Meik Wiking

I'd read Wiking's Little Book of Hygge last year, and absolutely loved it; it was one of those right time/right books moments, and I took away a lot of good suggestions. So when this book's publication was announced, I kept an eye out for it.

In some ways, The Little Book of Lykke is a more interesting one; it's focused heavily on the research behind happiness both on an individual and cultural level. There are more studies cited, more graphs, more statistics, and case studies from around show more the globe about how people and communities have come together to create a better atmosphere for themselves and others. Wiking includes practical tips for the reader, but I don't think that's the book's strength; I think it serves as food for thought about the larger idea of what makes individuals and communities really happy, and the downstream benefits of being happy.

My only niggle against the book is that the last chapter ends a bit preachy. This is not entirely the author's fault, as the last chapter, entitled kindness was the chapter with the least amount of available stats and studies, so it was almost entirely anecdotal. It's really difficult to talk about being kind to others without sounding preachy, I get that. But it did leave the book ending weaker than it started by just a smidgen. Overall, a good book for inspiring introspection and an inspiring one in terms of new ideas. show less

Couldn't finish this book, because there was no acknowledgement that some people aren't able to do the suggested things.
The author recommends getting to know one's neighbors, but this presumes that one's neighbors are safe to be around. I can't get to know my own neighbors because a shocking number of them had pro-Trump signs in their yards in the last 4 years, and I am a queer disabled person. Many of my neighbors would not hesitate to cause my death.
He recommends offering to let your show more neighbors borrow your tools, but with no recognition that some people can't afford to replace them when someone else breaks it or loses it.

Don't get me wrong, I want to live in a world with organized neighborhoods, community gardens, tool libraries, etc. But we can't get there by ignoring that there are pre-requisites for a lot of us. show less

From now on Meik Wiking should release a new book every December and that is how I should start my new year. Always. This is how I started 2017 and how I started this year. Even though I pre-ordered this book and received it the day of its publication, I was hard pressed to pass up listening to the audiobook. I would really like to marry Meik Wiking's voice (oh yes he's nice to look at too *wink*).

I think for many my fascination and desire for hygge to become a huge part of my life was a show more little strange and as always you have the people jumping at the chance to say something derogatory about a trend. Hygge did become quite a worldwide trend/phenomenon in 2017, but is that so bad? If the idea of Lykke, which is the Danish word for happiness and not a lifestyle choice, took off quite the same way... you know the only downside would be the world would be happier.

"The aim of this book is not to belittle the challenges we face. I am painfully aware of the struggles of many, how difficult times are, and how big the stakes are for much of humanity."

In this book I was in a perpetual state of goosebumps showing up, several times of passionate "let's do this", and yes, as strange as it may sound, crying. There is a deep desire to be content in life and when you can recognize this does not come from possessions, people, or status, it only serves to increase your desire to find the answer.

If in the United States we can't achieve many of the ideas in Lykke on a government level then we need to strive to see them happening on a corporate level and most definitely in the public forum. I would say if you own a business, add this to your reading right now. I would say give it to your employees, your family, your friends. I don't see why everyone shouldn't read this and be touched in one way or another by the idea that we can make our world better and we can find simple ways to be happier and help others to do so too.

I can't say that I like this book better than Meik Wiking's Hygge book, but I can say I love how he incorporates EVERYONE. He doesn't only speak to or about the Danish people. Through his research and travels he touches on how other countries are fighting for happiness and how while Hygge is a huge part of Danish culture...they are not in fact the perfect country. He is quick to tell you that your problems will not be solved simply by moving to Denmark and that for some that is not even a plausible endeavor. Read here: You can find happiness (lykke) and implement lifestyle changes (hygge) to your life RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE.

I still want to move to Denmark. When the statistics are presented that the United States is one of only two countries in the world not offering compensation for things like maternity leave...it's hard to not get a little disenchanted with your patriotic push.

I already can tell you this is going to be a 2018 favorite.

If you listen to the audiobook, definitely get a physical copy of the book too because there are graphs and pictures throughout! show less

This was the perfect book to read before bed during the too-long end of winter in the Northeast. I found myself reading it slowly to savor it, think about it, let it inspire me. I used my secret librarian due-date override to keep it out for way longer than I probably should have. There's just enough data to satisfy my desire for statistics and enough real-life examples to open my mind to what is possible. I find myself moving through the world with more awareness, finding inspiration and show more hope in my own life and in the community that surrounds me. show less