Dive into the quaint Danish notion of hygge with Anne Bogel and special guest Sarah Butler on "What Should I Read Next?" as they explore the concept of finding comfort and joy in the simple pleasures of life, particularly during the frosty winter months. Sarah, an enthusiastic adopter of hygge, discusses how this Scandinavian tradition extends beyond the Christmas season, becoming a year-long approach to creating a warm, inviting atmosphere at home and embracing the cold weather with the right attire and mindset.
Literary parallels draw us from the cozy corners of Denmark to the bustling streets of New York City, as Sarah and Anne discuss works that encapsulate the city's unique spirit. From the Upper East Side lifescapes in Laurie Colwin’s "Family Happiness" to the community-centric "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" series, the conversation reveals how books can serve as vehicles that transport readers straight into the heart of Harlem’s tight-knit neighborhood and the diverse tapestry that is New York City, highlighting the power of setting in literature to radiate the essence of a locale.
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Sarah Butler identifies with the Danish notion of hygge, a concept she illuminates as the embodiment of joy and coziness in everyday life, irrespective of season or time. This concept supplies her and many readers with an expressive lexicon and affirmed sense that their enjoyment of cozy winter moments, such as being warm indoors while a storm rages outside, is a recognized cultural phenomenon.
Hygge is an attitude towards life that involves welcoming the winter season with both mental readiness and physical environment adjustments. Sarah Butler suggests that embracing the winter entails not only adopting the right mindset but also making lifestyle changes, such as wearing warm clothes and creating a cozy home atmosphere with items like fake fireplaces, candles, and twinkle lights.
The catalyst for Sarah Butler's fascination with Scandinavian culture was Helen Russell’s book "The Year of Living Danishly," which opened up a new perspective on the concept of happiness within Danish culture for her. This book significantly influenced her journey into exploring the Scandinavian way of life.
Regarding the mention of "The Snow Child," there is no further information provided about its connection to Scandinavian winter culture and its influence on character development or emotional healing in this context.
The essence of New York City, with its multicultural vibrancy and distinct lifestyle, has been captured authentically in literature. Sarah Butler particularly admires Laurie Colwin's novels, citing "Family Happiness" for its New York City infused narrative and realistic depiction of life in the Upper East Side. She praises the way Colwin's side characters contribute to the New York essence through their particular quirks and eccentricities.
"The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" series, as recommended by Anne Bogel, is highlighted as an example of literature that successfully transports readers to the heart of Harlem, New York. The series, praised as an accessible read that is equally enjoyable for adults, leverages the setting of Harlem, characterized by its diversity and communal spirit, especially around the Christmas season. Sarah Butler sees the promise in these books, which immerse readers in the atmosphere of New York City through the heartfelt depiction of its community, as penned by Brooklyn author Karina Yang-Glaser.
1-Page Summary
Sarah Butler celebrates the concept of hygge—a Danish term for creating warmth and contentment—which provides a name for the coziness and joyfulness felt during winter seasons and beyond.
Butler shares her love for the Scandinavian concept of hygge and describes it as "the Danish art of creating joy and coziness in life's everyday moments, whatever the season or time of day." The term gave Butler a language and validation for what she already loved intuitively. Many readers who appreciate what Butler refers to as "peak hygge moments"—being warm indoors with friends, drinking something hot, surrounded by fire and candles, with a storm outside—may now recognize these sensations as part of a cultural appreciation they didn't previously have a word for.
Butler explains that hygge is an attitude as well as a tangible lifestyle choice. To truly embrace winter, she suggests investing in warm, practical clothing, aligning with a Nordic saying that there's no bad weather, only bad clothing. Additionally, Butler talks about making her home cozier on purpose with a fake fireplace with logs, twinkle lights, and candles, curating an atmosphere that exudes a welcoming aura.
Scandinavian Winter Culture and Hygge
Creating an immersive atmosphere is crucial for a book's setting, and several books manage to authentically capture the unique ambiance of New York City, providing readers with an intimate look at the city's diverse culture and lifestyle.
Sarah Butler expresses her admiration for Laurie Colwin's distinctive storytelling, particularly in "Family Happiness." Butler details the narrative of Polly in the Upper East Side, highlighting the tangible presence of New York City in Colwin's work. She appreciates the specific New York flavor in Colwin's characters and settings.
Butler has high praise for Colwin's side characters, which she finds uniquely humorous and idiosyncratic, adding to the strong sense of New York culture in the novels. She likens these characters to those of Catherine Heinie, noting their specific eccentricities that are quintessentially New York.
Anne Bogel recommends "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" series, suggesting that they provide a vivid portrayal of Harlem, New York City. Sarah, who has heard of the series but not read them, now has a promising prospect for ...
Immersing Readers in New York City Atmosphere and Culture
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