The almost nearly perfect people
"Journalist Michael Booth has lived among the Scandinavians for more than ten years, growing increasingly frustrated with the rose-tinted view of this part of the world offered up by the Western media. In this timely book he leaves his adopted home of Denmark and embarks on a journey through all five of the Nordic countries to discover who these curious tribes are, the secrets of their success and, most intriguing of all, what they think of each other. Why are the Danes so happy, despite having the highest taxes? Do the Finns really have the best education system? Are the Icelanders really feral? How are the Norwegians spending their fantastic oil wealth? And why do all of them hate the Swedes? In The Almost Nearly Perfect People Michael Booth explains who the Scandinavians are, how they differ and why, their quirks and foibles, and explores why these societies have become so successful and models for the world. Along the way a more nuanced, often darker picture emerges of a region plagued by taboos, characterized by suffocating parochialism and populated by extremists of various shades. They may very well be almost nearly perfect, but it isn't easy being Scandinavian. - For readers of Bill Bryson, Sarah Lyall, and Euny Hong"
Stats for nerds
2recommend
4mentions
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2015–2021years
75% recommend25% neutral
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What Hacker News says
- This the perfect opportunity to suggest a relevant book: "The Almost Nearly Perfect People: Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia" by Michael Booth. He's a Brit who married a Dane, relocated to Denmark, and was struck by the cultural differences between Scandinavian cultures and his own. So he wrote a book.
In it, he observes that smiles and jokes and easy conversation are more common among Brits and Americans than many Europeans, and suggests that, as you proceed northward and eastward through the continent, facial expressions tend to grow more sober and the tendency toward small talk fades. Not that these peoples are more unhappy, but there is generally less inclination to idly chat or joke around.
The author offers numerous observations, interpretations, and interviews regarding local perspectives on 'happiness' during his travels. An insightful read that doesn't take itself too seriously.
- Seems like as good a time as any to pop in a reference to Michael Booth’s lovely book ‘The Almost Nearly Perfect People’. He’s British, from memory he’s married to a Dane, and he treks around all of the Scandinavian countries — Iceland & Greenland included — and dispels the common myths.
Review: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/feb/10/perfect-people...
- Michael Booth's "The Almost Nearly Perfect People" is a great book if the Danes' happiness is something you're interested in. A fun look at Scandinavia and their supposed perfect culture.
- Michael Booth talks about Finland's schools in his book, "The Almost Nearly Perfect People: Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia." He points out that in Finland the most revered and treasured profession is teaching. The smartest students, the most driven students, they all become teachers. Articles like this are wonderful at pointing out that relaxed and individualized teaching can succeed but they are glossing over an important cultural norm.
