A review by melissakuzma
The Year of Living Danishly: My Twelve Months Unearthing the Secrets of the World's Happiest Country by Helen Russell

4.0

Having just returned from a trip to Scandinavia, and being now obsessed with all things Scandinavian, I knew this book was for me. It doesn't surprise me at all that the Danish are the happiest people on earth. They've got it all - socialized medicine, living wages for all workers, paid parental leave, and all the other social safety net goodies we are so sorely lacking in the US. Danish people love to drink, spend time with friends and family, be "hygge", have real work/life balance, and care about the environment. Where do I sign up? Seriously, the only thing I could find "wrong" with living in Denmark would be that they don't seem to like animals very much (but they still have strong laws protecting them) and there aren't many vegetarians there. I know the winters are rough, but that's what cozy blankets, candles and Netflix are for! I especially love that they are very trusting of their government and fellow citizens, and that apparently this contributes quite a bit to their happiness. If any Danish people are out there reading this, please let me know if you'd be interested in adopting a Denmark-loving American!