December 2024: Nordic Events, Christmas Edition

Welcome to the Christmas edition of Nordic events!

It’s a slower season of virtual events, but 15 Weeks of Friluftsliv is back for the fifth year with weekly inspiration to get outside and welcome winter. Channeling the Scandinavian ethos of “friluftsliv”, Tacy Quinn and Lauren Theis invite you with your family, friends, or on your own to join them each week for 15 weeks from early December to March and the start of spring to make time to get outside for a meaningful, easy, outdoor activity. “These winter adventures will transform you as you realize you can embrace and move through all seasons with joy and awe.” They will share weekly inspiration for winter outdoor activities and fuel for your adventures. Everything they host and share is something you can modify to do wherever you live. Are you in? For more information, visit Gnome Matter the Weather or Friluftslivingfamily on Instagram.

For readers in Southern California, the Olafur Eliasson: OPEN exhibit at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA in Downtown Los Angeles comes highly recommended. This is a site-specific installation created by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson as part of PST ART: Art & Science Collide, a Southern California art event in partnership with museums and institutions across the region that explores the intersections of art and science. “In line with Eliasson’s career-long exploration of light and color, geometry, and environmental awareness, the installation playfully engages with material and immaterial qualities of the museum’s architecture.” It is on view now through July 6, 2025.


Virtual Events for December and Bit Beyond

Online book clubs continue to meet. Check out Nordic Book Club Meetings to see what is being read this month. Does anything look interesting to you?

Typiskt svenskt / Typically American Culture Discussion (Wednesday, 12/11)

Enjoy a fun, open discussion about Sweden and the United States. What do we assume and generalize about each other’s countries? Let’s compare and find out how different and how much alike we are.

December Filmprat: Christmas as Usual (Wednesday, 12/11)

Dr. Maren Johnson, Luther College’s Associate Professor of Nordic Studies and Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies Director, facilitates a regular bokprat (book group), discussing Scandinavian authors and Scandinavian life. December’s discussion is a twist on the usual format and features the film Christmas as Usual available on Netflix. Thea is going to her rural hometown to celebrate a classic Norwegian Christmas with her family, but this year she’s bringing along Jashan, her Indian boyfriend, which will put everyone’s preconceived beliefs and traditions on their heads.

ASI Nordic Table Event: A Festive Brunch with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 12/12)

The holidays call for special meals at every time of day! Join Kristi Bissell of the True North Kitchen food blog and gather a collection of new recipes perfect for holiday breakfasts and brunches. Whether you’re interested in mastering a classic like aebelskiver (Danish filled pancakes) or prefer a make-ahead dish like baked porridge, these Nordic-inspired recipes will make your holidays both memorable and delicious. You’ll be ready for any holiday breakfast or brunch, from a visit from Tomte on Christmas morning to New Year’s Day and beyond.

Nordic Spirit Classics’ Second Friday Series: Santa Lucia (Friday, 12/13, Free)

Join the Scandinavian American Cultural & Historical Foundation for their next presentation pulled from the archives of their Nordic Spirit Symposia. This month view a delightful program from Gränna, Sweden, originally broadcast December 13, 2019. Every year in Sweden a Santa Lucia program from a different locality is broadcast nationally. The 2019 program from Gränna is a favorite for its involvement of children and a range of ages. As a Christmas bonus, please enjoy an interesting article on Christmas in Sweden, from the program booklet for SWEA Los Angeles Christmas Fair in 2010.

New Nordic Appetizers for the New Year with Patrice Johnson (Saturday, 12/14)

Join Vesterheim to ring in the New Year with some appetizers inspired by New Nordic cuisine! Celebrated chef, cookbook author, food historian, and Nordic Food Geek Patrice Johnson will demonstrate creative takes on classic appetizers. Recipes will include new spins on old favorites, something sweet, and signature cocktails/mocktails. This Vesterheim cooking class is designed as a small-group cook-along and they invite exchange between the instructor and students in order to build community around food traditions.

