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Leef Lagom: het Zweedse geheim voor een gelukkig leven
An inviting exploration of "the new hygge": the Swedish concept of lagom--finding balance in moderation--featuring inspiration and practical advice on how to find a happy medium in life, home, work, and health.
Following the cultural phenomena of fika and hygge, the allure of Scandinavian culture and tradition continues in the Swedish concept of lagom. From home design and work-life balance, to personal well-being and environmental sustainability, author Anna Brones presents valuable Swedish-inspired tips and actionable ways to create a more intentional, healthy lifestyle. Instead of thinking about how we can work less, lagom teaches us to think about how we can work better. Lagom at home is about finding balance between aesthetics and function, focusing on simplicity, light, and open spaces. Health and wellness in lagom is a holistic approach for the body and mind--including connecting more in person, caring for self, managing stress, keeping active, and embacing enjoyment in daily routine. Live Lagom inspires us to slow down and find happiness in everyday balance.
Following the cultural phenomena of fika and hygge, the allure of Scandinavian culture and tradition continues in the Swedish concept of lagom. From home design and work-life balance, to personal well-being and environmental sustainability, author Anna Brones presents valuable Swedish-inspired tips and actionable ways to create a more intentional, healthy lifestyle. Instead of thinking about how we can work less, lagom teaches us to think about how we can work better. Lagom at home is about finding balance between aesthetics and function, focusing on simplicity, light, and open spaces. Health and wellness in lagom is a holistic approach for the body and mind--including connecting more in person, caring for self, managing stress, keeping active, and embacing enjoyment in daily routine. Live Lagom inspires us to slow down and find happiness in everyday balance.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2017
139 people are currently reading
1068 people want to read
About the author
Anna Brones
6 books58 followersAnna Brones is a writer and digital communications professional with a love of travel, food and bicycles. A believer in connecting passionate people to do good, she uses her marketing and production savvy to work on cause driven issues and amplify stories that need to be told. She is also the founder and editor of Foodie Underground where she pens stories of kale and sea salt.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
September 5, 2017
Wanted to get on the Hygge hype train, and this book looked in the same vein. However the contents of this Swedish lifestyle book could easily be condensed into a pamphlet. There was nothing life changing in these pages, and honestly there was a large amount of repetition, like the author was trying to fill a word count. I mean there's only so many ways to say “all things in moderation”. There I just saved you $10.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Bin
Check out more of my reviews here
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2021
[A Dollar Tree find. Yes, a $1 hardcover.]
VERDICT: 3 to 3+ stars. A light read that accomplishes its goal. The comparisons between American & Swedish culture were interesting, esp. with regards towards work. I learned a few new things, but nothing life-altering.
IN SHORT: Lagom (pronounced "lah-gom", per the author): "just the right amount" as applicable to many aspects of Swedish/Norwegian culture. Similar in meaning to the American phrase "everything in moderation." Perhaps more closely: "there is virtue in moderation."
YOU ALSO GET:
* A few recipes for Swedish food.
* Lots of photos (~30% of the pages). Mostly nature, or minimalist decor. Many have nothing to do with the text.
VERDICT: 3 to 3+ stars. A light read that accomplishes its goal. The comparisons between American & Swedish culture were interesting, esp. with regards towards work. I learned a few new things, but nothing life-altering.
IN SHORT: Lagom (pronounced "lah-gom", per the author): "just the right amount" as applicable to many aspects of Swedish/Norwegian culture. Similar in meaning to the American phrase "everything in moderation." Perhaps more closely: "there is virtue in moderation."
YOU ALSO GET:
* A few recipes for Swedish food.
* Lots of photos (~30% of the pages). Mostly nature, or minimalist decor. Many have nothing to do with the text.
November 16, 2017
2016 was all about cosiness and the Danish concept of hygge. 2017 and we are introduced to the Swedish concept of Lagom which translates as "in moderation" or "not too much, not too little".
This is a lifestyle book; an introduction to a way of living that is sustainable for us in the home, work, environmentally and health. Descriptions of the concept were interspersed with practical application such as recipes or ideas to try at home.
I love the Swedish fika (coffee break with pastry) and the seemingly relaxed working environments. I applaud the spending the time outdoors and quality time with those that matter. I'm sad I don't have a log cabin in the forest though :/
Beautiful photography throughout and in a readable style made this book interesting but it's the kind of book I'd borrow from a library rather than buy and read again and again.
This is a lifestyle book; an introduction to a way of living that is sustainable for us in the home, work, environmentally and health. Descriptions of the concept were interspersed with practical application such as recipes or ideas to try at home.
I love the Swedish fika (coffee break with pastry) and the seemingly relaxed working environments. I applaud the spending the time outdoors and quality time with those that matter. I'm sad I don't have a log cabin in the forest though :/
Beautiful photography throughout and in a readable style made this book interesting but it's the kind of book I'd borrow from a library rather than buy and read again and again.
January 19, 2018
Everybody is looking at the Scandinavian people for guidance as to how to live our lives. After all, they are the happiest people in the world.
So what have you got, Sweden?
Lagom is Sweden’s answer. Lagom is about living a life in moderation, where the “me” is shifted to the far right of center and replaced with “us”.
This book explores lagom in words and pictures, through the workplace, the home, one’s surroundings, food. The pictures are especially meditative; you just want to cut them all out and pin them on your wall for inspiration.
Now, as always, to put these ideas into action.
So what have you got, Sweden?
Lagom is Sweden’s answer. Lagom is about living a life in moderation, where the “me” is shifted to the far right of center and replaced with “us”.
This book explores lagom in words and pictures, through the workplace, the home, one’s surroundings, food. The pictures are especially meditative; you just want to cut them all out and pin them on your wall for inspiration.
Now, as always, to put these ideas into action.
January 18, 2018
An interesting read or rather listening. I actually learnt a thing or two about our 'lagom'.
January 24, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Please note that my critique of this book is not intended to bash the author.
Live Lagom by Anna Brones is a work of nonfiction focused on teaching the reader about the Swedish concept of lagom, which essentially translates to everything in moderation. While this book did teach me a bit about Swedish history and culture, it unfortunately reads like a student's term paper, and is not something I can recommend.
I first want to mention that this book is beautifully constructed. The pages are made from thick, high quality paper, and the design of the book is overall well done. It confuses me that so much time was clearly put into how Live Lagom looks, when the writing needs a lot of work.
My reading experience was greatly affected by the poor editing. There are a myriad of missing commas, as well as other grammatical errors, such as missing words and incorrect possessives. While reading, THIS quote by Kurt Vonnegut sprang to mind as well. Similarly, there are also copyediting mistakes, such as the author using an acronym without telling the reader what it represents. Many times I could not concentrate on the book's actual content because I was so distracted by the countless errors.
