Lagom

October 15, 2017

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. Akerstrom'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.--Meagan Storey, Virginia Beach

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