SCIENCES

Lagom: Not Too Little, Not Too Much; The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life

Harper Design. Oct. 2017. 288p. illus. notes. index. ISBN 9780062748799. $19.99; ebk. ISBN 9780062748805. HOME ECON
COPY ISBN
Following closely on the success of all things hygge, a Danish word connoting "coziness" and popularized in books such as The Little Book of Hygge, comes lagom, the Swedish concept of finding balance in life. Similar titles on this topic include Linnea Dunne's Lagom: The Swedish Art of Balanced Living and Lola A. Äkerström's Lagom: The Swedish Secret of Living Well. This latest work from blogger Brantmark (The Scandinavian Home), a British expat living in Sweden, may appeal to those interested in Swedish culture. Readers may also be interested in comparing Brantmark's perspective to Dunne's, originally from Sweden, now residing in Dublin. Many lifestyle practices gaining momentum in the United States—DIY, sustainability, mindfulness, etc.—are covered; thus, the advice is familiar. At the same time, imagining these practices on a national level adds a fresh viewpoint.
VERDICT A beautiful book filled with ways to balance life at home with the larger world. Where readers enjoy books on hygge, they will likely appreciate titles on lagom, too.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?