Moreover, while I did enjoy learning about lagom and how I could incorporate it into my lifestyle, the same ideas are repeated over and over. Readers are told several times about Swedish simplicity of design, the importance of textiles, how Sweden is dark in the winter and light in the summer, etc. As another reviewer notes, it felt as if the author was trying to fill a word count, and could not come up with any additional information, so she had to repeat the same ideas.
As for the photography in the book, it is quite beautiful and does add to the book's overall aesthetic. However, none of the photographs contain a captain, nor are they ever referenced in the book, except to give credit to the photographers on the copyright page. Because of this, the photographs felt like stock photos. Perhaps they were taken in Sweden, but there is no information to signify that. Sadly, because the photos are not mentioned in the text, they end up acting as filler. Adding simple captions that state the location of the photo, or the lagom concept the photo illustrates, would be extremely helpful.
Finally, Live Lagom lacks many citations for claims the author makes along the way. While the book does contain a bibliography, there are no footnotes or endnotes, and some sources are completely missing. For example, in a section on adapting lagom in the workplace, the author writes: "While we may have the illusion of getting many things done at once, multitasking has been shown to significantly decrease our productivity," (p. 52, emphasis added). Where does the author get this information? Is it from a scientific study, or simply the author's opinion? Without a citation, I cannot learn more. This lack of citations continues throughout the book.
In the end, while I think the concept of lagom can add a lot to lives of Americans who often live in the extreme instead of a middle area, I recommend reading free resources online instead of reading this book. Try THIS article from Travel and Leisure, which essentially sums up the entirety of Live Lagom for free.
Live Lagom by Anna Brones is a work of nonfiction focused on teaching the reader about the Swedish concept of lagom, which essentially translates to everything in moderation. While this book did teach me a bit about Swedish history and culture, it unfortunately reads like a student's term paper, and is not something I can recommend.
I first want to mention that this book is beautifully constructed. The pages are made from thick, high quality paper, and the design of the book is overall well done. It confuses me that so much time was clearly put into how Live Lagom looks, when the writing needs a lot of work.
My reading experience was greatly affected by the poor editing. There are a myriad of missing commas, as well as other grammatical errors, such as missing words and incorrect possessives. While reading, THIS quote by Kurt Vonnegut sprang to mind as well. Similarly, there are also copyediting mistakes, such as the author using an acronym without telling the reader what it represents. Many times I could not concentrate on the book's actual content because I was so distracted by the countless errors.
Moreover, while I did enjoy learning about lagom and how I could incorporate it into my lifestyle, the same ideas are repeated over and over. Readers are told several times about Swedish simplicity of design, the importance of textiles, how Sweden is dark in the winter and light in the summer, etc. As another reviewer notes, it felt as if the author was trying to fill a word count, and could not come up with any additional information, so she had to repeat the same ideas.
As for the photography in the book, it is quite beautiful and does add to the book's overall aesthetic. However, none of the photographs contain a captain, nor are they ever referenced in the book, except to give credit to the photographers on the copyright page. Because of this, the photographs felt like stock photos. Perhaps they were taken in Sweden, but there is no information to signify that. Sadly, because the photos are not mentioned in the text, they end up acting as filler. Adding simple captions that state the location of the photo, or the lagom concept the photo illustrates, would be extremely helpful.
Finally, Live Lagom lacks many citations for claims the author makes along the way. While the book does contain a bibliography, there are no footnotes or endnotes, and some sources are completely missing. For example, in a section on adapting lagom in the workplace, the author writes: "While we may have the illusion of getting many things done at once, multitasking has been shown to significantly decrease our productivity," (p. 52, emphasis added). Where does the author get this information? Is it from a scientific study, or simply the author's opinion? Without a citation, I cannot learn more. This lack of citations continues throughout the book.
In the end, while I think the concept of lagom can add a lot to lives of Americans who often live in the extreme instead of a middle area, I recommend reading free resources online instead of reading this book. Try THIS article from Travel and Leisure, which essentially sums up the entirety of Live Lagom for free.
August 20, 2018
2.5 stars. I was drawn to this book because of the beautiful cover and lush photography. This is a beautifully styled book with an interesting message. I learned something new from this book even if I didn't find the contents revolutionary or life-changing. Worth checking out if you are interested in the Swedish lifestyle. I found the section on lagom and the workplace to be the most interesting to me, personally. The following passage is my favorite in this book:
"In modern Western culture, being busy has come to define us -- the socially acceptable pastime. It comes with an underlying assumption that if we're busy, with our schedules packed to the brim, then we must be important, our lives must have meaning and purpose. We use busy as a plaster to cover up the real question we're all afraid of asking: if we are not busy, then who are we?" -pg 68
"In modern Western culture, being busy has come to define us -- the socially acceptable pastime. It comes with an underlying assumption that if we're busy, with our schedules packed to the brim, then we must be important, our lives must have meaning and purpose. We use busy as a plaster to cover up the real question we're all afraid of asking: if we are not busy, then who are we?" -pg 68
February 23, 2018
Sweet, pretty little book to look through and maybe find a tip or two. Recipes included for some favorites. Swedish pancakes...mmmm!
January 9, 2024
« À vouloir tout faire, on ne fait rien de bien. »
Bon livre qui fait réfléchir sur notre mode de vie de consommateurs.
Se lit en quelques heures.
Léger.
Je recommande.
Bon livre qui fait réfléchir sur notre mode de vie de consommateurs.
Se lit en quelques heures.
Léger.
Je recommande.
March 2, 2018
Je suis tout sauf une personne Lagom car je ne suis qu’excès. Disons que j’en fait toujours plutôt trop que pas assez et ce n’est pas Lagom non plus. Pour apprendre à être plus modérée, cette lecture était la bienvenue.
Et oui, après le Hygge danois, on découvre le Lagom (ni trop, ni trop peu) suédois.
Plus que des effets de modes, voyons cela comme des sources d’inspiration pour une existence plus douce au quotidien. Avouons que ce ne serait pas toujours un grand luxe !
L’ouvrage est agréable avec un format pratique : plus grand qu’un livre de poche, mais pas tout à fait aussi encombrant qu’un grand format. Tient, le livre lui-même est Lagom ?
Couverture souple, sombre, complètement dans la thématique.
De belles illustrations avec des photos apaisantes, natures ou bien inspiration décoration suédoise, quelques spécialités culinaires également puisque on trouvera même des recettes de cuisine dans ce titre.
L’écriture est agréable, accessible à tous et rapide. On aura néanmoins plaisir à revenir en arrière, à relire des passages pour mieux s’en imprégner ou pour mettre en pratique (par exemple : les recettes qui sont délicieuses).
