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The Almost Nearly Perfect People
400 pages, 2016
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999 booksJournalist Michael Booth has lived among the Scandinavians for more than ten years, and he has grown increasingly frustrated with the rose-tinted view of this part of the world offered up by Western journalists.
In this timely book, he leaves his adopted home of Denmark and embarks on a journey through all five of the Nordic countries to discover who these curious tribes are, their secrets for success, and most intriguingly what they think about one another.
Why are the Danes so happy despite having the highest taxes? Do Finns really have the best education system? Are Icelanders as feral as they sometimes appear? How are Norwegians spending their fantastic oil wealth?
And why do all of them hate Swedes? In The Almost Nearly Perfect People: Behind the Myth of Scandinavian Utopia, Michael Booth explains who Scandinavians are, how they differ from each other and why, and what their quirks and foibles are. He also explores why these societies have become so successful models for other nations around the world.
In 'The Almost Nearly Perfect People', Michael Booth explores the common stereotypes about Nordic countries. He digs into the reality behind the perception of these nations as utopias, revealing that they have their own set of challenges and complexities.
Booth takes a deep look into the Nordic model of governance. He finds that while it has its merits, it's not without its flaws. The book encourages readers to explore the pros and cons of this model, and see if there are elements that could be applied in their own countries.
The book delves into the cultural differences between the Nordic countries. Booth's research shows that despite their geographical proximity, these nations have distinct cultures, traditions, and societal norms. It's a great read for those interested in cultural studies.
Booth explores the paradox of happiness in Nordic countries. Despite ranking high in happiness indexes, these nations also have high rates of antidepressant use and suicide. The book encourages readers to look into what true happiness means to them.
In 'The Almost Nearly Perfect People', Booth checks the role of the welfare state in Nordic countries. He finds that while it provides a safety net for citizens, it also has its drawbacks. The book invites readers to consider the balance between individual responsibility and state support.