Family Norwegian Language Adventure: Immigration (Registration deadline: December 18)

In January, join Vesterheim and Nick Rogness for family fun and learn some Norwegian language and culture along the way! Through hands-on activities, fun crafts, light-hearted games, and short videos, you and your family will learn and practice your new Norwegian skills. A kit will be delivered right to your home containing supplies for these language activities, a helpful reference sheet for all the new words and expressions you will be learning, a fun craft, and a yummy treat. The adventure starts on January 1 and the vocabulary and phrases will focus on the experiences of early Norwegian immigrants to the United States. It will be available all month.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Needle Felted Reindeer (Friday, 12/20)

Create a felted reindeer ready to take off for the North Pole in this afternoon-long class. Students will follow step-by-step instructions to transform hand dyed wool from instructor Laura Berlage’s own sheep into a felted reindeer complete with antlers and bell! This class builds on basic needle felting skills and is appropriate for students who have previous needle felting experience, such as one of ASI’s other ASI classes. Suitable for ages 16+. Kits ($32 value) are included in the class fee. Each kit includes the tools and materials for one student. Registration closes December 11.

Norwegian Cinnamon Buns with Kristi Bissell (1/11)

Join Kristi Bissell of True North Kitchen as she walks you through the step-by-step process for making deliciously soft and billowy Norwegian cinnamon buns at home! While baking cinnamon buns might seem intimidating, Kristi’s easy dough recipe and thorough instructions make the process simple and fun. Registration is currently full but you can request to be placed on the waitlist.

The Norwegian Mayflower: The Voyage of the Restauration (1/20)

In the period beginning in 1825 and for about 100 years following, nearly 40% of the population of Norway – more than 800,000 Norwegians – immigrated to the United States. Most of those immigrants came for “economic opportunity,” but the first immigrants – known as the Sloopers of 1825 – came for religious freedom. The voyage was three years in the planning by an alliance of Quakers and Haugean Lutherans. Beginning on July 4th, 1825, a 54-foot sloop named Restaurasjonen (The Restauration) took 52 passengers on a 98-day journey from Stavanger, Norway to New York City. This presentation follows the story from its roots (in the Napoleonic Wars), through the voyage itself, the reception in New York City, and finally to the first Norwegian settlement in the United States in Kendall, New York.

Which events or experiences look interesting to you?

What I’ve Been Reading Lately (October 2024)

This month, I’ve really had to start being more intentional with my reading so that I’ll be able to complete my reading challenges in time. I’ve now planned my reading for the rest of the year. For Diversity Across Genres, I have a TBR title for every missing prompt – two of which I read this month – which will help me move quickly from one finished read/listen to the next one. For Book Voyage: Read Around the World, I have already read something from every world region, but I would love to add another title for South America, Africa, and/or Southern Asia so I’ll see if I can squeeze any of those in. My Nordic Literature Reading Challenge is luckily not a time sensitive one, so I can read at my leisure for that one.

What have you been reading lately? 


Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister (2022) 📖

This was a fun mystery thriller. A mother witnesses her 18-year-old son murder someone and is shocked and baffled. He’s in police custody and his bright future is gone. However, when the mother wakes up the next morning, it’s actually the day before the murder and this pattern continues. As time continues backwards, the mother learns more and more about how this murder came to happen. I’m not usually a fan of time travel, but this time loop premise worked for me. Some aspects of the mystery I guessed in advance, but there were still twists that surprised me. There’s some substance to it also, such as questions around motherhood and parenting. It was a fun read! ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️

  • Book club read with work colleagues
  • Read My Own Shelf: Gifted

None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell (2023) 🎧
Narrated by Nicola Walker and Louise Brealey with full cast, music and sound design

This is a book that needs to be listened to if you’re going to read it. The structure (which included podcast recordings) and production (with a full cast, music, and sound design) were so unique and well done. And the story was good, too. It’s a dark psychological thriller that follows Alix, a popular podcaster, who is intrigued by Josie and records her story for a podcast. As she digs deeper, she uncovers dark secrets that blur the lines between truth and deception. She soon finds herself in an unsettling friendship with her. I was riveted and have already recommended the audiobook to many. ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️⭐

  • Book club read with friends

Murder on the Red River (Cash Blackbear Mystery, #1) by Marcie R. Rendon (2017) 📖

This book had an unexpected intersection of interests! Descendants of Scandinavian immigrants were part of the setting. In an attempt to learn more about Scandinavian immigration to that area, I came across The Great Dakota Boom: Scandinavians, an interesting 4th grade lesson from North Dakota on Scandinavian immigration to the Red River Valley area, and as well as Norwegian Immigration to Minnesota, a deeper dive into the topic.

