First reviews of the book are in….

It’s funny, but it very much goes against my nature to have to sell myself. Part of me is always judging myself… comparing against other people and thinking (for the most part) that they can do whatever it is much better than I can. I’ll never be a top singer, a great dancer, not even a good housewife. But I can sling a sentence together almost coherently and with enough punctuation to make it make sense despite, as far as I can tell, never actually being taught how to use a colon or semi-colon in my life: a sad lack I try and make up for now.

It’s ironic that having written a book I have to sell the damn thing myself. If I’d been taken on by a publisher, they’d handle this side of it for me, talking to bookshops, arranging talks, getting me appointments on TV and radio. My writing, like my hygge, is very homemade and amateur, so my marketing is the same.

I’m pleased to say I do have reviews on Amazon .com and .co.uk. I kept away as long as I could, but today I cracked and checked how I’m doing. I think I’m doing OK. That’s a very nice feeling.

Top Customer Reviews from Amazon.com

Warm, Practical, and Chockful of Good Ideas

ByCT Sobel on March 21, 2017

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I don’t usually partake of “lifestyle trends,” but this world could really use an education in hygge lately, so I have read the usual suspects in the hope that we can improve on modern trends. Jo Kneale’s compact little book is now my favorite hygge guide. Its conciseness, warmth, and practical examples are unique in the recent cascade of books on the topic, and the classically British flavor makes this even more distinct.

The book begins with a well-rounded but non-pedantic introduction to hygge, its history, and what the author feels are the crucial characteristics of hygge. Chapters follow on making your home hygge-friendly; your workplace, the same; hygge-ing with your family; keeping the soul in hygge; and the book ends with a chapter of excellent resources, including blogs which are definitely in the spirit but not branded “hygge.” The text is a good blend of enough examples to inspire you, but not so many that it resembles a list.

One of the author’s most powerful points is that hygge “can’t be caught and it won’t be bought.” Throughout, she emphasizes that expensive props being marketed as “hygge” are just that; hygge comes from the people, activities, and spirit being brought together. This book is filled with real-life examples of cultivating hygge to your preferences, with what you have around you, or can access readily. The chapter on workplace hygge alone might possibly save Western civilization, if followed! (Or at least, remind everyone that we are all in this together).

Some hygge texts are deep on philosophical and cultural aspects of hygge (and are very interesting). Others are just lists of suggestions that remind me of “Twenty Things You Must Do To Be A Good Whatever.” This little guide is imbued with the concept of hygge, expressed practically and colorfully. If I were to keep one hygge book on my shelf, this is the one.

Definitely recommend it.

Byheather ogorman on April 4, 2017

Format: Paperback

I received this book as a gift, and read it over two days. Absolutely fabulous book! Definitely recommend it.

Top Customer Reviews from Amazon.co.uk

A great read. Easy to follow with lots of lovely

By Amazon Customer on 19 Mar. 2017

Format: Paperback Verified Purchase

A great read. Easy to follow with lots of lovely, easy to achieve ideas. I managed to read it in a day.

Quick easy read

By Belfrygirl on 17 Mar. 2017

Format: Paperback Verified Purchase

great easy to read book set out in different areas of everyday life

Perfect with a cup of tea!

By kate motley on 17 Mar. 2017

Format: Paperback

Lovely book – a very hygge read!

And a reminder!!! The Book Tour starts on Monday 10th April on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. To join in, all you have to do is post a picture of the book or the Kindle front page in an interesting place with the hashtag #50WaysToHyggeBookTour

50 Ways to Hygge the British Way is available now in Paperback and Kindle version from Amazon. If you purchase through the links on this page, I get a couple of pence extra per copy. And to strike fear into your hearts, I have already started work on my next book. Sorry.

50 Ways to Hygge The British Way Book cover

My blog is on Facebook as How to Hygge the British Way and you can now follow me on Bloglovin as well. I’m personally also on Twitter and Instagram and as a member of The Hygge Nook on Facebook.

****How to Hygge the British Way Blog isn’t monetised. I have taken the decision that I want to remain neutral and not to promote things just because. I will only ever review items that I have bought myself, or that I think will help to promote hygge in a busy life. To do this, I need support. Even just the price of a coffee adds up to a book over time, and it means I can stay independent. Would you help? Please consider clicking through to paypal.me/HyggeJem and leaving even a small amount. I’d be very grateful. Thank you.***