I don't remember much about this book other than liking the illustrations and wishing (just the tiniest bit) that I still lived somewhere where it snows in the winter. My first introduction to hygge (other than an episode of QI possibly?), and I don't think it was a bad one.
| For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle I will start by saying this is a very pretty book. I liked the cover and the various illustrations throughout. Very hygge. The colors and font used were very comforting. However, what I think my dislike of this book all boils down to is that it didn't need to be a book. The information covered in it could have easily been condensed to a list in a magazine article. What is hygge? Coziness, comfort, safety. How does one practice a hygge lifestyle? Candles, sweaters, tea, good friends, family time, fire, wool socks, comfy seats, blankets, heavy food, etc. It's not a revolutionary concept. Because the concept of hygge is so simple, the book gets very repetitive very fast. The same thing is repeated over and over again as if the reader were too dense to realize that candles are soothing and comforting. Also as a scientist, Meik Wiking has an awfully difficult time with the fact that correlation does not equal causation. He'll basically say two things are correlated, then use that to prove his point without really discussing the fact that there is probably a pretty obvious third variable that is causing both things. I have nothing against the hygge life. It sounds great. I mean we basically all do it. Who doesn't curl up with a cup of tea and a good book or snuggle down to watch TV during a thunderstorm? Hygge is basically making yourself fells cozy, which pretty much every human ever enjoys. From what I understand, hygge situations are like a treat (a nice piece of chocolate you have once in a while), but Wiking kind of oversimplifies this and makes it seem like you are always seeking hygge. Like it's something to do all the time. The balance of real-life responsibilities and hygge did not really come across in the book. There are some cool things in the book such as a few recipes and how to make a woven heart. But for the most part, I think Wiking gets caught up in his version of hygge. Hygge is different for everybody, but I think he gets a little stuck on what is hygge for him. He really likes scarves and socks and just runs with it, repeating the same concepts chapter after chapter. It all comes down to enjoy life, be happy, and do what makes you comfortable. It's important to adult and all that, but don't forget to take time to relax. Simple concept for an overly-complex book. |
Heartwarming and a nice tonic to some stress. Wiking basically looks at happiness around the world and tries to formulate some basic ideas about generating more happiness.
Interesting and entertaining. Some great ideas for community building.
I'd read Wiking's Little Book of Hygge last year, and absolutely loved it; it was one of those right time/right books moments, and I took away a lot of good suggestions. So when this book's publication was announced, I kept an eye out for it.
In some ways, The Little Book of Lykke is a more interesting one; it's focused heavily on the research behind happiness both on an individual and cultural level. There are more studies cited, more graphs, more statistics, and case studies from around the globe about how people and communities have come together to create a better atmosphere for themselves and others. Wiking includes practical tips for the reader, but I don't think that's the book's strength; I think it serves as food for thought about the larger idea of what makes individuals and communities really happy, and the downstream benefits of being happy.
My only niggle against the book is that the last chapter ends a bit preachy. This is not entirely the author's fault, as the last chapter, entitled kindness was the chapter with the least amount of available stats and studies, so it was almost entirely anecdotal. It's really difficult to talk about being kind to others without sounding preachy, I get that. But it did leave the book ending weaker than it started by just a smidgen. Overall, a good book for inspiring introspection and an inspiring one in terms of new ideas.
I needed a palate/brain cleaner between disaster books (plus the disaster podcasts I listen to regularly), so I picked this from my NOOK. I expected a lot more than what I got from this book. I think MbD and TA did a better job explaining hygge in their 16 Tasks for the Festive Season challenge. At one point, the terms rustic was used so much I thought a bearded flannel wearing craft cocktail sipping hipster wrote the book.
I mean, I get hygge, especially during autumn and winter (hi, I live in England - the country with THE shittiest weather on the planet). I love candles like no one else, I find good lighting helpful in dealing with my migraines and epilepsy, I love a good hearty crock pot meal, and love blankets and books. I did not need the concept explained to me a hundred times over until it reached book length. And I could have done without all the hipster undertones.
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