Privilégier la qualité plutôt que la quantité dans toutes choses n’est pas vraiment nouveau, mais à une telle échelle, cela donne une petite révolution dans nos chaumières contemporaines où la rentabilité, le paraître, l’efficacité etc… est niché dans les moins recoins ou dans tous nos réflexes.
Alors le Lagom, c’est la recette du bonheur ? Peut-être pour certains, pas du tout pour d’autres, mais je gage que chacun aurait à y gagner à s’en inspirer de temps à autre, à le mettre à sa sauce, à l’apprivoiser.
En tout cas, j’essaie !
Et oui, après le Hygge danois, on découvre le Lagom (ni trop, ni trop peu) suédois.
Plus que des effets de modes, voyons cela comme des sources d’inspiration pour une existence plus douce au quotidien. Avouons que ce ne serait pas toujours un grand luxe !
L’ouvrage est agréable avec un format pratique : plus grand qu’un livre de poche, mais pas tout à fait aussi encombrant qu’un grand format. Tient, le livre lui-même est Lagom ?
Couverture souple, sombre, complètement dans la thématique.
De belles illustrations avec des photos apaisantes, natures ou bien inspiration décoration suédoise, quelques spécialités culinaires également puisque on trouvera même des recettes de cuisine dans ce titre.
L’écriture est agréable, accessible à tous et rapide. On aura néanmoins plaisir à revenir en arrière, à relire des passages pour mieux s’en imprégner ou pour mettre en pratique (par exemple : les recettes qui sont délicieuses).
Privilégier la qualité plutôt que la quantité dans toutes choses n’est pas vraiment nouveau, mais à une telle échelle, cela donne une petite révolution dans nos chaumières contemporaines où la rentabilité, le paraître, l’efficacité etc… est niché dans les moins recoins ou dans tous nos réflexes.
Alors le Lagom, c’est la recette du bonheur ? Peut-être pour certains, pas du tout pour d’autres, mais je gage que chacun aurait à y gagner à s’en inspirer de temps à autre, à le mettre à sa sauce, à l’apprivoiser.
En tout cas, j’essaie !
January 5, 2024
Het woord lagom betekend dus niet te veel, niet te weinig, precies goed. Lise zegt altijd overal waar te voor staat is niet goed ‘teveel eten, teveel werken te weinig bewegen’ je snapt het. Daar gaat het hele boek over. Misschien als je op word gevoed met schermpjes, ongezond eten, prestatie druk is dit een leuk boek. Maar eigenlijk had ik het idee dat alles voorgekauwde koek was.
Ik ben het er wel mee eens dat goed genoeg soms ook goed is en dat we voor de planeet moet zorgen, minder op onze telefoons moeten zitten en soms een dag niets moeten doen, maar dat weten we geloof ik allemaal wel🙆♀️
Als je dus even wil herinnert worden aan ‘simpel en duurzaam leven’ dan is dit een boekje om te lezen!
Ik ben het er wel mee eens dat goed genoeg soms ook goed is en dat we voor de planeet moet zorgen, minder op onze telefoons moeten zitten en soms een dag niets moeten doen, maar dat weten we geloof ik allemaal wel🙆♀️
Als je dus even wil herinnert worden aan ‘simpel en duurzaam leven’ dan is dit een boekje om te lezen!
February 7, 2023
Kilka myśli bardzo mi się spodobało. Dużo ciekawostek dotyczących funkcjonowania Szwedów oraz samego państwa. Przyjemna :)
October 16, 2017
I am such a fan of the Danish concept of hygge, which was very popular during 2016, that I was immediately interested in reading about the Swedish lagom. Rather than revolve around comfort and cosiness as hygge does, lagom addresses a lifestyle balance.
I knew little about its details before I began to read Live Lagom, and honestly do not feel much clearer after finishing Brones' book. There is an awful lot of waffle here, and I found the writing very awkward in places; indeed, I thought it had been poorly translated at first, before realising that the author had been brought up in the United States.
Whilst the photography in Live Lagom was lovely, and I appreciated the inclusion of recipes, the text became quite repetitive, and a lot of what Brones tried to put across seemed highly obvious. The concept is interesting, but this book did not work for me at all.
Considering the heart of the concept, Live Lagom strangely lacks any balance, and a lot of the chapters felt quite superfluous. What did interest me was the section on nature and the environment, which was undoubtedly the strength of the book for me. I can only hope that other tomes which explore lagom are more... well, balanced.
I knew little about its details before I began to read Live Lagom, and honestly do not feel much clearer after finishing Brones' book. There is an awful lot of waffle here, and I found the writing very awkward in places; indeed, I thought it had been poorly translated at first, before realising that the author had been brought up in the United States.
Whilst the photography in Live Lagom was lovely, and I appreciated the inclusion of recipes, the text became quite repetitive, and a lot of what Brones tried to put across seemed highly obvious. The concept is interesting, but this book did not work for me at all.
Considering the heart of the concept, Live Lagom strangely lacks any balance, and a lot of the chapters felt quite superfluous. What did interest me was the section on nature and the environment, which was undoubtedly the strength of the book for me. I can only hope that other tomes which explore lagom are more... well, balanced.
February 23, 2018
This is a lifestyle book explaining the idea of lagom - the "not too much, not too little" Swedish approach to life. Though the language was a bit redundant across the chapters and the book could have been condensed drastically, I found it to be an interesting and inspiring read with beautiful ideas and photos.
I am (almost) completely on board with the idea of lagom and already apply it to many areas of my life, but this book was a friendly reminder to SLOW DOWN. I particularly enjoyed the sections on work-life balance, family/home life, and sustainable living. What the book lacked (for me) was a realistic approach to achieving this balance in a country that is so fast-paced: always moving, doing, working. Consume less. Got it. Waste Less. On board. Get outside. Make things with your hands. Visit with friends. Be present. Check. Check. Check. And check. But how do you tell your boss you need to work less? Or explain to your kids why they don't have the things their peers have? I am not saying I don't agree with these ideas, but was hoping for a bit more guidance on how to make this work.
Overall great read. Finished this one in a day and will probably read additional books on this topic.
I am (almost) completely on board with the idea of lagom and already apply it to many areas of my life, but this book was a friendly reminder to SLOW DOWN. I particularly enjoyed the sections on work-life balance, family/home life, and sustainable living. What the book lacked (for me) was a realistic approach to achieving this balance in a country that is so fast-paced: always moving, doing, working. Consume less. Got it. Waste Less. On board. Get outside. Make things with your hands. Visit with friends. Be present. Check. Check. Check. And check. But how do you tell your boss you need to work less? Or explain to your kids why they don't have the things their peers have? I am not saying I don't agree with these ideas, but was hoping for a bit more guidance on how to make this work.
Overall great read. Finished this one in a day and will probably read additional books on this topic.
