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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
Since Denmark consistently ranks at the top of the "happiest people in the world" indices, I was curious to read this book about the Danish concept of hygge, which can only be loosely translated as "coziness" in English. Will this give me any insight into why Danes say they are so happy? What can I personally adjust in my life to "live well" as the title suggests?
I was a bit disappointed and even a little annoyed.
I don't mind reading a definition of the word hygge, nor did I mind the etymology lesson in order to better understand the concept. What I did mind was reading page after page after page telling me the same stuff over and over and over. I mean, how many times can I read about lighting, candles and fire? Why do I need pages of Danish recipes? Is it really a secret that being comfortable in your clothing and having strong inter-personal relationships fosters happiness?
I tried to sit back, relax and enjoy the book, thinking perhaps I was just a high-strung American unable to to experience hygge. Delving back in I found myself either bored or annoyed, wanting to skip pages to find the real insights. Unfortunately for me, there were none. Are the Danes really happy because they have things made out of wood, burn through loads of candles, wear warm and comfy clothing, eat well and spend time outdoors? Sure, I can see how those things are important - but are they happy because of these things or are they simply able to have these things to enjoy because they have a government that provides amazing healthcare, incredible family support in the way of maternity/paternity benefits, work-life balance and a free college education? Or because of the extreme gender equality in this country? Or could it be the very strong economy and high standard of living? It's the question of cause and effect I could not get over.
Yes, I know, this book doesn't claim to be a scientific work offering all the answers of creating a happy society, but it felt one-dimensional and flat. If you take an unhappy person in any society, will lighting candles, purchasing expensive lamps, wearing wool socks and making aebleskiver create happiness? I have to attest, aebleskiver is delicious - my mom makes it every Christmas and I love it - but I can't say that it makes me happy. And yes, being with my family chatting and eating good food in front of our Christmas fire certainly is a happy scene - but for me, that's an effect of having a stable family life, a great job that provides me plenty of money to live securely and not have to worry, great health because I eat wholesome foods and exercise and a longterm and stable marriage. I can enjoy those instances because I am happy - not the other way around.
I can somewhat see the point of this book, but it honestly could've been summed up in 15 pages and not rattled on so long about the same things. In the end, it's about living mindfully, being grateful and building a strong support system. And maybe aebleskiver now and then.
I was a bit disappointed and even a little annoyed.
I don't mind reading a definition of the word hygge, nor did I mind the etymology lesson in order to better understand the concept. What I did mind was reading page after page after page telling me the same stuff over and over and over. I mean, how many times can I read about lighting, candles and fire? Why do I need pages of Danish recipes? Is it really a secret that being comfortable in your clothing and having strong inter-personal relationships fosters happiness?
I tried to sit back, relax and enjoy the book, thinking perhaps I was just a high-strung American unable to to experience hygge. Delving back in I found myself either bored or annoyed, wanting to skip pages to find the real insights. Unfortunately for me, there were none. Are the Danes really happy because they have things made out of wood, burn through loads of candles, wear warm and comfy clothing, eat well and spend time outdoors? Sure, I can see how those things are important - but are they happy because of these things or are they simply able to have these things to enjoy because they have a government that provides amazing healthcare, incredible family support in the way of maternity/paternity benefits, work-life balance and a free college education? Or because of the extreme gender equality in this country? Or could it be the very strong economy and high standard of living? It's the question of cause and effect I could not get over.
Yes, I know, this book doesn't claim to be a scientific work offering all the answers of creating a happy society, but it felt one-dimensional and flat. If you take an unhappy person in any society, will lighting candles, purchasing expensive lamps, wearing wool socks and making aebleskiver create happiness? I have to attest, aebleskiver is delicious - my mom makes it every Christmas and I love it - but I can't say that it makes me happy. And yes, being with my family chatting and eating good food in front of our Christmas fire certainly is a happy scene - but for me, that's an effect of having a stable family life, a great job that provides me plenty of money to live securely and not have to worry, great health because I eat wholesome foods and exercise and a longterm and stable marriage. I can enjoy those instances because I am happy - not the other way around.
I can somewhat see the point of this book, but it honestly could've been summed up in 15 pages and not rattled on so long about the same things. In the end, it's about living mindfully, being grateful and building a strong support system. And maybe aebleskiver now and then.
Quite a boring to be honest, very repetitive. I struggled to finish it.
It was okay. I could have done with fewer statistics and more storytelling, but the guy works with numbers, so it's kinda understandable.
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
quick little read but the cutest + my most favorite in a while! read on a two hour flight. for anyone, but perfectly embodies why I love being a residential interior designer. lots of fun / insightful advice on slowing down & feeling less anxious & appreciating the environment & small things + people around you.
A cute, but not very in-depth, look at the topic. It's a very fast read, but it has some fun recipes and lists to help you discover your inner Hygge. For someone like me, who was mostly unfamiliar with the topic, it was nice introduction, but I'm sure there are other books that dig deeper.
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
what I enjoyed most about this book was the discussion about happiness and the ways it made me think about what I wish for my home/life and what that looks like.
an easy read, with nice pictures, some interesting stats/research info, discussion of language, recipies, and even travel guide info.
an easy read, with nice pictures, some interesting stats/research info, discussion of language, recipies, and even travel guide info.
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
hopeful
informative
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced