Cosy: The British Art of Comfort

by Laura Weir

The Danes have hygge. The Swedes have lagom. Now, Laura Weir, a beloved lifestyle journalist and editor-in-chief of London Evening Standard’s weekly ES magazine, introduces American readers to the Brits’ best-kept secret—coziness—an indulgent, luxurious, yet unfussy way of creating comfort and joy.Cosy is “the slacker’s guide to staying at home, an antidote to peak frazzle.” With trademark Anglo cheekiness, Laura Weir perfectly captures the British essence of cosy. She celebrates socks, warms to the joys of toasty open fires, and extols the virtues of a quiet walk, ultimately enticing us all to create the British magic of cosy in our everyday lives.

With more than 140 whimsical illustrations and interviews with British lifestyle experts, including Melissa Hemsley, Sophie Dahl, and Dolly Alderton, Cosy is a perfect reminder to slow down, have a cuppa, and settle in when life pushes you into overdrive.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook, Cozy, British Literature, Adult, Essays

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 29, 2018

About the author

Credited by the New York Times, as a 'Londoner to know', Laura Weir is the editor-in-chief of London Evening Standard's weekly, ES magazine. She also writes a weekly column for the newspaper, her topics include London life, raising a young child, and never wanting to miss out on anything that life has to offer. The column garners millions of readers, and Laura also hosts a weekly podcast. She has written for a huge range of national and international consumer and trade titles, and formerly held senior roles at British Vogue and The Sunday Times. Laura holds a position on the British Fashion Council's Press Committee and is the co-founder of wearemoody.com, an online platform dedicated to women's mental health and wellbeing.

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Other reviewers have hit the nail on the head: Weir claims to hate the trend of hygge, and then spends most of the book describing it (only it's "cosy"). She claims the state of cosy-ness is natural, and honest, and then spends most of the book telling you how to do it, and that there's a right way. Her choices of people to quote, her choices of books and movies, and her insistence on what feels like the most stereotypically white version of Britain as being what's honest and true will likely leave as bad a taste in your mouth as it did mine. The charming illustrations, even if they don't seem to have much to do with what's on the surrounding pages, are the book's saving grace.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

During the hectic holidays I wanted to read an 'easy' book. Cosy fit the bill. It presents the British art of comfort, similar to the Swedish hygge, and covered everything from tea and soup to sweaters and quilts. A delightful read during the busy Christmas time especially late at night when trying to relax and go to sleep.

[Estíbaliz Montero Iniesta · Rating 3 out of 5]

YOUTUBE / INSTAGRAM 

Lo de que afirmen que una cita de Peter Pan es de Alicia en el País de las Maravillas me ha dolido.

Al margen de eso, el libro empezó muy bien, porque empieza hablado de la sensación de «cosyness» y la relaciona con costumbres británicas que consiguen generar esa sensación, y como fan de la cultura británica, me llamó mucho la atención.

Me gusta cómo va definiendo el concepto y me gustó que uno de los primeros capítulos hablara en profundidad sobre el té, el ritual de tomarlo, de preparar la tetera, de elegir tanto el té como el tipo de agua... Fueron detalles que me parecieron interesantes y, sin duda, mi capítulo favorito del libro.

Luego entra a hablar de jerséis y escapadas al campo y bueno, aunque estuvo bien, para mí la narración tenía menos gancho y aportaba menos.

Por otro lado, me molesta la cantidad de veces que critica el movimiento «hygge» danés. Creo que sí tiene muchos puntos en común con lo que la autora expone, pese a que ella lo niegue constantemente (vete a saber por qué) y no creo que sea nada malo.

[TraceyL · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very cute book about embracing a "cosy" lifestyle, which is basically about enjoying the little things in life that make you feel happy. The author gives lists of movies, activities and recipes to help you achieve the ultimate cosy feeling. Short and sweet.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

To start a British book called Cosy and putting in a dig about US President Donald Trump in the first paragraph had me ready to chuck it.
Why would the author complain about a politician from another country when writing about England? It boggles the mind.
I could go on and on about that first chapter and how I disliked it and found it very negative and anti-cosy (Hygge has a “certain elitism attached to it”- which to me sounds elitist in itself) but I must make this review short. I did read through the whole book and didn’t enjoy it as much as I wanted to.

[Brittany Viklund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure delight! The author describes her book as “a hug of a book, conceived to share a few tools to soften the edges of life.” & that is EXACTLY what this was to me.

