The Little Book of Lykke

November 20, 2017
Wiking (The Little Book of Hygge), Danish research associate for the World Database of Happiness, brings a fresh policy angle to the well-worn happiness (in Danish, lykke) theme in this mélange of anecdote, self-help suggestions, research studies, and political argument. He helpfully distinguishes between happiness’s affective, or momentary, dimension and its cognitive, or long-term, one, emphasizing the latter. The author identifies the fundamentals of cognitive happiness as togetherness, money, freedom, health, trust, and kindness. In the section on money, for example, he cites studies as showing that the wealthiest nations are not necessarily the happiest, because societies have to know how to “turn wealth into well-being.” High inequality of income, even in a wealthy country such as the U.S., makes people unhappy. Nordic countries like his own are happier, he writes, because “wide public support for a high level of taxation means a good return on quality of life.” His conclusions in other sections are fuzzier and less actionable, such as “eat like the French” in “Togetherness” or “be more Amelie” in “Kindness.” Readers who strongly support government’s role in enhancing the health of citizens, rather than general self-help readers, will most enjoy this book.

November 15, 2017

When Wiking's The Little Book of Hygge took off last spring, there was no doubt that sequels would be forthcoming. Now the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute explores the Danish concept of lykke (LOO-ka)--pursuing and finding the good that exists in the world every day. Here, Wiking investigates the cognitive dimensions of happiness and compares the life satisfaction scores of the Danes with those of other nations, concluding that helping others, working together, and lowering one's expectations can lead to more contentment.Similarly, former newspaper columnist Dunne proposes that lagom (lah-gom), the Swedish concept of "not too little, not too much, just right" can help people improve their work-life balance and savor both relationships and delicious food. Dunne's guidebook is full of tips, color photographs, and recipes that demonstrate how readers can simplify their wants and enjoy what they already have. She covers everything from eating and styling lagom to feeling and socializing lagom in a clear upbeat tone, which encourages readers to participate. VERDICT While both books are delightful and would be popular in public libraries or for personal purchase, Lagom is more aesthetically appealing.

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2017
In the sequel to his bestseller, The Little Book of Hygge (2017), Wiking, CEO of the HappinessResearch Institute, Copenhagen, expands his research from Denmark to encompass the world. Although the Danes may statistically be the happiest people on the planet, they do not hold a monopoly on happiness. From eating like the French to dancing tango like the Argentinians, there is much to be learned from diverse lands about how to live a more joyful and fulfilling life. Through research and case studies, Wiking presents six common denominators that determine happiness: togetherness and community, finances, health, freedom, trust, and kindness. With tongue-in-cheek humor, such as commenting on the delight Danes take in burning things, from candles to bonfires and villages, Wiking provides common-sense, real-life applications for his advice in a light-hearted, easy-to-read presentation laced with statistics and personal anecdotes in support of his findings. Whether it's used as a how-to or as inspirational reading, this little book is sure to bring a dose of happiness to all its readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)