I am not sure what to make of this book because the contradictions ( though the author does her best to explain them away ) are so striking.

She gives 10 reasons why the Danes are the happiest people on earth, yet there are so many things that they do on a regular basis that perhaps they pass off as being 'happy' but are certainly not 'healthy' and nothing to be happy or brag about.

Her country's citizens have the highest rates of suicide, anti-depressant taking, one nite stands, teen alcoholics ( or at least rabid drinkers ) and possibly the worst dates ( men wise ) in history. If a man asks you on a date, then on the way out says ' oh by the way, you owe me half the bill for the parking, as well as half the bill for the dinner ' that is no gentleman at all, but even worse they do not get up for women even if she is overloaded with packages nor do the hold open the door, so living there would mean you as a woman will get the door slammed in your face over and over.

Happiest people ?? Hmmmmmm. ( )

3.5 I love reading about the way people live in other countries, how they think, what they believe. This was a relatively short book, but packed full of information. Why are they so happy? So much so that this country is rated first in the world.

After reading, and I enjoyed the layout of this book, I think I live in the wrong country. The Danes seem to exemplify all of the characteristics I try to follow, that I believe. Integrity, honesty, togetherness, importance of family time and more. Reminded me of the values of my grandparents and father in law, of those of the greatest generation. One didn't take things for free, one worked, even two jobs if necessary to take care of their families, they pitched in and helped their neighbors, didn't cheat, didn't steal, didn't try to keep up with the Joneses, all old fashioned values that seems to have gone by the wayside. The only lack was family time, child raising was mostly left to the mothers, but not so in Denmark, there is racial equality in this country that the United States has not yet attained.

One part stated that 47% of the people used bicycles as their primary mode of transportation. Many of the members of Parliament even cycle to work. Have a hard time imagining our Congressional people even cycling a few blocks. One thing I might have trouble with is the topless sunbathing on lunch hours, much frowned on here, we are not as comfortable with our bodies as are the Danes.
They do have one of the highest tax rates, but so much is provided for free that the majority of the people believe this is a bargain, are happy to do their share as long as everyone else is, cheaters frowned on mightily. She does also point out a few other negatives but on the whole I was quite impressed, with the country and its people. ( )