[Jo Kneale · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were so many times I wanted to really like this book, and so many times I nodded along, going yes this is cosy... only to end up tsking at the next sentence with impatience at a bad statement. The author dislikes hygge... a lot.... and takes every opportunity to call it 'elite', too interior-design based and 'trendy'.... when essentially what she is describing as British cosy is proper hygge, free from commercialism, focused on the home, food and friends.
I'd also take issue with the idea of cosy as only a cold weather, winter activity. Getting cosy (like feeling hyggely) is a year round activity. You always need to kick off your shoes, sit back, sip your tea and relax.
Now those points are off my chest, I can tell you the good points of the book.
Cosy is about the small things you do in life to create a comfortable space. It has chapters on tea, clothes, food and crafts. Cosy fits very well with the whole self care approach to life, accepting imperfections, seeking simple and meaningful to us instead of swallowing someone else's way of life in full. I like that: I'm all in favour of finding the ways to hygge that mean most to us. We can be so disheartened comparing our life to that on Insta that we forget to love our lives as they are, warts and all.
If you're already a cosy companion, then the book is a useful reminder to keep life cosy, and the short length makes it a good introduction to making cosiness a part of your life. I couldn't do the full 5 stars only because the elitist view of hygge is wrong.... And I wish she'd met the hyggely people I have, who live happily and cosily without cashmere and wood burning stoves.

[Katt Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This made me feel a certain type of way. ♥️ Theres something about the idea of the British countryside that is intrinsically linked to coziness- boy do I wanna love there.
The introduction promised it would be “a hug of a book,” and I can confirm that it delivered.

[Gaurita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book as light and enjoyable as a phyllo pastry filled with clotted cream :)

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite enjoyed reading this wee book that makes my wet weather/cold weather routine of comfy clothes, lots of tea, sweet movies, and cosy reads feel like I am doing things right.

[Mayke ☕️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to come

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming little book.

From the Introduction:

“Perhaps I’m just getting old, but I want to swap toxic politics and the anxieties induced by social media for reliability and kindness. I want to feel more cosy.”

“So this is a hug of a book, conceived to share a few tools to soften the edges of life.”

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cosy-ish

I was expecting more out of this book, and while I enjoyed a few sections — particularly on tea — it felt dull and repetitive. This book seemed to me as if Bridget Jones jumped on the Hygge bandwagon and wrote a British version, but wrote it over a weekend. 2.5 stars.

[Mother Goose Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short, sweet, and cozy read. If you enjoy feeling cozy, I think you’ll love this book.

[Alice Teets · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was recommended this book by someone who loves staying at home as much as me! The British cosy (the spelling bugs me) is trying to one up the Scandinavian hygge. I prefer hygge, honestly, especially because cosy spelled with an “s” makes me feel decidedly non-cozy.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cosy is as cosy does and this book demonstrates that. It was read to me on audio by a narrator with a lilting English accent, and there’s probably no better way to listen to someone recommend the proper tea or cashmere label to you. My favorite part was the ode to my favorite time of the year: Betwixtmas the week between Christmas and New Years, when you don’t even know your name or what day it is, nor do you care. “No one requires anything of you, and you require nothing of anyone else. You have almost ceased to exist, and it’s marvelous.” Especially during a pandemic, this level of calm is aspirational. Cute little pastime.

[Sarah Nealy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 This is a guide on how to be cozy in the UK. I got a lot of good ideas on how to be cozy in my own life, and it made me more aware of just how much I crave and need cozy in my life. The Ultimate truth to feeling Cozy is really what makes you feel warm and happy inside, everyone's interpretation of cozy will be different which is nice because cozy is something that is unique to you. The author lets you in on a few cozy stays in the UK which I definitely will check out when and if I get ever get to go. Overall an insightful read!

[Elisabeth Ensor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet book! Wonderful to read during the cooler months when you can literally cosy up with a hot chops and this book. I loved the ideas, the book lists, the movie lists, the out of the box ways to make life cozy!

[Medeia Sharif · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy lifestyle/happiness books. I’ve read about hygge, lykke, and ikigai. Cosy was right up my alley. It’s short and sweet, and oh so cozy/cozy with its concepts. It also has cute illustrations.

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good read. Lots of suggestions on how to have a cozier environment. I am looking forward to trying the recipe on page 49, looks soo yummy!!

[mads · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well... that was disappointing.

I was hoping for a warm, feel-good book and instead I got 200+ pages of someone who A.) was trying way too hard to sound like Bridget Jones and B.) was offering a "less commercialized alternative to Hygge" and then... described Hygge but... pretentious and quirky?

Every time I started to find any form of enjoyment in the book, the author would say something off-putting in an attempt to sound relatable (I.e. comparing watching a candle to taking off a bra.) which would jerk me right out of the book again.

This is all personal taste and I'm sure someone else might have found this endearing. But for me, it just came off as try-hard and tasteless.