June 25, 2018
I loved this little book, which I easily read in a day, and I love the concept of lagom, which I think of as "just enough." Having just returned from a trip to Scandinavia, I'm kind of obsessed with all things Scandinavian, and lagom is a natural fit for me. I know as Americans we're supposed to be obsessed with consumption, and "the bigger, the better," but that just doesn't feel right to me. I hate big cars, big houses, how we're encouraged by commercials and the media to have too much of everything. That's not to say I don't sometimes go overboard with certain things (my shoes - I know, I know) but in general I prefer a more low-key, balanced approach to life. I have a small house (very lagom-sized, really), I don't drive a fancy or new car, and I strive for a healthy work-life balance, which I happily accomplish most of the time. I believe in equality and the common good, and on sustainability. I think lagom is something we could all use a little bit more of (yes, the irony is intentional!).
January 4, 2018
Although it's only the third day of the year, I can easily say this book is one of my favorites of 2018. The book is beautiful in every way, cover-wise, introduction, font-wise, size of the book, number of pages, full page photographs, and the information itself. It has certainly inspired me to reevaluate my habits of living and inspired me to consume less and try to rely less on technology. It has made me want to live more in the present, appreciate who I am right this moment, rather than who I am trying to become, and to appreciate nature. I can definitely see myself reading this book again and again when life gets too much.
December 29, 2017
I really enjoyed this lagom book! I have read one other book on lagom, and while much of the information presented was the same, I loved the way that this book practically made use of the space on the page and delivered information efficiently and in a lovely, simple manner. I also loved the pages weren't muddled with "fun facts!" and endless doodles or photos. Instead, the author chose to use beautiful pictures instead, which added to the ambiance of the book. I also love the realistic tips at the end of chapters to help guide the reader with how to have a more lagom life. Loved this one!
September 19, 2018
Easy read, on Swedish ideas about moderate living (including design, sustainability, work-life balance, and all-round niceness). Lovely pictures, although they don't say where they are; perhaps some of the sense of well-being in this book simply comes from the attractive way it is produced. Not exactly life-changing though (but I'm going to try a couple of the recipes, so I might be wrong there).
June 4, 2018
Četla jsem českou verzi. Bohužel mne nijak nezatáhla do nadšení pro tento životní styl, i přesto že už o novém trendu "být šťastný po skandinávsku" slyšela i četla. Autorka mne prostě na tuto vlnu nechytla a tato kniha pro mne zapadá do ostatních na dané téma.
February 3, 2019
skimmed a lot of this. i liked it for the most part.
i liked the small section on mental decluttering, assessing what you need and don't need, what relationships are draining, what is holding you back emotionally, what negative feelings you're holding on to and asking where do they come from.
i liked the small section on mental decluttering, assessing what you need and don't need, what relationships are draining, what is holding you back emotionally, what negative feelings you're holding on to and asking where do they come from.
January 27, 2018
A fun and simple read. Great advice without being overly preachy 👌🏻
April 20, 2018
So much good advice for living packed into this quick read. If everyone lived lagom, many of our world's problems would be solved.
December 4, 2017
"La Suède séduit. Malgré sa faible population, elle jouit d'un rayonnement incontestable par sa musique, sa littérature, sa cuisine, et son design. La culture suédoise inspire un respect universel et souvent l'admiration.
C'est un pays où l'on aimerait s’installer, attiré par son art de vivre. Comme dans les autres nations scandinaves, la qualité de vie y est élevée, l'égalité des droits est la norme, la nature est préservée. C'est un pays régulièrement classé parmi les meilleurs endroits pour vivre. Son climat social, son indice de bonheur, son respect de la nature alimentent l'intérêt des économistes et politologues pour le modèle nordique.
La philosophie de vie suédoise est empreinte de sérénité et d'ordre. Chaque chose semble être à sa place. Le chaos n'est pas de mise. Le design scandinave en est le parfait exemple. Simples et dépouillées, les créations les plus emblématiques du pays sont à la fois fonctionnelles et esthétiques. "(p.09-10)
"J'ai grandi bercée par le mantra selon lequel les bonnes choses coûtaient cher et qu'il valait mieux choisir d'investir sur le long terme dans la qualité que de céder à un effet de mode ou à une tocade." (p.13)
"Lagom est souvent traduit par "ni trop, ni trop peu, juste ce qu'il faut". Le mot, en ce qu'il désigne la voie médiane, suppose la connaissance des extrêmes. Il veut dire se comporter de façon appropriée ou manger la bonne quantité, et dans le même temps, trouver le bonheur dans ce juste milieu.
En suédois, c'est un mot qui peut s'appliquer à presque tous les domaines de la vie en société. Manger lagom, boire lagom, travailler lagom, avec l'idée qu'un mélange équilibré de tous ces éléments donne une société juste et égalitaire, et conduit de manière générale à une bonne vie."(p.22-23)
"Mikael Parkvall, l'auteur de "Lagom finns bara i Sverige och andra myter om språk (Le lagom est exclusivement suédois et autres mythes linguistiques.)"(p.27)
"Nous ne pouvons parler de lagom sans évoquer le cadre politique et social danois. Les mesures environnementales y sont novatrices et plus de la moitié de l'énergie est issue de sources renouvelables. Les hommes comme les femmes bénéficient de plus d'un an de congé parental par enfant. L'espérance de vie est supérieure à 80 ans. La Suède se classe parmi les dix pays où il fait bon vivre. Le modèle suédois offre une structure sociale et économique qui bénéficie au plus grand nombre.
La primauté du bien-être de la communauté sur celui des individus est un principe moteur de la politique et de la culture suédoise. Tout le monde doit avoir accès aux mêmes droits et aux mêmes avantages. Ces impératifs sociaux et politiques sont au fondement même du lagom. Ce qui est modéré est bon pour tous. Quand les individus sont traités de façon égale, la société prospère."(p.31)
"La Loi de Jante a un défaut majeur, le "nous sommes tous égaux" devient très vite "ne vous démarquez pas de votre voisin", "ne vous croyez pas spécial". De nos jours, le "Jantelagen" désigne le fait de décourager l'individualité, le talent exceptionnel et tout ce qui sort des normes établies -la version scandinave de la conformité sociale. "(p.32)
"Le monde de la mode, des magazines de design, des célébrités et des réseaux sociaux nous inonde constamment d'images de ce que nous "devrions" être. "Je devrais travailler plus. Je devrais avoir une vie sociale plus remplie. Je devrais dormir plus. Je devrais manger mieux. Je devrais avoir un meilleur poste. Je devrais cuisiner plus. Je devrais apprendre une autre langue. Je devrais voyager."
