The Art of Coorie: How to Live Happy the Scottish Way

by Gabriella Bennett

Coorie - or còsagach in Gaelic - is the Scottish version of hygge. In The Art Of Coorie, Gabriella Bennett explores what coorie is and how it has helped nurture the astonishing creativity that Scotland is famed for, despite an often harsh and unforgiving climate.

The Art of Coorie explores lifestyle, homes and interiors, traditions, and how to enjoy life despite challenging elements. It looks at how to appreciate what we have around us and how to use the best of all things Scottish to enhance life and its pleasures

"It's high time the concept of coorie was more widely known. We've long valued the thought here in Scotland and now it can go out to the wider world and wrap up more folk, make them warm and well. Coorie is good for the heart and the soul."
- NEIL OLIVER, presenter of BBC's Coast

"Like a good malt whisky, The Art of Coorie shines Scotland in a lovely warm glow."
- KIRSTY WARK, presenter of BBC's Newsnight

Genres: Nonfiction, Scotland, Travel, Self Help, Lifestyle

288 pages, Hardcover

Published September 13, 2018

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like all things Scottish, then this may be for you :)

[Christine Spoors · Rating 4 out of 5]

As you may know, I have read and loved books like The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well and Lagom: Not Too Little, Not Too Much, Just Right: The Swedish Guide to Creating Balance in Your Life in the past and so I was very excited when I saw a similar book being written focusing on Scotland.

"Coorie offers a familiar newness, a fresh take on an old word..."

The above quote from the book really sums up how I felt about the book. I really enjoyed it and the way Bennett wove examples from around Scotland into her new definition of the word coorie. It was definitely a little odd at the start, simply as it's a new concept for me, but I definitely recommend if you enjoy these kind of books. I look forward to seeing more books from Bennett in the future.

[adder_r · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is like a MailOnline click-bait: a vapid lifestyle article with adverts popping up throughout.

PERSONAL NOTE
I bought this at the Porty Bookshop opening event, and I can’t believe I was stupid enough to pay money for it. Then again, there was free wine...

[Manon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un joli livre sur l'art de vivre écossais 💙

[Cam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad! Very cool to see how the Scottish landscape is influencing design and ways of living. Parts of this book felt pretty undercooked though - chapters like Coorie in the City and various sections throughout just seemed tacked on. I feel like it would've been better without them, but then other chapters such as the one on textiles and the one on landscape really hit the mark.

The book is also overwhelmingly middle class, illustrating how lifestyle choices themselves are not only at mercy of the market, but how they themselves become marketable. There was a section on thriftiness and the author often mentions how the concept of coorie need not cost a lot of money, but there was also a quote that indicated "nearly all of us have a chunk of disposable income to spend every year." Absolutely accurate, in a book whose audience is overwhelmingly middle class; not at all accurate for much of Scotland.

Still, I didn't dislike this book! Was even surprised by a photo of my favourite local coffee shop, which only opened last January, and it's also worth mentioning that the book itself is GORGEOUS. Presentation is on point. I'll give it three stars.

[Tiphaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Je n’ai que quelques mots à dire : JE VEUX ALLER EN ECOSSE !!!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read more like a magazine than a book. The author begins by explaining that coorie is not hygge, but convinced me by the end of the book that they are pretty much the same concept. The author did describe interesting views into Scottish life.

[Relyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been on a Scotland kick lately, as we are planning a big trip for next summer. This book was interesting. Not really for travel motivation, but about lifestyle choices.

[Jessica]

Enfin un mot sur le mode de vie, décos et activités qui me font vibrer depuis si longtemps!

[Louise Grenadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Le livre du Coorie, entre paysages sauvages et coin du feu ; le titre, déjà, me laissait rêveuse. Et j'ai, bien trop vite, tourné les dernières pages...

[Valorie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never heard of coorie before I traveled to Scotland in October 2018. It's a beautiful concept, defined as "The Scottish art of deriving comfort, well-being, and energy from wild landscapes and convivial interiors; a hug of a word." The concept seeks to make the most of Scottish tradition and of Scotland's landscape. Unlike hygge, the Danish practice which focuses more generally on coffee and blankets and candles (coziness, basically), coorie is both about coziness and love within things that are derived from the earth. Coorie is about being in tune with surroundings in order to draw comfort from them, rather than seeking comfort away from them.

Pick up Bennett's book if you want to bring a little more Scottish comfort into your home. She's got great suggestions for how to bring a little more Scottish coorie into your home and life, no matter where you live.