This book has a mystery element to it, but it’s more of a character-driven look at life for a 19-year-old Ojibwe woman named Cash in the Red River Valley (North Dakota/Minnesota border area) in the 1970s. Cash grew up moving from one White foster family to another and only graduated high school thanks to the support from her “guardian,” Sheriff Weaton. Her life now consists of driving trucks for local farmers, drinking beer, smoking cigarettes, and playing pool. When a Native man is found dead, Cash is drawn into the investigation. The story puts a spotlight on the lasting impact of Indigenous youth being removed from their communities and placed into White foster care. I liked Cash, flaws and all, and appreciated the unique perspective the setting offers. I’m eager to dive into more of her story in the next book in the series. ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️


Get a Life, Chloe Brown (The Brown Sisters, #1) by Talia Hibbert (2019) 🎧

I really enjoyed the main characters and their relationship in this romantic comedy. Chloe, a chronically ill woman in her twenties, is smart and strong and decides she needs to push herself out of her comfort zone. She enlists the help of her grumpy but attractive building superintendent in exchange for creating a website for him. As they spend more time together, their initial tension gives way to a slow-burning romance. It’s a funny, heartwarming story about embracing life and vulnerability. My only issue with it was the graphic, vulgar language used when it came to the sex scenes. For me, it was cringeworthy and just didn’t jive with the tone of the rest of the book. ⭐️⭐⭐️


What have you been reading lately?

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November 2024: Nordic Events, Virtual and In-Person, Including Christmas Events

Welcome back to another post of Nordic events happening virtually and in and around Southern California. As the holiday season approaches, you’ll see a lot of Christmas themed events and workshops on the calendar. Before we get to the virtual events, here are some in-person happenings taking place this month that might be of interest to local readers.

Norwegian Christmas Market – November 15-24 in San Pedro

The Norwegian Church’s annual Christmas Market will take place Friday, November 15, through Sunday, November 24, in San Pedro. The church will be filled with Christmas goods and a festive atmosphere. Hours are 11:00 to 4:00 every day except Sundays 12:00-4:00. On the weekends, Norwegian sandwiches and hot food will be served.

Aurora Live in Concert – November 21 in Los Angeles

From her website: “Aurora Aksnes, known simply as AURORA, is a Norwegian singer, songwriter, and producer who has captivated global audiences with her ethereal voice and unique blend of electronic pop and folk influences… Her music is characterized by emotional depth and lyrical complexity, exploring themes of nature, love, and the human experience. Renowned for her dynamic stage presence and captivating live performances, AURORA combines elements of dance and storytelling to create an immersive concert experience. She is also an advocate for environmental and social issues, using her platform to raise awareness about climate change, mental health, and equality.”

SWEA LA Christmas Fair – November 30 in Santa Monica

The SWEA LA Christmas Fair returns to Santa Monica to celebrate Swedish heritage and food. Indulge in traditional flavors – Swedish Swedish pancakes and baked goods along with glögg (traditional spiced wine) and hot dogs – and discover and support a diverse selection of vendors who will bring the essence of Swedish culture and craftsmanship to the fair. Festive highlights include Santa Claus ready to spread festive joy and listen to holiday wishes and Saint Lucia Celebrations. Buy tickets in advance for either the morning or afternoon slot.

Olafur Eliasson: OPEN – On view now through July 6, 2025, at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, DTLA

Thank you to Sarah Bowman of Reasons to Gather for the heads-up about this exhibit. It is a site-specific installation created by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson as part of PST ART: Art & Science Collide, a Southern California art initiative in partnership with museums and institutions across the region that explores the intersections of art and science. “In line with Eliasson’s career-long exploration of light and color, geometry, and environmental awareness, the installation playfully engages with material and immaterial qualities of the museum’s architecture.” This exhibit is high on my list to experience soon.


Virtual Events for November and a Bit Beyond

Online book clubs continue to meet. Check out Nordic Book Club Meetings to see what is being read this month. Does anything look interesting to you?

The Norwegian American 2024 Holiday Gift Guide Auction (Open now until 11/25)

Join The Norwegian American for their annual Holiday Gift Guide Auction featuring exclusive experiences and exciting items from select Nordic vendors and supporters. The Norwegian American, a unique print and online publication, is North America’s oldest and only Norwegian newspaper, in existence since May 17, 1889. Their mission is to serve the greater Norwegian-American community, connecting Norwegian Americans to their heritage and building bridges to Norway today. Subscribe now (print plus digital access or online-only options available) if you aren’t already a subscriber!