Au lieu de nous pousser à nous réaliser pleinement, ces injonctions deviennent des obstacles, qui sont autant de raisons de nous dévaloriser. Elles nous briment au lieu de nous encourager, nous poussent à la compétitivité et nous épuisent."(p.36)
"Le but est de s'autoriser des jours où l'on ne fait "rien". Un emploi du temps toujours rempli ne laisse pas le loisir de réfléchir ou se reposer. En fait, "ne rien faire" n'est pas un terme adapté. Quand on s'autorise à lever le pied et à vivre au présent, on agit pour sa santé et son bien-être. Nous avons besoin de journées sans programme précis, d'avoir le luxe de lire un livre, de le poser pour prendre un café, et d'y revenir. Nous avons besoin de vivre lentement.
On assimile trop souvent la lenteur à l'ennui. Car comment atteindre un but si on n'est pas occupé à quelque chose ? Pourtant, ces instants réservés à la lenteur sont essentiels. Pour notre santé, mais aussi notre créativité. Le cerveau a besoin de liberté pour vagabonder."(p.69)
"L'ouvrage "Le design suédois : une ethnographie" de Keith Murphy étudie cette rencontre entre normes culturelles et design. En Suède, "le design est un outil qui sert à faciliter les pratiques individuelles, résoudre les problèmes communs et répondre aux besoins de chacun. Il n'est pas considéré comme une spécialité ou un obstacle au profit, mais comme le point de départ de la création d'une société juste. En Suède, le modèle culturel veut que le design soit partout et accessible à tous";"(p.82)
"Frida Ramstedt, fondatrice de Trendenser, un blog de déco scandinave très en vogue."(p.85-86)
"Les choses coûtant moins cher à l'achat, nous avons tendance à les remplacer pour un oui ou pour un non.
Mais cela a un coût social et environnemental. Les matériaux et les biens bon marché sont synonymes de travail peu rémunéré et de non-respect des règles environnementales. Aujourd'hui, nous consommons 1,6 fois ce que la Terre est capable de produire. Changer nos habitudes n'est pas seulement souhaitable, mais nécessaire.
Rechercher et valoriser des produits de qualité et de bonne facture, ce n'est pas seulement pour avoir de belles choses, c'est aussi écoresponsable. Ces produits sont peut-être plus chers à l'achat, mais considérez-les comme des investissements à long terme. Ils vont servir plusieurs décennies, voir plusieurs générations parce qu'ils sont durables et indémodables. "Les créations nordiques lagom sont intemporelles, puisque par définition, elles résistent aux phénomènes de mode et n'ont pas besoin d'être remplacées régulièrement", dit Ramstedt. Pour que des pièces deviennent vintage, il faut avant tout qu'elles résistent au passage du temps. Il est difficile d'imaginer les générations futures se réapproprier les pièces bon marché qui ont envahi nos intérieurs."(p.94-95)
"Organisez un bon système de rangement des livres et des magazines, et prévoyez quelque chose pour poser les lectures en cours afin qu'elles ne traînent pas partout."(p.106)
"Prendre du temps pour soi. De même que nous prenons le temps de voir nos amis, nous devrions prendre du temps pour nous. Se retrouver seul permet de réfléchir, de démêler les choses sans se faire influencer. Dans un monde hyper-connecté, on est rarement seul, et quand on l'est, on reste connecté par mail ou par texto. Cela ne veut pas dire qu'il est nécessaire de faire une retraite dans les bois pendant une semaine pour réfléchir, mais il est bon de faire quelque chose qui nous coupe du reste du monde, de s'accorder un peu de temps seul."(p.180)
"Notre relation à l'environnement ces dernières années est tout sauf lagom. Nous nous sommes servis sans compter, en ressources et en espace. A cause de ce comportement irresponsable, une approche lagom aujourd'hui ne suffirait plus. Il faut une stratégie plus aggressive, surtout en matière de réglementation. De bien des façons, la Suède montre la voie avec des mesures qui tiennent compte à la fois du bien-être des populations et de l'environnement, car les deux vont de pair.
Il n'y a pas de solution simple. La durabilité est un problème global qui exige une approche plurielle. Et si on commençait par être plus lagom chez soi, au quotidien ? Il y a des choses que l'on ne peut pas changer, comme aller travailler, mais on peut modifier ses habitudes en prenant le bus plutôt que la voiture. En ayant une attitude plus lagom, plus équilibrée, au travail, par rapport à la consommation, à l'aménagement de nos intérieurs et à l'alimentation, on peut réduire de façon considérable notre impact écologique. Si en revanche on continue à consommer sans compter, dans l'excès, on épuisera les ressources actuelles sans rien laisser pour l'avenir. On ne peut pas demander à l'environnement plus qu'il n'est en mesure de donner, c'est pourquoi il faut revenir à des modes de vie plus lagom. Vivre lagom, c'est permettre à la prochaine génération de vivre lagom elle aussi."(p.205-206)
"Le concept de durabilité s'applique également à nos vies. A vivre sans limites, nous nous épuisons. Or pour durer, il faut aller bien, et dans sa tête, et dans son corps. Nous conduisons trop vite, mangeons trop, travaillons trop dur et stressons en permanence. Il faut aller moins vite et prendre le temps de se retrouver. Nous devons trouver l'équilibre entre tous les aspects de la vie : la santé, le travail, la famille, le contexte économique et environnemental.
Adopter la philosophie du lagom permet de trouver l'équilibre propre à chacun, de vivre heureux durablement. Vivre lagom, c'est trouver le bonheur, non pas dans les biens matériels ou dans la réussite sociale, mais en ayant une existence harmonieuse. Un bonheur à vivre au présent.
S'il ne fallait retenir qu'une seule chose du concept du lagom, c'est de consommer moins et se traiter soi-même, les autres et l'environnement, avec respect. Ce n'est qu'ainsi que nous construirons un avenir durable. Nous pouvons tous vivre de façon plus lagom et trouver le juste équilibre entre trop et trop peu."(p.217-218)
C'est un pays où l'on aimerait s’installer, attiré par son art de vivre. Comme dans les autres nations scandinaves, la qualité de vie y est élevée, l'égalité des droits est la norme, la nature est préservée. C'est un pays régulièrement classé parmi les meilleurs endroits pour vivre. Son climat social, son indice de bonheur, son respect de la nature alimentent l'intérêt des économistes et politologues pour le modèle nordique.
