The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life

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Nordic countries are world leaders in organising society and it is no wonder Finland has been ranked among the happiest places in the world with an enviable work-life balance.
And so it was a major culture shock when journalist Anu Partanen moved from her Nordic home to America. Basic activities, from buying a mobile to filing taxes, were so much more complicated. As Partanen got to know her new neighbours, she discovered that they too shared her deep apprehensions, and she set out to understand why society in America (and much of the Western world) is organised in such a convoluted way. In so doing, she reveals that the Nordic approach allows people to enjoy more individual freedom and independence from the government while promoting a greater sense of well-being. Filled with fascinating insights, advice and practical solutions, The Nordic Theory of Everything makes a convincing argument that we can rebuild society, rekindle optimism and become more autonomous people by following in the footsteps of our neighbours to the North.

Reviews

'Partanen is a careful, judicious writer'New York Times

'A passionate and intelligent argument'Publishers Weekly

'An earnest, well-written work worth heeding'Kirkus

'An engaging fusion of reportage and memoir'O, the Oprah Magazine

'A book you desperately need to add to your to-read pile'Gizmodo

'Partanens sensible book should be required reading'Foreign Affairs

'A must-read'New York Post

Author Bio

ANU PARTANEN is a Finnish journalist and visiting reporter at Stanford University. She regularly features on the BBC World Service, and her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Fortune and Helsingin Sanomat. She has debated current affairs on the Finnish television show Pressiklubi.