Happy as a Dane

November 21, 2016
In this slim volume, Rydahl, a Danish former corporate executive named the goodwill ambassador of Copenhagen after her book’s initial publication in Europe, provides a primer to the unique attitudes and practices of her homeland. Ten simple keys characterize the social model: trust, education, freedom and independence, equal opportunity, realistic expectations, solidarity and respect for others, work-life balance, relationship to money, modesty, and gender equality. Addressing education, Rydahl asserts that Denmark does not seek to create an elite; free tuition and grants make schooling accessible to all, and high achievement ranks lower than personal happiness. As to money, she writes that Danes are quite relaxed, and that being rich is not a priority. The concept of hygge is related to work-life balance, with the Danes pursuing a friendly and familial intimacy that enhances well-being and adds meaning and purpose to life. She also makes appealing claims about gender equity in Danish life, stressing that there are few hang-ups about sex and almost no gender discrimination. Plentiful facts, data, recent sociological research, and personal stories are packed into this cogent little volume. More journalistic than prescriptive, it will complement the many other “happy Dane” books reaching the market.

December 15, 2016
Denmark is a cold, dark Scandinavian country that has some of the highest taxes in the world and is one of the 12 remaining monarchies in Europe. But before grabbing your pitchforks to liberate the Danish people, you might want to read Rydahl's thought-provoking explanation of why Denmark perennially ranks at the top of world happiness surveys. In this short read, Rydahl examines 10 reasons why she believes Danes lead happy lives. These include trust, education, work-life balance, and gender equality, and each is carefully explained with a combination of statistics, personal anecdotes, and examples from Danish culture. Rydahl takes care to point out that Denmark is not perfect and highlights some pitfalls of growing up Danish, including prolific alcohol use and fewer opportunities for gifted students. While it might initially feel boastful to some readers, Happy as a Dane is, at its core, an examination of what happiness truly means. This international bestseller is a conversation starter because it opens readers' minds to other cultures and prompts reflection.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)