Nordic Spirit Classics’ Second Friday Series: Norway’s Peacemaking Role in the Middle East (Friday, 11/8, Free)

Join the Scandinavian American Cultural & Historical Foundation for their next presentation pulled from the archives of their Nordic Spirit Symposia, “Norway’s Peacemaking Role in the Middle East: The Background and Context of the Oslo Accords” by then-Professor Paul Hansen, History Department, California Lutheran University. The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict has been an intractable problem for nearly a century. Perhaps the best chance for a resolution in the past decades occurred as a result of the behind-the-scenes Norwegian mediation that resulted in the Oslo Accords in 1995. Professor Hansen explores the events that led to the famous signing on the White House lawn and reasons its promises were not fulfilled. To receive Zoom link, email nordicspiritclassics@gmail.com.

Koselig Vegetarian Soup Supper with Kristi Bissell (Saturday, 11/9)

Get cozy this fall with a vegetarian soup dinner! Kristi Bissell of True North Kitchen will walk you through how to make this hearty main course soup as well as a couple of side dishes and an easy dessert to make a meal of it. Come join Vesterheim in this koselig cooking class to help fend off the coming cold outside. This class is currently sold out but you can be added to the waitlist.

Intro to Northern Sámi (Sunday, 11/10)

Are you curious about the Sámi language and culture? Are you looking for a quick and low-pressure way to get excited and prepare for an upcoming visit to the north of Finland, Sweden, or Norway? This two-hour introductory workshop is the perfect way to learn some history of the nine living dialects of Sápmi, get a feel for North Sámi, pick up a bit of grammar, and learn how to pronounce some words as part of basic greetings. Families welcome!

Roots of Change: The History and Impact of Plant Immigration and Human-Flora Interactions in Iceland (Thursday, 11/14)

Join the National Nordic Museum for a virtual talk on Icelandic flora with Dr. Pawel Wasowicz, senior scientist at the Icelandic Institute of Natural History. In this talk, inspired by the special exhibition Fischersund: Faux Flora, they’ll delve into the rich history of Icelandic flora, tracing the temporal trends in the immigration of non-native plants. They’ll explore the main pathways through which these species have arrived, including intentional and unintentional human-mediated introductions. By highlighting key examples, they’ll examine the history, impacts, and potential future of invasive alien plant species in Iceland. Additionally, they’ll discuss the evolving attitudes of Icelanders towards these non-native plants and their implications for the country’s ecological and cultural landscape. Join for an insightful journey through the dynamic interplay between humans and flora in Iceland.

ASI Nordic Table Event: DIY Holiday Gifts with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 11/14)

Start preparing for the holidays with make-ahead recipes perfect for gifting and entertaining! Kristi Bissell of True North Kitchen will demo a savory seed cracker, sturdy cookie, and a DIY glögg (mulled wine or juice) kit in this hour-long virtual class. All these recipes make terrific stocking stuffers, care packages, or gifts for a lucky host, and as a bonus, these recipes keep well and are worth stocking at home for yourself, too! Plenty of other tricks, tips, and further gift ideas from the blog will also be shared, allowing students to get ahead on holiday gifting.

Warm Drinks for Winter (Friday, 11/15)

Light some candles, grab your favorite mug, and join Vesterheim for an evening of warm drinks and good company as we celebrate the coziest time of year! Malina Bickford will guide you in exploring different styles of hot cocktails (mocktails!) incorporating ingredients from the pantry, some unexpected flavors, and plenty of aquavit! Whether you’re an aspiring mixologist or simply looking to unwind with a steamy nightcap, this promises to be a very koselig experience. Enrollment Deadline:  11/4

Kransekake 101 with Patrice Johnson (Saturday, 11/16)

Kransekake is considered the “queen of Norwegian cakes,” and Nordic cooking expert and cookbook author Patrice Johnson will help you construct your own traditional cake tower during this fun interactive baking experience. During this special online cooking class, you will learn how to prepare this almond wreath cake baked in graduated rings. This class is currently sold out but you can be added to the waitlist.

