheotnun, from Korea, which mean both love at first sight and snow. Hagelslag, which means ‘Chocolate Hail’ in Dutch, a delicious snack enjoyed by children and adults alike. It’s chocolate sprinkles on toast, although you can get fairy toast too which is the rainbow sprinkles. There’s even the ASL sign for snowboarding.
As well as teaching us about the words of the world which describe snow, some of the languages are only used by a handful of people, and are in danger of extinction. This theme, as we are talking about weather, leads into a discussion thread on climate change and how this is affecting parts of the world. Some of those have never had snow and now do see it, whereas others depend on a glacier for water which is melting so fast they may have to move.
Other words tell the tale of a difference in class - a Swiss village in Africa where the employees are housed in a shanty town in a precarious part of the mountain, or the ice house in Italy where glacier bricks are brought down to cool rich people’s drinks in the summer.
All of this builds a patchwork of connection, of language and shared experiences, which I thought was really interesting. A great present for the curious around you, and one which will be well read and enjoyed.
Thanks to Netgalley and Elliott and Thompson for the DRC.
This is a perfect book for this time of year, and I’m glad I kept it to this month to read.
Nancy Campbell has compiled a fascinating list of words from around the world, to teach us about how other languages describe or communicate snow - ice, hail, glacier water, light dustings and avalanches (which is actually, a word in the book).
I read it straight through but I can see this being an excellent creative non-fiction reference book, one to be dipped into when you have a spare few minutes. Perhaps you could make a competition of it, where you have to use the word you read about that day in a sentence, and the other people need to guess what it means.
I picked a few of my favourites: Hundsaffapaddi, an Icelandic word which describes snowflakes as big as the paws of a dog. Cheotnun, from Korea, which mean both love at first sight and snow. Hagelslag, which means ‘Chocolate Hail’ in Dutch, a delicious snack enjoyed by children and adults alike. It’s chocolate sprinkles on toast, although you can get fairy toast too which is the rainbow sprinkles. There’s even the ASL sign for snowboarding.
As well as teaching us about the words of the world which describe snow, some of the languages are only used by a handful of people, and are in danger of extinction. This theme, as we are talking about weather, leads into a discussion thread on climate change and how this is affecting parts of the world. Some of those have never had snow and now do see it, whereas others depend on a glacier for water which is melting so fast they may have to move.
Other words tell the tale of a difference in class - a Swiss village in Africa where the employees are housed in a shanty town in a precarious part of the mountain, or the ice house in Italy where glacier bricks are brought down to cool rich people’s drinks in the summer.
All of this builds a patchwork of connection, of language and shared experiences, which I thought was really interesting. A great present for the curious around you, and one which will be well read and enjoyed.
Thanks to Netgalley and Elliott and Thompson for the DRC.
friendofgosig's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
3.75
This is a collection of essays loosely connected to different words for snow. Some of them worked really well, but others had a tenuous connection between the story told and the word for snow. Nevertheless it was an interesting read. Sadly lots of the traditions related to snow were endangered due to climate change, which gave a sense of purpose to the collection. It is a pretty book that I enjoyed reading.
georgilvsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
This was an interesting and unique read.
Nancy talks about the meanings snow in 50 words.
And with each word offers a myth and story.
A perfect little read for the winter months.
Nancy talks about the meanings snow in 50 words.
And with each word offers a myth and story.
A perfect little read for the winter months.
lilyreads01's review
4.0
Fifty Words for Snow by Nancy Campbell is a beautiful global gathering of language and culture. The author explores the various meanings of snow. In this book it is painted as intricate, unique and life altering. The book is composed of short chapters that traverse the globe and made me think deeply about one of natures most exquisite elements. It is easy to forget the beauty and lyricism around us but this book makes us re-examine our surroundings both it’s light and shade. It is fascinating and magical read perfect for fans of nonfiction, nature writing and language. 4 Stars ✨
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.