Nordic Ways

by András Simonyi (Editor), Debra Cagan (Editor)

The project Nordic Ways is a book of short insightful essays written by distinguished authors from all five countries representing a broad spectrum of Nordic life. The project features an impressive and august array of nearly 50 authors representing all five Nordic countries. The ultimate goal is to provide a long-term platform for what it means to be Nordic in business, as environmental stewards, in the arts, culture, innovation, education and in commitment to democratic values. There is growing interest in the United States in Nordic societies and attention being paid to Nordic cutting edge innovation in technology and design, arts, culture, liberal democratic values, including gender equality and a free press, environmental responsibility, and economic success achieved on a global level in partnership with employees. Today, with a U.S. Presidential campaign marked by widespread dissatisfaction among the electorate, it is abundantly clear that Nordic Ways can guide this new and increasingly important dialogue.

Genres: Essays, Nonfiction, Sweden, Travel, Cultural, Sociology, Short Stories

311 pages, Hardcover

First published October 25, 2016

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

After my DNA test revealed more Nordic roots than I had expected, I got this book on Kindle, hoping to gain some insight into the culture. Some common values are shared by these countries today, such as community, cooperation, and mutual trust between people and government. I love the emphasis on creativity, innovation, and green practices in the Nordic model. The essay on Arne & Carlos was inspiring.

Written in the Obama era, various articles were more or less interesting, as some themes began to repeat themselves. Many of the essays attempted to address current political and socioeconomic issues such as increased immigration from Syria. The long-held value of the welfare state, providing for everyone equally, now comes into conflict with the new immigrant population who are often unqualified to work in the jobs available, putting a strain on the established system and causing concern that they aren't doing their part.

[Irina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. I did not stop before I finished reading it. It not only tells you about the history, economy, politics and creation of a Nordic welfare system but it also tells you personal stories and stories of famous brands creation from a very personl point of view which makes it highly readable.

[Paul Edlund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this title from the Ambassador's Book List. An excellent collection of essays covering everything such as economics, gender equality, immigration, welfare, community activism, and other topics within the Nordic Model of governance. Should be required reading in High School, but a great primer for anyone interested in this subject.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ummm it was just OK, an edited volume with chapters of varying quality.

[Zhi Chen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good brief introductions to a diverse range of topics from a Nordic perspective.

[JennyB · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a wide variation in the readability of these essays, but many more are interesting than not.

[Karen]

22 Ambassadors Recommend the One Book to Read Before Visiting Their Country @ Sweden

“Nordic Ways is a new anthology of essays, edited by Debra Cagan. It came out last fall and is representative of all five Nordic countries. It describes life in the North from different perspectives." —H.E. Björn Lyrvall