On My Swedish Island: Discovering the Secrets of Scandinavian Well-being

by Julie Catterson Lindahl

An exploration of the integral relationship between nature and personal development and how this manifests itself in the Scandinavian lifestyle-from outdoor life and relaxation to design, cuisine, gardening, and herbalism. On my Swedish Island is a rich collection of ideas about how we can improve our quality of life with a fresh philosophy that is Nordic-inspired, but can be used in any climate. Part memoir and part self-help book, On My Swedish Island combines the story of the author's transformation from urban jetsetter to wife and mother living on a small Swedish island with practical suggestions for living a simpler, more fulfilling existence.

Genres: Nonfiction, Swedish Literature

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 17, 2005

About the author

Author also writes under Julie Lindahl

Reviews

[Stephanie]

Having spent a year living in Sweden, I read this book hoping that it would serve to remind me of the lovely and simple Scandinavian lifestyle that I grew to love during my time spent in Kungsbacka and Gothenburg. Applying these Scandinavian ideas to one's own lifestyle here in the US requires a bit of effort as we do not quite have access to the forests, lakes, saunas, etc. that they have readily and nearby in Sweden (depending, of course, on where one lives). This book did, however, inspire me to want to put in the effort to adopt this lifestyle again, even if it requires meticulous planning and finding substitutes for the ideas that the author gives the reader. This book also includes natural remedies and recipes that can be easily created by just about anybody. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about the "good life" that they have in the Scandinavian countries (after all, they do score some of the highest standard of living points in the world) and I will be sure to refer back to it often when I need that little reminder to slow down and embrace simple pleasures.

[David Risstrom]

A lovely gentle reminder for those of us whose spirit floats amidst Scandinavian mists that life can be and is good. Subtitled Discovering the secrets of Scandinavian well-being, the ideas are generous and easily available. One day, when we stop acting like blue arsed flies, busily chasing ours and others tails, our own islands will emerge and our breathing will calm.

Tack sa mycket Julie.

[Jan]

Lovely. Reference. Recipes. DIY.

[Lisa Daleiden-Brugman]

I finished this but I’m not sure why.

[Mary-Ann]

Interesting memoir and guide to the "good life" from a American woman who married a Swede. It describes how a young family went about living more simply and more in tune with nature on their Swedish island. It includes some uniquely Swedish activities (which I found enchanting because of my Swedish heritage), such as making what I believe my Swedish relatives call a "vikta"--a birch whisk for use in the sauna. Yet even though much of Lindahl's good advice can be adapted to older non-Scandinavian readers with lower energy and limited mobility, the book nonetheless made me envy the author's youthful vitality and ambition.

[kristy]

I am starting an affair with Scandanavia. I am a bunch Swedish and have recently been very curious if any of who I've come to be originates from this part of the world and their traditions. I am finding that it does. Just such a dreamy, easier more gentle approach to life. They care not about having more but having less in order to enhance the actual quality of one's life. If only. I am planning to claim more of this way of life for myself. The book outlines all kinds of aspects of well being, through the experience of a jet setting woman turned mama on a little Swedish Isle.

[Christine]

This is a great book if you are reflecting on your life and slowing down the pace. It shares the story of an American woman married to a Swede and her experience of learing about the "good life" that the Swedes have experienced for many decades. Being outside, enjoying nature, eating healthy food and simplifying how you live.

[Jessica]

enjoyed the way she focused on several unique aspects that improve life in the scandinavian countries including interior design, regard for the outdoors, and spa culture. she shares lots of factoid tidbits from wellness research.

[Amy]

This book was left on a "book swap" shelf in the ladies room in my office. Being of Swedish heritage, I was curious about it, so I picked it up. Sounds like something I may enjoy.

[Heidi]

I loved the book, but made me homesick for the north! Very good ideas and thoughts that I still think about months after reading it.

[Liz]

The Swedish, specifically one transplant's, idea about the good life...

[Lisa]

What a lovely way to live. Close to nature in a beautiful country.