Intro to Swedish (Saturday, 11/16)

Curious about the Swedish language, but not ready yet to commit to a multi-date class? Looking for a quick and low-pressure way to get excited and prepare for an upcoming visit to Sweden? This two-hour introductory workshop is the perfect way to get a feel for Swedish, pick up a bit of grammar and learn how to pronounce some words as part of basic conversation.

Intro to Finnish (Sunday, 11/17)

Are you curious about the Finnish language, but not ready yet to commit to a multi-date class? Are you looking for a quick and low-pressure way to get excited and prepare for an upcoming visit to Finland? This two-hour introductory workshop is the perfect way to get a feel for Finnish, pick up a bit of grammar, and learn how to pronounce some words as part of basic conversation.

Cooking Class with Swedish American Museum (Monday, 11/18)

In this monthly online cooking class, participants are taught Swedish recipes and can cook along with the group and ask questions as they go. In November, the class will be making variations on traditional foods.

Start Reading Swedish: Julen kommer till Mumindalen (Wednesdays, 11/20-12/18)

Are you just starting your Swedish language learning journey, but are already keen to start reading? Are you looking for an opportunity to keep up with your Swedish after the term ends? This class is for you! Read and discuss the winter story Julen kommer till Mumindalen (Christmas Comes to the Mumin Valley) by Tove Jansson and participate in activities to support your reading and vocabulary building. This class is for students with at least one year of Swedish language study or equivalent. Class materials will be provided by the instructor.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Felted Ornaments (Thursday, 11/21)

Create a festive, quick decoration with needle felting this season! This fun project makes use of cookie cutters you may already have at home to make a felted ornament with clean lines, even shape, and adorable details. Students will work alongside instructor Kayla Ann to learn needle felting basics which are applicable to a range of other projects. Once you get started, felted ornaments become an easy project and the perfect gift to decorate a present or tree! Students provide their own materials.

Genealogy Session with Swedish American Museum (Saturday, 11/23)

Delve into ancestry and history at this genealogy session with Sue Schlichting focused on the resource FamilySearch. Explore the power of FamilySearch for your personal family research.  From family trees to original records to the resource WIKI and digitized books, there is a treasure trove of great information to be found on their website. Even if you are already a FamilySearch user, there are so many different ways you can use the site that you’ll likely gain some new tricks and tools to add to your genealogy toolbox.

Knit a Norwegian-Inspired Hat (3 Mondays, 12/2-12/16)

Join Vesterheim and Kate Running to learn how to work with two colors of yarn to make this patterned hat. Work with a Nordic-inspired motif and learn the cultural tradition of stranded knitting. Intermediate level, no colorwork experience necessary but students should know how to knit & purl. A kit of materials (a $40 value) with Strikkegarn yarn is shipped to your home and included in the cost of registration. Enrollment Deadline: 11/11

ASI Nordic Table Event: Scandinavian Holiday Sweets with Nichole Accettola (Thursday, 12/5)

Get a peek into San Francisco chef and baker Nichole Accettola’s kitchen this holiday season! Nichole, who lived and cooked for many years in Denmark, today runs Kantine bakery café in San Francisco and is the author of Scandinavian from Scratch: A Love Letter to the Baking of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. In Scandinavia, making simple candies and confections at home is a beloved holiday tradition, and they are perfect for sharing on the cookie platter or giving as gifts. In this demo, Nichole will share some of her favorite holiday confections and go-to cookie recipes, along with some of her best tips and tricks from her many years as a professional chef and baker and some stories about the Christmases she spent in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Nordic Wafers and Tarts with Kristi Bissell (Saturday, 12/7)

Bake along with Kristi Bissell of True North Kitchen as she makes Nordic Lemon Wafers and Scandinavian Almond Tarts (Sandbakkels)! Kristi will also have some fun filling ideas for your almond tarts. This class is just what you need to kick off the holiday baking season! This class is currently sold out but you can be added to the waitlist.

