Cozy Reads

With Winter fast-approaching in the Northern U.S., many Yoopers are dreading the coming months of cold and limited daylight, particularly as COVID-19 concerns will likely limit normal socializing. One way to not just survive the winter, but to make the most of it is to find ways to increase “hygge” (a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and feeling of wellness and contentment: “coziness of the soul”).

The PWPL has some great books to help you make the most of the winter months.

“The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living” by Wiking Meik. Call Number: 158.1 WI

Pronounced hoo-gah, hygge has been translated as taking pleasure from the presence of soothing things. While some tips may seem obvious (wearing wool socks when it’s cold, for example), this book, by the Happiness Research Institute’s CEO, is a pleasure to read and inspires you to look to look for the small, simple things that bring joy to life. The Danish people have been found to be among the happiest people in the world, and they also have some of the longest winters, so they must be doing something right!

“Cozy: The Art of Arranging Yourself in the World” by Isabel Gillies. Call Number: 646.723 GIL

This part-memoir, part-lifestyle guide takes the concept of coziness further by examining the true comfort that comes from within. Gillies offers a philosophy for how to create comfort no matter where you are, and guides the reader through simple choices can make life feel less hectic. While not a compelling read, it is relaxing, and there are some wonderful thoughts sprinkled in.

“The Sauna” by Rob Roy. Call Number: 690.896 RO

Whether you own a sauna or not, this book is a fascinating read. Rob Roy shares his enthusiasm for the sauna and provides a detailed guide to the history, tradition and health benefits of the Finnish bath. The color photographs are also beautiful. This book may inspire you to build your own sauna — luckily, it also provides a complete guide to sauna building and proper care and maintenance. Can’t get much more “hygge” than relaxing in a sauna.

“Half Baked Harvest Super Simple: More than 125 Recipes for Instant, Overnight, Meal-Prepped and Easy Comfort Foods” by Tieghan Gerard. Call Number: 641.512 GE

This cookbook tells you how to make delicious and familiar comfort foods with foolproof instructions and fewer ingredients. Vegan and vegetarian recipes included.

By Brett Hubbard

Administrative Assistant