[Marissa Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a darling little book that captures that classic British feel of, rainy days, warm tea, and fluffy blankets. This is an easy read for anyone who feels like they are viewed as "less than" for rejecting a night on the town or a crazy trip, and instead finds joy in sitting by a fire with a nice cup of tea and a good book. It is lighthearted and seeks to share the author's own perception of what coziness means to her. It is very easy to relate to.
From the very first page, I was hooked because I have had those in my life who have tried to say I have no life because I am not out "experiencing" things... Never mind the fact I am very happy to curl up with a book at home, and feel like I am not missing a thing. I really resonated with it. The voice of the book is charming and familiar. I also am a firm believer in the wondrous powers of TEA. Read the book and find out about that one. ;)

[Cort · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little read is for people like me -- who want to live in the movie "The Holiday" all year-round!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

After seeing this book in a YouTube video, I immediately purchased it on my Kindle. I love to be cozy and I love finding ways to make my space even more cozy, regardless of the season. I also went through a huge Anglophile phase, so I knew this book would be right up my alley. What I didn't expect was for it to make me feel so warm and fuzzy inside. This book spoke to me, and is now one of my favorite books. So much so that I have since purchased the physical copy for my collection.

The author describes "cosy" as the less trendy, less strict British version of Hygge. Cozy might not always be aesthetically pleasing, but it will always make you feel less stressed and the kind of happy you were before adult life knocked you on your ass. Weir covers everything from the coziness of the fireplace and the crisp autumn walk to cozy films and books. There's a chapter on Christmas and on how coziness and kindness go hand in hand. There's recipes and recommendations for how to make your fireplace more eco-friendly and what the best kind of socks are for achieving ultimate cozy.

Yes, it's still summer and the high today is nearly 90F, but I'm feeling the urge to have a steaming cup of tea, light a candle, and curl up on the couch with a blanket and a good book. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know who loves cozy as much as I do, or for people who want to find ways to be more cozy. Or pretty much anyone I know, meet, or pass on the street from here on out.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in an evening, and I believe it's meant to be a "coffee table browse" book. But so much of this little tome reminded me of friends and loved ones from college years. Sitting in sweat pants and painting canvases while watching movies with Nicole. Tea and music with Gabby. Talks about God and guys with Kelsie on the landing of her tree house. Macaroni and cheese dates and snuggling in the friendship chair with Bethany. So many dinners and movies and times of feeling safe and content in Alex's apartment. Chai tea and discussing grace and Galatians with Gretchen. Pasta dinners on the night before long runs and driving in warm cars late at night and getting lost with Libby. This book wasn't an exceptional write, but it reminded me of so many friends who made Lawrence home and who made my college years cosy and filled with joy. If I were still in college, this would have been my Christmas gift to all the above friends. (Also, this book was excellent for winter, as it expounded on the joys of cold weather, reminding me of my friend Jesse).

[Selien · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, if the book was longer, I would've DNF'ed it. I expected something like the book of Hygge, but this book felt like the very posh, arrogant and almost irrelevant opinion of a very British, white, rich, old lady. Imagine my shock when I saw how young the author was :). I'm sure this book will work for people. The author mostly talks about her opinion about 'cosy' and if you have absolutely no idea of how to get this feeling, you will get a lot of tips. But do know that this book is written from a VERY priviliged point of view (think: rich, with a lot of time, a presumably happy childhood, good relationships with family and friends) - I assume this based on the book, no life is easy. This is almost more a cosy memoir than a non-fiction about 'the British Art of Comfort'. It should have been named: the Laura Weir's Art of Comfort. I think the author did a good job of letting the readers understand what 'cosy' means in her world and get ideas on how to implement this in their own world. So read this book with this mindset, not like me.

[Rosemary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This served its purpose of essentially being cozy background noise while I worked, but I laughed at how Weir said she hated hygge, and then essentially spent a whole book describing it by another name. The audiobook is read by a woman with a bit of a grandmother-ish accent, which didn't at all fit with the way Weir is constantly name-dropping her Instagram influencer and supermodel friends. And I couldn't help but roll my eyes when she tells the reader that she doesn't read much, then went on to list book recommendations. Overall the book was fine, there was just a dissonance between the topic being discussed and the way it was presented.

[Angie Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love loved this book! I read it on Audible as I drove back-and-forth through the cold to my busy busy job through the busy busy streets, and I was filled with wonderful visions of relaxing clothes, cups of teas, laying under blankets, and coziness.

[Kendra Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book. It was such a fast, enjoyable, and of course cozy read. I would recommend reading it in the fall or winter with a cup of tea and your favorite blanket.

[Aurélie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in one cozy evening. It was surprisingly good and made me bake an apple crumble to accompany the reading! 🤣