Little Book of Hygge

by Meik Wiking, Meik Wiking

288 pages

English language

Published Nov. 16, 2016 by Penguin UK.

ISBN:: 978-0-241-28391-2

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(31 reviews)

Denmark is often said to be the happiest country in the world. That's down to one thing: hygge.

'Hygge has been translated as everything from the art of creating intimacy to cosiness of the soul to taking pleasure from the presence of soothing things. My personal favourite is cocoa by candlelight...'

You know hygge when you feel it. It is when you are cuddled up on a sofa with a loved one, or sharing comfort food with your closest friends. It is those crisp blue mornings when the light through your window is just right.

Who better than Meik Wiking to be your guide to all things hygge? Meik is CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen and has spent years studying the magic of Danish life. In this beautiful, inspiring book he will help you be more hygge: from picking the right lighting and planning …

Denmark is often said to be the happiest country in the world. That's down to one thing: hygge.

2 editions

Dave Slusher - Books reviewed Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking

Nice Morsel of Wisdom

4 stars

I got exactly what I wanted from this book. It was a quick, pleasant read in between much heavier books. I heard about it from the Help Hole podcast but it was an easy sell. Of everywhere I visited for work, Copenhagen was my favorite.

I live near the coast of South Carolina which you might not think of as a home of hygge. I did finish it on a rainy day while cuddled up with a dog which seemed appropriate. Later in the day I was running errands downtown. Although I am limiting carbs, I did opt for a pastry just for the spirit of it.

Even outside of Denmark this is not a bad way to think about your approach to life. Take the moments of simple pleasures, of love and laughter where you can find them.

Stephanie Jane reviewed Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking

More pages than material to fill them

3 stars

I managed to overstretch myself with book reviews this month and rather than facing the problem head on by steadily working through everything that's rapidly becoming overdue, I briefly chose the Head In Sand approach by picking up The Little Book Of Hygge instead. It wasn't even on my reading list! Won while we were travelling, my sister forwarded it onto me today. Appropriately it turns out that maintaining connections with friends and family is part of Hygge and probably the aspect I am worst at. Reclining on my vintage chaise longue (complete with its hand crocheted blanket made by Moi!) in order to read a book is strongly Hyggeligt. So is drinking frequent cups of tea and eating cake (baking my own cake is extra Hyggeligt!). Stressing about unwritten book reviews is not at all encouraged. I think I have finally found the lifestyle label that actually suits how …

My difficulty in reviewing The Little Book Of Hygge is in separating my enthusiasm for the lifestyle from my thoughts on the book itself. Certain aspects such as the overall idea, the inspirational photographs, the inclusion of recipes and crafts, and Wiking's gentle humour were definite positives for me. I also liked the sort-of science which identified similar concepts across Europe and the thoughts on the history of hygge. What didn't work so well for me was the repetition of ideas. Self help books are meant to be motivational and I accept that repetition is a strong part of reinforcing new habits, but by anout two-thirds of the way through I started to feel that there were rather more pages available than material to fill them!

amatiazzo reviewed Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking

Review of "The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well"

4 stars

Meik Wiking's "The Little Book of Hygge" is a delightful immersion into the Danish concept of 'hygge,' a term that doesn't have an exact translation in English but embodies the essence of coziness, contentment, and well-being. The book delves into the cultural, sociological, and practical aspects of hygge and offers a refreshing perspective on how the Danes, often rated among the happiest people in the world, integrate this concept into their daily lives.

Wiking, who is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, infuses the book with a combination of research-backed insights and personal anecdotes. The narrative is adorned with charming illustrations and photographs that resonate with the warmth of the theme.

From recommendations on hyggelig home decor to recipes that ooze comfort and togetherness, the book provides readers with tangible ways to incorporate hygge into their lives. More than just a lifestyle guide, "The Little Book of Hygge" prompts introspection into what truly constitutes happiness and how simple pleasures, when savored, can significantly elevate our daily existence.

In conclusion, "The Little Book of Hygge" is a cozy read that will inspire readers to slow down, appreciate the present, and perhaps light a candle or two. It's an invitation to celebrate life's simple moments and find joy in everyday experiences.

pinkpusheen reviewed Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking

Review of 'Little Book of Hygge' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

I really loved this book. Simple and a quick read. Nothing astounding or ground-breaking but a good reminder of what works well.

Taylor reviewed Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking

Review of 'Little Book of Hygge' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

How to best enjoy our time with others and practice gratitude.

Discusses plenty of the physical aspects (light, food, clothing, etc), and also gets in to the more abstract qualities of hygge and how it can benefit all parts of life.

Highly recommend this and Lykke by the same author. They go together well and are positive books with a lot of upside potential.