Introduction to Himmeli (Saturdays, 12/7 & 12/14)

Himmeli making is a Nordic tradition brought by Finnish immigrants to northern Minnesota. Traditionally hung above a table or dining area, these geometric straw mobiles are a Christmas tradition with a link to old folk farming beliefs for ensuring a bountiful harvest. Students will gain experience working with natural material (straw) as they construct a medium sized himmeli mobile. Focus will also be on the cultural and historic significance of this craft found in Finland, Norway, Sweden, the Baltic countries, and beyond. Enrollment Deadline: 11/23

December Filmprat: Christmas as Usual (Wednesday, 12/11)

Dr. Maren Johnson, Luther College’s Associate Professor of Nordic Studies and Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies Director, facilitates a regular bokprat (book group), discussing Scandinavian authors and Scandinavian life. December’s discussion is a twist on the usual format and features the film Christmas as Usual available on Netflix. Thea is going to her rural hometown to celebrate a classic Norwegian Christmas with her family, but this year she’s bringing along Jashan, her Indian boyfriend, which will put everyone’s preconceived beliefs and traditions on their heads. Enrollment Deadline: 11/20

ASI Nordic Table Event: A Festive Brunch with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 12/12)

The holidays call for special meals at every time of day! Join Kristi Bissell of True North Kitchen and gather a collection of new recipes perfect for holiday breakfasts and brunches. Whether you’re interested in mastering a classic like aebelskiver (Danish filled pancakes) or prefer a make-ahead dish like baked porridge, these Nordic-inspired recipes will make your holidays both memorable and delicious. You’ll be ready for any holiday breakfast or brunch, from a visit from Tomte on Christmas morning to New Year’s Day and beyond.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Needle Felted Reindeer (Friday, 12/20)

Create a felted reindeer ready to take off for the North Pole in this afternoon-long class. Students will follow step-by-step instructions to transform hand dyed wool from instructor Laura Berlage’s own sheep into a felted reindeer complete with antlers and bell! This class builds on basic needle felting skills and is appropriate for students who have previous needle felting experience, such as one of ASI’s other ASI classes. Suitable for ages 16+. Kits ($32 value) are included in the class fee. Each kit includes the tools and materials for one student. Registration closes December 2.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Needle Felted Gnome (Saturday, 12/21)

Create a jolly felted gnome ready to bring home some holiday joy in this afternoon-long class. Students will follow step-by-step instructions to transform hand dyed wool from instructor Laura Berlage’s own sheep into a felted festive gnome (known in Sweden as a tomte or in Norway as a nisse) complete with long cap and beard! Students will get tips for shaping a cheerful face as well as hear stories from Laura’s farm and discuss gnomes in Scandinavian culture and beyond. Suitable for all skill levels, ages 11+. Kits ($32 value) are included in the class fee. Each kit includes the tools and materials for one student. Registration closes December 2.

Which events or experiences look interesting to you?

What I’ve Been Reading Lately (September 2024)

After a summer packed to the brim with reading (July and August), September with its return to school schedules and fall activities was much slower paced. I did, however, return to my yearlong reading challenges with intention which was satisfying. I have now plotted out how to complete the challenges. We’ll see if it works out as planned.

Coincidentally, all three books this month took place in the 1980s – a memoir from South Africa, crime fiction set in Iceland, and literary fiction set in the art world. That was a unique experience!

What have you been reading lately?


Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah (2016)
Narrated by Trevor Noah 🎧

This was a captivating account of comedian Trevor Noah’s childhood in South Africa as he navigated life during Apartheid. He was born in 1984 to a White father and Black mother, at the time an illegal interracial relationship, and had a challenging childhood in many ways. Even though it’s in the subtitle, I did not realize this was a collection of stories. The stories jumped back and forth in time a little bit, which was sometimes jarring since he re-introduced aspects and people from earlier years later on as if they were new. The book was an eye-opening look at Apartheid and, at the same time, a moving tribute to his mother. Hearing Trevor Noah narrate it himself was exceptional. ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️


Reykjavík: A Crime Story by Ragnar Jónasson & Katrín Jakobsdóttir (2022)
Translated from the Icelandic by Victoria Cribb (2023) 📖

Ragnar Jónasson is a prolific and best-selling Icelandic crime fiction writer. I really enjoyed his Hidden Iceland trilogy, aka The Hulda Series. Reykjavík was written in partnership with the then-current prime minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir (2017-2024) so I was intrigued.