La philosophie de vie suédoise est empreinte de sérénité et d'ordre. Chaque chose semble être à sa place. Le chaos n'est pas de mise. Le design scandinave en est le parfait exemple. Simples et dépouillées, les créations les plus emblématiques du pays sont à la fois fonctionnelles et esthétiques. "(p.09-10)
"J'ai grandi bercée par le mantra selon lequel les bonnes choses coûtaient cher et qu'il valait mieux choisir d'investir sur le long terme dans la qualité que de céder à un effet de mode ou à une tocade." (p.13)
"Lagom est souvent traduit par "ni trop, ni trop peu, juste ce qu'il faut". Le mot, en ce qu'il désigne la voie médiane, suppose la connaissance des extrêmes. Il veut dire se comporter de façon appropriée ou manger la bonne quantité, et dans le même temps, trouver le bonheur dans ce juste milieu.
En suédois, c'est un mot qui peut s'appliquer à presque tous les domaines de la vie en société. Manger lagom, boire lagom, travailler lagom, avec l'idée qu'un mélange équilibré de tous ces éléments donne une société juste et égalitaire, et conduit de manière générale à une bonne vie."(p.22-23)
"Mikael Parkvall, l'auteur de "Lagom finns bara i Sverige och andra myter om språk (Le lagom est exclusivement suédois et autres mythes linguistiques.)"(p.27)
"Nous ne pouvons parler de lagom sans évoquer le cadre politique et social danois. Les mesures environnementales y sont novatrices et plus de la moitié de l'énergie est issue de sources renouvelables. Les hommes comme les femmes bénéficient de plus d'un an de congé parental par enfant. L'espérance de vie est supérieure à 80 ans. La Suède se classe parmi les dix pays où il fait bon vivre. Le modèle suédois offre une structure sociale et économique qui bénéficie au plus grand nombre.
La primauté du bien-être de la communauté sur celui des individus est un principe moteur de la politique et de la culture suédoise. Tout le monde doit avoir accès aux mêmes droits et aux mêmes avantages. Ces impératifs sociaux et politiques sont au fondement même du lagom. Ce qui est modéré est bon pour tous. Quand les individus sont traités de façon égale, la société prospère."(p.31)
"La Loi de Jante a un défaut majeur, le "nous sommes tous égaux" devient très vite "ne vous démarquez pas de votre voisin", "ne vous croyez pas spécial". De nos jours, le "Jantelagen" désigne le fait de décourager l'individualité, le talent exceptionnel et tout ce qui sort des normes établies -la version scandinave de la conformité sociale. "(p.32)
"Le monde de la mode, des magazines de design, des célébrités et des réseaux sociaux nous inonde constamment d'images de ce que nous "devrions" être. "Je devrais travailler plus. Je devrais avoir une vie sociale plus remplie. Je devrais dormir plus. Je devrais manger mieux. Je devrais avoir un meilleur poste. Je devrais cuisiner plus. Je devrais apprendre une autre langue. Je devrais voyager."
Au lieu de nous pousser à nous réaliser pleinement, ces injonctions deviennent des obstacles, qui sont autant de raisons de nous dévaloriser. Elles nous briment au lieu de nous encourager, nous poussent à la compétitivité et nous épuisent."(p.36)
"Le but est de s'autoriser des jours où l'on ne fait "rien". Un emploi du temps toujours rempli ne laisse pas le loisir de réfléchir ou se reposer. En fait, "ne rien faire" n'est pas un terme adapté. Quand on s'autorise à lever le pied et à vivre au présent, on agit pour sa santé et son bien-être. Nous avons besoin de journées sans programme précis, d'avoir le luxe de lire un livre, de le poser pour prendre un café, et d'y revenir. Nous avons besoin de vivre lentement.
On assimile trop souvent la lenteur à l'ennui. Car comment atteindre un but si on n'est pas occupé à quelque chose ? Pourtant, ces instants réservés à la lenteur sont essentiels. Pour notre santé, mais aussi notre créativité. Le cerveau a besoin de liberté pour vagabonder."(p.69)
"L'ouvrage "Le design suédois : une ethnographie" de Keith Murphy étudie cette rencontre entre normes culturelles et design. En Suède, "le design est un outil qui sert à faciliter les pratiques individuelles, résoudre les problèmes communs et répondre aux besoins de chacun. Il n'est pas considéré comme une spécialité ou un obstacle au profit, mais comme le point de départ de la création d'une société juste. En Suède, le modèle culturel veut que le design soit partout et accessible à tous";"(p.82)
"Frida Ramstedt, fondatrice de Trendenser, un blog de déco scandinave très en vogue."(p.85-86)
"Les choses coûtant moins cher à l'achat, nous avons tendance à les remplacer pour un oui ou pour un non.
Mais cela a un coût social et environnemental. Les matériaux et les biens bon marché sont synonymes de travail peu rémunéré et de non-respect des règles environnementales. Aujourd'hui, nous consommons 1,6 fois ce que la Terre est capable de produire. Changer nos habitudes n'est pas seulement souhaitable, mais nécessaire.
Rechercher et valoriser des produits de qualité et de bonne facture, ce n'est pas seulement pour avoir de belles choses, c'est aussi écoresponsable. Ces produits sont peut-être plus chers à l'achat, mais considérez-les comme des investissements à long terme. Ils vont servir plusieurs décennies, voir plusieurs générations parce qu'ils sont durables et indémodables. "Les créations nordiques lagom sont intemporelles, puisque par définition, elles résistent aux phénomènes de mode et n'ont pas besoin d'être remplacées régulièrement", dit Ramstedt. Pour que des pièces deviennent vintage, il faut avant tout qu'elles résistent au passage du temps. Il est difficile d'imaginer les générations futures se réapproprier les pièces bon marché qui ont envahi nos intérieurs."(p.94-95)
"Organisez un bon système de rangement des livres et des magazines, et prévoyez quelque chose pour poser les lectures en cours afin qu'elles ne traînent pas partout."(p.106)
"Prendre du temps pour soi. De même que nous prenons le temps de voir nos amis, nous devrions prendre du temps pour nous. Se retrouver seul permet de réfléchir, de démêler les choses sans se faire influencer. Dans un monde hyper-connecté, on est rarement seul, et quand on l'est, on reste connecté par mail ou par texto. Cela ne veut pas dire qu'il est nécessaire de faire une retraite dans les bois pendant une semaine pour réfléchir, mais il est bon de faire quelque chose qui nous coupe du reste du monde, de s'accorder un peu de temps seul."(p.180)
"Notre relation à l'environnement ces dernières années est tout sauf lagom. Nous nous sommes servis sans compter, en ressources et en espace. A cause de ce comportement irresponsable, une approche lagom aujourd'hui ne suffirait plus. Il faut une stratégie plus aggressive, surtout en matière de réglementation. De bien des façons, la Suède montre la voie avec des mesures qui tiennent compte à la fois du bien-être des populations et de l'environnement, car les deux vont de pair.