[Vera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Я бы назвала это своеобразным путеводителем по Шотландии. Беннетт с любовью рассказывает о своей стране, её истории, традициях и культуре. Главы дополнены атмосферными картинками шотландских пейзажей и интервью с местными мастерами, поварами и дизайнерами, которые автор дополняет списком уютных кюре-мест: от пабов и ресторанов до идеальных локаций для кемпинга.
Шотландия занимает особое место в моём сердце. Это первая и (пока) единственная страна, в которую я влюбилась с первого взгляда. А благодаря этой книге Шотландия стала для меня ещё ближе и роднее.
Перевернув последнюю страницу, я отложила книгу, заварила ароматный зелёный чай с корочками апельсина и молодыми побегами ели и, закутавшись в любимую шерстяную шаль, купленную в маленьком магазинчике одежды в самом сердце Эдинбурга, устроилась в кресле с пухлым фотоальбомом и погрузилась в атмосферу-кюри.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. This book serves as a response to the idea of hygge for those of us who claim Scottish ancestry. I, honestly, like this manifesto for living better than the Danish or, for that matter, the Japanese (Marie Kondo), the whole minimalist movement, etc. Coorie is about cozy, warm, comforting, cuddling while appreciating and respecting all of nature. Author, Gabriella Bennett offers many examples of how coorie can be practiced and embraced. Her beautiful book is full of gorgeous pictures that are lovely to linger over. But now, let me get my goony and baffies and settle in for a cozy night!

[Mairi Byatt]

Didn’t take long to read but as said before this was the most corrupt misuse of a Scottish 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 word ever! ‘Gabriella Bennet ‘ just made a fortune out of a Scottish word she has no comprehension off!
Please go off elsewhere and write a book you know more about?
You destroyed a wonderful word with your arrogant ‘selfies’
Please go elsewhere to rip a nation off its heritage?
Rwanda has a few rooms the UK 🇬🇧 paid for?

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the idea of coorie- contentment and comfort with simplicity, nature, and mindfulness. It’s a departure from electronics and busyness of modern life and turning to embrace creativity and living life well. It’s making your life a snug and cozy experience, both in your surroundings and your day to day doings and mindset.

[Lizzy Cate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Coorie is a delightful companion to learning to take it slow, savor, and enjoy life. It has recipes and great travel ideas. While I read this book after my first trip to Scotland to dip my toes into my Scottish roots, this book only reminded me of my desire to go back and explore more of Scotland. Scotland aside, this book is sweet, cozy read. Coories involves more outdoor feels than Hygee does. For the hikers and campers it hits the spot perfectly. I would read this book for great travel ideas that are purly Scottish and not too touristy and for those who need a lifestyle that hugs you back.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

So interesting and lovely, the pictures are amazing.

I really need to pick this one up again if I plan to go to Scotland because their seem to be a lot of tips and ideas on what to do and where to go, small shops to visit, all in the Coorie way of life.

[Mike_msc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Содержание очень интересное, но глянцевожурнальный стиль изложения портит общее впечатление. Много лет назад я был в Шотландии, но ничего не знал о кюри. После прочтения появилось желание посетить эту интересную страну ещё раз)

[Haeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuinely one of the most enjoyable nonfiction books I have ever read.
Inspirational for those seeking a coorie life. And it comes with a fantastic soundtrack. Can't beat that with a stick.
10/10 would recommend this book. She's a belter.

[JoeMax · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ce n'est pas du tout à quoi je m'attendais. J'ai perçu sur le livre davantage comme un guide de voyage "coorie" sur l'Écosse. Les photos sont vraiment très belles et les suggestions d'endroits à visiter sont intéressantes. J'aurai plutôt préféré un plus long chapitre sur le "coorie" chez soi.

[Sara Bartlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Indulged this in an afternoon whilst staying in the Scottish Highlands, just as I'm sure the author would envisage readers doing. Beautiful photos and some real humorous parts about 'Scottishness.' A lovely little read!

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I miss hame.

[Anton Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I expected and I loved it. Full of useful and interesting ideas.

[Uilleam Mac Uilleam · Rating 1 out of 5]

AVOID

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chronique à venir

[Cori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scotland + home decor + recipes + crafts + local travel + beautiful photography = everything I love about Scotland and why I fantasize about living there someday

[Tiffany David]

More of a magazine and poster for Scotland than a book. Still, the pictures and sentiment were lovely and helped me to "coorie in" on cold winter nights.

[Readsandeats · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book about Coorie, something I love being.

[Alena Shevchenko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Неплохая книжка для того, чтобы посмотреть красивые картинки и почитать ни о чем. Коротать время с ней было приятно, но перечитывать особо не хочется.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy, Caledonian style in travel, lifestyle, & design.
Scottish version of cottagecore-dare I say "Scottagecore"?-at its finest.
Inspiring me to bring more of the Highlands into my Houston home!