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Reviews
The Almost Nearly Perfect People: Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia by Michael Booth
bittersweet_symphony's review against another edition
4.0
The book is a perfect blend of travelogue, history, and anthropology, for an America (or Brit) who wants to uncover more about their heritage, or for one wanting a fuller picture of the Nordic cultures.
This was just what I needed to move past the stereotypes and romanticized portrayals of overly-idealized nations who have their own problems and major shortcomings: culturally, politically, and economically.
Booth heaps high praise one moment and biting criticism the next. He is witty, charming, and informative. He lacks some economic and political expertise in parts but makes up for it in other parts for being a transplant living among the Nordic peoples for several years (his wife is Danish). He is authoritative but accessible.
This was just what I needed to move past the stereotypes and romanticized portrayals of overly-idealized nations who have their own problems and major shortcomings: culturally, politically, and economically.
Booth heaps high praise one moment and biting criticism the next. He is witty, charming, and informative. He lacks some economic and political expertise in parts but makes up for it in other parts for being a transplant living among the Nordic peoples for several years (his wife is Danish). He is authoritative but accessible.
storeytale's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
3.5
Interesting insights into the Scandinavian countries and their recent histories.
csgiansante's review against another edition
3.0
A summary from this book:
Denmark - Bitter and Drunk
Iceland - Drunk and Broke
Norway - Rich and Racist
Finland - Saunas and Drunk
Sweden - Reserved and Bitter
Could have used a bit more of a nuanced take.
Denmark - Bitter and Drunk
Iceland - Drunk and Broke
Norway - Rich and Racist
Finland - Saunas and Drunk
Sweden - Reserved and Bitter
Could have used a bit more of a nuanced take.
elsower's review against another edition
funny
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.25
Interesting, although a bit outdated having been published in 2015.
Gives and interesting oversight to the region with British humour.
Gives and interesting oversight to the region with British humour.
spav's review against another edition
3.0
Sharp at times, hilarious throughout the book, it gives the view of a Brit living in Denmark about the Nordic countries, their economies, cultures and glitches.
As it usually happens, this book is just a (rather educated) view on the Nordic societies. It is compound by theories supported by numerous statistics and one-on-one interviews with specialists on the matter without any pretentious animosity.
As it usually happens, this book is just a (rather educated) view on the Nordic societies. It is compound by theories supported by numerous statistics and one-on-one interviews with specialists on the matter without any pretentious animosity.
sarainbookland's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
5.0
It is a very informative yet hilarious book about Scandinavians and their history, culture, food, customs, economy, politics and issues that arise from them. I found myself laughing out loud multiple times, mainly since now I am used to many of the weird stuff the author noticed.
I started this book ages ago but read it more carefully over the past few months.
As a foreigner living in a Scandinavian country, I find this book very interesting and thought-provoking. I can see some of the issues the author discussed in this book, especially concerning integration and multiculturalism, and it was the catalyst for many discussions I had with some of my Scandinavian friends. I am surprised this book isn't more well-known. However, it is outdated in the sense that it was written and published around 2014, so ten years ago from now, and many changes and new immigrants have come onto the scene, so a more updated book or chapter could also be a good choice.
Anyway, I recommend this book. It deserves a read if you want to know more about Scandinavia ;).
I started this book ages ago but read it more carefully over the past few months.
As a foreigner living in a Scandinavian country, I find this book very interesting and thought-provoking. I can see some of the issues the author discussed in this book, especially concerning integration and multiculturalism, and it was the catalyst for many discussions I had with some of my Scandinavian friends. I am surprised this book isn't more well-known. However, it is outdated in the sense that it was written and published around 2014, so ten years ago from now, and many changes and new immigrants have come onto the scene, so a more updated book or chapter could also be a good choice.
Anyway, I recommend this book. It deserves a read if you want to know more about Scandinavia ;).
erboe501's review
4.0
Booth manages to pull off a book that informs and entertains. He packs in a lot of history, background, and first-hand observation of the Scandinavian countries. He also lightens everything with his dry British humor (which I enjoyed, for the most part). Country by country, he shares the wonders of the Scandinavian utopia, as well as the less than exemplary aspects. I feel like I understand what makes each country unique and separate from the others. After listening to this book, I feel like I know more about the Nordic North, and I can't decide if that knowledge makes me want to move there or steer clear. Regardless, I definitely want to visit!