The Almost Nearly Perfect People: Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia in Around the World in 80 Books

Jan 01, 2017 Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance rated it really liked it

Shelves: happiness, health, travel, nonfiction

The question of everyone's mind these days seems to be: What's so great about Scandinavia? Michael Booth, an Englishman living in Denmark, decides to explore this question and ventures out to Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark and tries to put his finger on what makes the people of these countries so happy. Booth manages to take a close look at the social nets in place, the comprehensive health care systems, the amazing educational systems, and the Scandinavians' perceived happiness a ...more

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Nov 29, 2016 Erica rated it it was amazing

Shelves: european-history

A fun, funny, and enlightening take on the Nordic states. I'm giving it five stars not because it's perfect, nor because I agree with everything written, but because I laughed out loud (a lot) and it speaks frankly, openly, and entertainingly about its subjects. Of course, one must take into account that it's written by a British travel writer--this is not points against the book, just a reminder that Booth is not a historian or sociologist. It's his take, and it's an interesting, funny, and enl ...more

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Dec 25, 2021 Saima rated it liked it

Shelves: travel, scandanavian-noir, 2021

Covers all 5 of the Scandinavian countries with a bit of history, contemporary culture, ethos and nuances with humor.

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Nov 09, 2019 Kelli rated it it was amazing

Shelves: travel, denmark, 2019

Informative and fun. Nonfiction with enough wit and sarcasm to keep the content from ever being dry. It’s not really a travel book but if your traveling to Scandinavia this will give you insight that you won’t get in travel books.

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