Il n'y a pas de solution simple. La durabilité est un problème global qui exige une approche plurielle. Et si on commençait par être plus lagom chez soi, au quotidien ? Il y a des choses que l'on ne peut pas changer, comme aller travailler, mais on peut modifier ses habitudes en prenant le bus plutôt que la voiture. En ayant une attitude plus lagom, plus équilibrée, au travail, par rapport à la consommation, à l'aménagement de nos intérieurs et à l'alimentation, on peut réduire de façon considérable notre impact écologique. Si en revanche on continue à consommer sans compter, dans l'excès, on épuisera les ressources actuelles sans rien laisser pour l'avenir. On ne peut pas demander à l'environnement plus qu'il n'est en mesure de donner, c'est pourquoi il faut revenir à des modes de vie plus lagom. Vivre lagom, c'est permettre à la prochaine génération de vivre lagom elle aussi."(p.205-206)
"Le concept de durabilité s'applique également à nos vies. A vivre sans limites, nous nous épuisons. Or pour durer, il faut aller bien, et dans sa tête, et dans son corps. Nous conduisons trop vite, mangeons trop, travaillons trop dur et stressons en permanence. Il faut aller moins vite et prendre le temps de se retrouver. Nous devons trouver l'équilibre entre tous les aspects de la vie : la santé, le travail, la famille, le contexte économique et environnemental.
Adopter la philosophie du lagom permet de trouver l'équilibre propre à chacun, de vivre heureux durablement. Vivre lagom, c'est trouver le bonheur, non pas dans les biens matériels ou dans la réussite sociale, mais en ayant une existence harmonieuse. Un bonheur à vivre au présent.
S'il ne fallait retenir qu'une seule chose du concept du lagom, c'est de consommer moins et se traiter soi-même, les autres et l'environnement, avec respect. Ce n'est qu'ainsi que nous construirons un avenir durable. Nous pouvons tous vivre de façon plus lagom et trouver le juste équilibre entre trop et trop peu."(p.217-218)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2020
It’s always interesting to read about life in other cultures, quite refreshing to see your daily routine from a different angle which is why I enjoyed reading Live Lagom.
More over, these kinds of books explain the behaviors and attitudes you commonly wonder where do they stem from.
However, If I were to choose between the Japanese and Swedish concepts of life, I’d definitely go for ikigai “despite some of the similarities”.
Besides, the author has a problem with repetition.
More over, these kinds of books explain the behaviors and attitudes you commonly wonder where do they stem from.
However, If I were to choose between the Japanese and Swedish concepts of life, I’d definitely go for ikigai “despite some of the similarities”.
Besides, the author has a problem with repetition.
July 26, 2021
It's a good view for the culture. The book provides some insights and examples, but, for me, there were just not enough. Some ideas contradict each other, like the exposure of H&M or Ikea.
Overall is a pleasant reading that gives you a good sensation about finding pleasure in normality.
Overall is a pleasant reading that gives you a good sensation about finding pleasure in normality.
December 25, 2019
It had some useful tips for organizing your home, work and food, but otherwise it has a very kumbaya vibe that I do NOT appreciate. I hoped it'd be more pragmatic but it'svery.... socialistic (OK, ok, Sweden, I get it).
It could be a very good YouTube vid, but it just HAD to be a book- and an expensive one at that.
It could be a very good YouTube vid, but it just HAD to be a book- and an expensive one at that.
January 27, 2018
The last lagom book I read was pretty lacking, but this one is much better! Anna Brones gives a great introduction to the Swedish concept of lagom, "In a chaotic, modern world, this all feels like a breath of fresh air. We're craving more balance, more equality, more simplicity. We're looking for something that's often hard to put an exact name to, but it's a feeling of contentedness, of having just the right amount of things, the right amount of time." (p. 12) She also explains how lagom can sometimes have a darker side where people use it to keep people in line with cultural expectations or to discourage ambition. But, overall lagom can really help if you apply it to all aspects of your life. In this book she covers work, home, health, and the environment. There are also lots of beautiful photos and in the "home" section there are quite a few recipes included. This was more what I was expecting after all the hygge books - a really beautiful book that explores the idea of lagom and how anyone can apply the ideas to their own life. There is a renewed popularity with minimalism right now, but the idea of lagom resonates much more with me because it's a middle ground - not minimalism or extreme consumerism, but the balance in the middle. Definitely a book worth reading.
Some quotes I really liked:
"In modern Western culture, being busy has come to define us - the socially acceptable pastime. It comes with an underlying assumption that if we're busy, with our schedules packed to the brim, then we must be important, our lives must have meaning and purpose. We use busy as a plaster to cover up the real question that we're all afraid of asking: if we are not busy, then who are we? The truth is that we're too busy to take a step back and ask ourselves: what exactly are we busy with? Sometimes we've got a work schedule full of deadlines and it's hard to get around that. But more often than not, we're filling up our time off with a multitude of activities instead of taking the time to just exist." (p. 68)
"Think how easy it is to look at Facebook, and all of a sudden half an hour has gone by. Or how easy it is to come home after a long day at work and watch an episode of a television series. That episode quickly turns to another one, and then another one. Suddenly several hours have passed. What could we have done with that time instead? Sometimes we need to indulge in these activities, but I am certain that the majority of us spend far more time doing them than we should - definitely not a lagom amount." (p. 71)
"One could argue that the Swedish art and craft scene is a representation of the Slow Art, art that preserves the tradition of craft and puts a value on the time and energy spent to make something well...When we honor art and craft in this way, it is a reminder that in modernizing, we don't need to throw out the lessons and traditions of the past...Today, there is a new generation of women and men taking back these traditionally female crafts [like knitting and weaving], helping to revive the art forms and give credit to the women rarely honored for their work and creativity." (p. 113-4)
Some quotes I really liked:
"In modern Western culture, being busy has come to define us - the socially acceptable pastime. It comes with an underlying assumption that if we're busy, with our schedules packed to the brim, then we must be important, our lives must have meaning and purpose. We use busy as a plaster to cover up the real question that we're all afraid of asking: if we are not busy, then who are we? The truth is that we're too busy to take a step back and ask ourselves: what exactly are we busy with? Sometimes we've got a work schedule full of deadlines and it's hard to get around that. But more often than not, we're filling up our time off with a multitude of activities instead of taking the time to just exist." (p. 68)
"Think how easy it is to look at Facebook, and all of a sudden half an hour has gone by. Or how easy it is to come home after a long day at work and watch an episode of a television series. That episode quickly turns to another one, and then another one. Suddenly several hours have passed. What could we have done with that time instead? Sometimes we need to indulge in these activities, but I am certain that the majority of us spend far more time doing them than we should - definitely not a lagom amount." (p. 71)
"One could argue that the Swedish art and craft scene is a representation of the Slow Art, art that preserves the tradition of craft and puts a value on the time and energy spent to make something well...When we honor art and craft in this way, it is a reminder that in modernizing, we don't need to throw out the lessons and traditions of the past...Today, there is a new generation of women and men taking back these traditionally female crafts [like knitting and weaving], helping to revive the art forms and give credit to the women rarely honored for their work and creativity." (p. 113-4)
January 26, 2018
I don't think it would surprise anyone for me to say that life is hard. Figuring out how to make it easier, less stressful, more fulfilling takes work and intention. But it seems like maybe the Swedish have a leg up, since they have lagom.