This is the story of a 15-year-old girl’s disappearance in 1956 when she took a summer job as a maid in a prominent couple’s home on a remote island and disappeared without a trace. On its 30th anniversary in 1986, an eager journalist revisits the case and new information comes to light. This coincides with Reykjavik’s 200th anniversary and Reagan and Gorbachev’s summit meeting in Iceland. I felt the book was trying to have a strong sense of time and place, but for me it was just a lot of place names that I didn’t know. And unfortunately, the story was not as engaging as I’d hoped and the translation was somewhat awkward at times. ⭐️⭐️⭐


Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochilt Gonzalez (2024) 📖
Narrated by Stacy Gonzalez, Jonathan Gregg, and Jessica Pimentel 🎧

I really enjoyed the author’s debut Olga Dies Dreaming (Reading Lately, April & May 2022) and was quick to select this title as my Book of the Month selection, especially after reading, “From campus to galleries, this engrossing tale of two female artists paints a complex portrait of power and privilege.” Also, I’m all in for a nonlinear timeline, multiple perspectives, and a glimpse into a world unfamiliar to me, in this case the art world. I wish I had known in advance that Anita in this story was based on a real Cuban performance artist, Ana Mendieta, who had a very similar life (NY Times article).

This story follows art history student Raquel in 1998 and artist Anita in 1985. While researching Anita’s famous artist husband for her thesis, Raquel discovers Anita, who had largely been erased from the art world. Initially, I started with the audiobook but was quickly turned off by the overly dramatic narration for Anita. I pivoted to reading which was much better. However, soon after I got immersed in the story, Anita came back as a ghost after her untimely and questionable death and this caught me off guard as I was not expecting this element in the story. I powered through and enjoyed the resolution, though I wished Raquel could have sorted out her personal and academic challenges a bit sooner. ⭐️⭐️


What have you been reading lately?

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October 2024: Nordic Events (Virtual & SoCal)

Welcome back to another post of Nordic events happening virtually and in and around Southern California. Before we get to the virtual ones, here are some in-person happenings taking place soon that local readers might be interested in putting on their calendars.

Celebration of Leif Erikson Day — Saturday, October 12

The Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation will host its annual Leif Erikson Day Celebration on Saturday, October 12, at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. The program begins at 2:00 p.m. and includes a brief recognition of the first Europeans to set foot on North America along with a tribute to Leif Erikson by the President of the United States. This will be followed by a preview of the 2025 Nordic Spirit Symposium, Before the Vikings: The Magnificent Nordic Bronze Age. After the presentation, a social will be held at the Scandinavian Center.

Newport Beach Film Fest: Swedish Spotlight — Tuesday, October 22

Here’s a chance to see Sweden’s submission to the Oscars for Best International Feature, The Last Journey, a documentary directed by Filip Hammar and Fredrik Wikingsson. “In a desperate attempt to make his old, depressed father embrace life again filmmaker Filip Hammar takes his dad on a surprise road trip to France – the same journey they made every summer during Filip’s childhood. Filip is confident that this trip will invigorate his dad, who certainly once more will become the joyous person he once was, if he can only re-live some of the best moments of his life. The spur-of-the-moment methods Filip uses fuels the film with chaos, creativity, love, humor and, inevitably, sadness. The documentary The Last Journey is an honest, genre-dissolving look at death’s approach, seen through the eyes of a desperate son who too long has lived in denial of the inevitable. A heartfelt investigation into the end we all face with our parents, and a peek into our own futures. It’s groundbreakingly original, but still relatable and real. Upon its release in March 2024, it was lauded in unison by Swedish critics as equal parts devastating and groundbreakingly humorous. It also started a national conversation (in the media, in workplaces, in homes) about family and ageing. The film has taken Sweden by storm and recently become the most seen documentary in the history of Swedish cinema.”

AFI Fest: The Summer Book – Sunday, October 27

Catch the North American premiere of The Summer Book, producer/director Charlie McDowell’s adaptation of Finnish author Tove Jansson’s novel of the same name. It features Glenn Close as the grandmother in a story where a father (played by Norwegian actor Anders Danielsen Lie) and daughter are mourning the loss of their wife/mother. “As her father withdraws further into his solitude and grief, Sophia and her grandmother spend precious time together exploring the island and growing closer. McDowell breathes new life into Jansson’s profound, heartfelt classic with this keen observation that explores the intertwining complexities of family, generational loss and life-altering grief.” The screening will be followed by a conversation with director and producer Charlie McDowell and actor Glenn Close.

