The Nordic Theory of Everything

In Search of a Better Life

By: Anu Partanen

Narrated by: Abby Craden

A Finnish journalist, now a naturalized American citizen, asks Americans to draw on elements of the Nordic way of life to nurture a fairer, happier, more secure, and less stressful society for themselves and their children.

Moving to America in 2008, Finnish journalist Anu Partanen quickly went from confident, successful professional to wary, self-doubting mess. She found that navigating the basics of everyday life—from buying a cell phone and filing taxes to education and childcare—was much more complicated and stressful than anything she encountered in her homeland. At first, she attributed her crippling anxiety to the difficulty of adapting to a freewheeling new culture. But as she got to know Americans better, she discovered they shared her deep apprehension. To understand why life is so different in the U.S. and Finland, Partanen began to look closely at both.

In The Nordic Theory of Everything, Partanen compares and contrasts life in the United States with life in the Nordic region, focusing on four key relationships—parents and children, men and women, employees and employers, and government and citizens. She debunks criticism that Nordic countries are socialist “nanny states,” revealing instead that it is we Americans who are far more enmeshed in unhealthy dependencies than we realize. As Partanen explains step by step, the Nordic approach allows citizens to enjoy more individual freedom and independence than we do.

Partanen wants to open Americans’ eyes to how much better things can be—to show her beloved new country what it can learn from her homeland to reinvigorate and fulfill the promise of the American dream—to provide the opportunity to live a healthy, safe, economically secure, upwardly mobile life for everyone. Offering insights, advice, and solutions, The Nordic Theory of Everything makes a convincing argument that we can rebuild our society, rekindle our optimism, and restore true freedom to our relationships and lives.

loved it

inspiring audiobook to challenge your own ideas about self wellness and society. nordic theory of love is also a great alias for this book

Yes please

Get through the first chapter or so where it might seem like the start of a romantic novel. Once you get to the education and healthcare portions you will rethink your tolerance for our education and healthcare system here in the USA. Some powerful messages in here, and worth your time.

Excellent if you want details on features that make Nordic countries special

I can’t write a review in full without giving spoilers so I will refrain from doing that and give a short version.

I enjoyed the book and valued learning about what the differences are in the Nordic countries compared to the United States where I live. I can’t quite blame the book for making me face the inadequacies of our system of which I was already well aware.

Every US policy maker and politician should read this book. Sadly, hard facts are not for everyone these days. This book is well researched with facts and makes a great case, and for that I was happy to give it several stars.

Interesting nordic point of view

While listening to the audio version of the book, I just could not help but to ponder on two ideas:

A) The cheer audacity of the author to propose answers for extremely complex issues and questions facing US societu today. It makes it even more daring for someone who just became a US citizen in Nov 2013 J.

B) The author/publisher trust that consumers will accept whatever critique had been laid out in the book with open mind and heart.

Highly recommended book for someone looking for insights about US zeitgeist from outsider’s perspective.

This was a real eyeopener

I found myself not being able to turn the book off while simultaneously feeling disheartened about the current condition that America is in. I wish everyone would give this book a read and consider how much better off we could be.

Very Illuminating!

Great insight! This book compares and contrasts the differences between the United States and Finland’s healthcare, education, retirement and views on marriage. Specific real world examples are given with great clarity! I have much respect for Finland and out Nordic friends.

Left me pondering my values...

I am a libertarian. But this book left me pondering my perspective. certainly some things I disagree with, but her philosophy is worth considering.

Should be a required read in schools

I very much agree with the author. This book should be required reading in schools, especially there's an abridged version. A real eye-opener. Highly recommend!

Eye opening and thought provoking!

Fascinating subject and details of the differences and similarities of the United States and the Nordic Countries that clarifies the notion of a “Socialized System” of government. It helped me realize the benefits of such a system on Free Countries, and how it benefits it’s citizens, who do remain free, hard working, and motivated.

Must read for all Americans

I can’t stress this enough - all Americans should read this book! I don’t care about your political leanings. It is filled with facts that we should all ponder.