Lagom is the idea of "just right," the thought that a life well lived is based in balance. Not too little, not too much. It's a focus on what is essential, on finding joy in the moment, and the idea that just the right amount of a thing is, well, just right.
And to help us all to find balance, Anna Brones gives us Live Lagom, a lifestyle book that shows us the way to a balanced life, at work, at home, for our health, and for the environment. She fills these pages with tips and ideas as well as beautiful photos as inspiration of how to bring more of the beauty of nature inside.
Ideas for bringing lagom to work involve stepping away from multi-tasking, cultivating a sense of collaboration, and bringing the Swedish fika, a social coffee break (often with pastry), to the office. Making home more lagom can include bringing nature inside with plants or a branches, using beautiful textiles to add emotional and physical warmth to a space, and developing craft skills to slow down and bring intention to your handiwork and your living space.
Lagom for your health involves living in the moment, connecting with others in person, limiting time online, and embracing enjoyment. And lagom in the environment is the natural blending of the outdoors and the indoors, of finding sustainability in other areas of life and celebrating the earth and all its pleasures.
But this quick summary has maybe oversimplified what Live Lagom has to offer. Brones gives us so many ideas for living a more balanced life, from choosing furniture to ideas for crafts to try, from helping us work smarter without working harder to managing our stress levels. And she includes about a dozen recipes to try, from a potato, leek, and mushroom gratin to rye loaves to Swedish pancakes. Anyone looking for ideas on living a better, less stressful, more balanced life could learn a lot from the Swedish and from Live Lagom.
Galleys for Live Lagom were provided by Ten Speed Press through NetGalley.com, with many thanks.
Lagom is the idea of "just right," the thought that a life well lived is based in balance. Not too little, not too much. It's a focus on what is essential, on finding joy in the moment, and the idea that just the right amount of a thing is, well, just right.
And to help us all to find balance, Anna Brones gives us Live Lagom, a lifestyle book that shows us the way to a balanced life, at work, at home, for our health, and for the environment. She fills these pages with tips and ideas as well as beautiful photos as inspiration of how to bring more of the beauty of nature inside.
Ideas for bringing lagom to work involve stepping away from multi-tasking, cultivating a sense of collaboration, and bringing the Swedish fika, a social coffee break (often with pastry), to the office. Making home more lagom can include bringing nature inside with plants or a branches, using beautiful textiles to add emotional and physical warmth to a space, and developing craft skills to slow down and bring intention to your handiwork and your living space.
Lagom for your health involves living in the moment, connecting with others in person, limiting time online, and embracing enjoyment. And lagom in the environment is the natural blending of the outdoors and the indoors, of finding sustainability in other areas of life and celebrating the earth and all its pleasures.
But this quick summary has maybe oversimplified what Live Lagom has to offer. Brones gives us so many ideas for living a more balanced life, from choosing furniture to ideas for crafts to try, from helping us work smarter without working harder to managing our stress levels. And she includes about a dozen recipes to try, from a potato, leek, and mushroom gratin to rye loaves to Swedish pancakes. Anyone looking for ideas on living a better, less stressful, more balanced life could learn a lot from the Swedish and from Live Lagom.
Galleys for Live Lagom were provided by Ten Speed Press through NetGalley.com, with many thanks.
June 10, 2019
Good reminders to slow down and consume less stuff. Spend more time with friends and family face to face. Be lagom!
November 24, 2018
*I received this book through blogging for books in exchange for an honest review.*
What I Liked
First off I want to say that this book is set up and organized in a wonderful way. It has chapters based off of home , work, environment, and many more. It is great because if you ever feel like you need a refresher in a given area after your initial read you can go right to that. I think it is great because it facilitates the opportunity to work on only what you need to work on and focusing on that instead of having a very broad topic that makes it difficult for the reader to apply is to a specific part of their life.
Another thing I liked about this book was the fact that it was realistic. The book gave practical advice and was to the point. No where in this book did I find ideas or tips that were far out there. It is created in a way that people will actually be able to adapt it into their daily lives at their own pace. Another bonus is that the information was portrayed in a way that read nicely. There was not time while reading this that I wanted to put it down because I was bored, hated the writing, or felt it was too fake/cheesy. This book found the perfect between life/lifestyle advice and being meaningful.
What I Didn’t Like
One fault I did find with this book was that at times I felt like the book made this transition seem easier than it actually is. Changing your lifestyle and finding a balance takes a lot of work and dedication. That is why I stress that this is at your own pace. Take small or big steps to transition into the lifestyle you want. It is your journey, you determine the best way for you.
Overall Thoughts
I think that Live Lagom by Anna Brones is a great introduction to balanced Swedish living. There are little tips, facts, recipes, and great visuals to give you a true sense of what she is talking about. It gives great insight into how you can evolve the different aspects of your life. Overall I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I know that this book is one I will be keeping and referencing from time to time.
What I Liked
First off I want to say that this book is set up and organized in a wonderful way. It has chapters based off of home , work, environment, and many more. It is great because if you ever feel like you need a refresher in a given area after your initial read you can go right to that. I think it is great because it facilitates the opportunity to work on only what you need to work on and focusing on that instead of having a very broad topic that makes it difficult for the reader to apply is to a specific part of their life.
Another thing I liked about this book was the fact that it was realistic. The book gave practical advice and was to the point. No where in this book did I find ideas or tips that were far out there. It is created in a way that people will actually be able to adapt it into their daily lives at their own pace. Another bonus is that the information was portrayed in a way that read nicely. There was not time while reading this that I wanted to put it down because I was bored, hated the writing, or felt it was too fake/cheesy. This book found the perfect between life/lifestyle advice and being meaningful.
What I Didn’t Like
One fault I did find with this book was that at times I felt like the book made this transition seem easier than it actually is. Changing your lifestyle and finding a balance takes a lot of work and dedication. That is why I stress that this is at your own pace. Take small or big steps to transition into the lifestyle you want. It is your journey, you determine the best way for you.
Overall Thoughts
I think that Live Lagom by Anna Brones is a great introduction to balanced Swedish living. There are little tips, facts, recipes, and great visuals to give you a true sense of what she is talking about. It gives great insight into how you can evolve the different aspects of your life. Overall I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I know that this book is one I will be keeping and referencing from time to time.
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