Read November 2021 - Zoom Reading Circle
I really loved this book! And it sure makes me want to visit Denmark. The author, Helen Russell, and her husband move from England to Denmark for his new job with Lego corporation. Helen discovers that Denmark is considered the happiest nation in the world so decides to spend their year there figuring out exactly why that is so. Each month she sets out to learn about one aspect of happiness such as Hygge, letting go of a typical 9-5 schedule, and embracing tradition. Along the way she gives us great insight into the country of Denmark and the culture there and so often makes the reader (at least this reader) laugh out loud! I was reading the March section about their 'adventure at evening pool time' and almost had to get out of bed and leave the room, I was laughing so hard... thought I would wake up my husband! Others in my book club listened to the audiobook and highly recommend that version since it is narrated by the author herself and she is just so darn funny!
When reading this book, it is impossible not to make comparisons to the US - where Denmark is the good opposite. It unfortunately illuminates our shortfalls in education, universal healthcare, equity, safety net for all, and caring about community as much as (or more than) self. However, I also appreciated that she added at the end of the book that there are problems in Denmark, too. And sadly, racism is one. On the flip side, the complete lack of faith in God was apparent and gnawed at me. The total humanist element of Denmark made me uneasy. I don't believe you must choose between the two sides, though. In fact, caring for others IS a Christian quality (or it should be). I definitely plan to go through this book again - and will listen to the audio version next time. :)
Quote from the book...
What Danes really cared about, Christian told me, was trust: "In Denmark, we trust not only family and friends, but also the man or woman on the street - and this makes a big difference to our lives and happiness levels."
They don't choose a profession based on how much they're going to earn. They choose it based on what interests them. Education is free to anyone can train in whatever they want. You know you're going to get taxed a lot anyway, so you may as well just focus on doing what you love, rather than what's going to land you a massive salary.
It turns out it is easier to live 'the American Dream' here than it's ever likely to be in the US.
Diversity enhances us, rather than diminishing us. Diversity has been shown time and again to be good for the economy and there's a strong relationship between diversity, inclusivity, and wellbeing.
Denmark is considered one of the happiest places in the world - Today
How trust contributes to Danish happiness - Helen Russell