Norwegian Christmas Fair — November 15-24

Southern California readers, mark your calendars for the Norwegian Church’s annual Christmas Fair which will take place Friday, November 15, through Sunday, November 24, in San Pedro. The church will be filled with Christmas goods and a festive atmosphere. Hours are 11:00 to 4:00 every day except Sundays 12:00 to 4:00. On the weekends including Fridays, Norwegian hot food and sandwiches will be served.

Aurora Live in Concert — November 21 in Los Angeles and November 23 in San Francisco

From her website: “Aurora Aksnes, known simply as AURORA, is a Norwegian singer, songwriter, and producer who has captivated global audiences with her ethereal voice and unique blend of electronic pop and folk influences… Her music is characterized by emotional depth and lyrical complexity, exploring themes of nature, love, and the human experience. Renowned for her dynamic stage presence and captivating live performances, AURORA combines elements of dance and storytelling to create an immersive concert experience. She is also an advocate for environmental and social issues, using her platform to raise awareness about climate change, mental health, and equality.”

Now on to virtual events…

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What I’ve Been Reading Lately & #WITmonth (August 2024)

Welcome to another round of “What I’ve Been Reading Lately” when I enjoy linking up with other readers. My focus these past summer months was the reading challenge at work. Luckily, in August I had two 5-hour flights for uninterrupted reading which helped with completing that challenge. All of the books this month checked off a box (or more) for that challenge. I tried as much as I could to choose books that crossed over with other reading challenges, but with less success than I had hoped. I did complete all the prompts, though not with unique books.

August was Women in Translation Month so I made sure to support that initiative again this year. Since I read books by women in translation all year, I try to find new original languages and points of view to read in August. This August I read a novel translated from the Catalan with multiple unusual narrators which was a nice change of pace.

For September and the next months, I am refocusing on my Nordic Reading Challenge and the Read Around the World and Diversity Across Genres challenges as well as participating in the Norwegian #sakprosaseptember challenge where we read nonfiction (sakprosa means nonfiction) books that correspond to various prompts (with English translation).

What have you been reading lately? 


Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953) 📖

I found this 1984 edition on my shelf at my parents’ home. I believe I read it back then, but I didn’t have any recollection of details from the book. It was like reading a new-to-me book. I definitely enjoyed (re)reading the book because references and comparisons are often still made to it. Another interesting aspect of reading it is that Ray Bradbury lived in our neighborhood for years until his death in 2012. When his house was later sold and torn down, the new owners installed a gate with words from his writing to honor his legacy which I frequently pass by. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: A classic AND a book about books, bookstores, or book clubs
  • Read My Own Shelf

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (2021) 📖

I really enjoyed Emily Henry’s Beach Read (Reading Lately, July 2023), but unfortunately, I was underwhelmed by this one. I loved the idea of Poppy and Alex’s friendship and the travels around the world they did together on a yearly basis, but I think there were too many trips going on. The main trip is the road trip to Palm Springs after 2 years of being separated after something “big” happened on their last trip. While the Palm Springs trip is happening, the story jumps back in time to previous trips leading up to the one that disrupted their friendship. And I felt the resolution to their relationship dragged a bit. (And too bad their planned trip to Norway didn’t work out!) ⭐️⭐️⭐

  • Summer Reading Challenge: A road trip book

When I sing, Mountains Dance by Irene Solà (2019) 📖
Translated from the Catalan by Mara Faye Lethem (2022)

There wasn’t just one unusual narrator in this book but several, and together they told an immersive story of life in a present-day village in the Pyrenees mountains of Catalonia in northeastern Spain. The story unfolds through a series of interconnected narratives, each providing a very different perspective on the village’s collective experience. Starting with storm clouds and continuing with witches, mushrooms, a deer, mountains, and of course some human narrators and even a pet dog, the reader is immersed in this village’s life. I was surprised by how engaged I was in this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: A book with an unusual narrator AND a book by a woman in translation
  • Book Voyage: Read Around the World: Europe (Spain)
  • #WomenInTranslationMonth

Fourth Wing (The Empyrean #1) by Rebecca Yarros (2023) 🎧📖

This was a fun read, especially since so many others around me had recently read it or were reading it at the same time. I never would have thought I’d read and be so engaged in a high fantasy novel about “the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders”, but the trials and tribulations of the strong and independent Violet who never imagined herself there, her fellow cadets, and the commanding officers kept me turning the page. A note, if you are sensitive to the F-word, this book is not for you. Book #2 is on my TBR for when I need another read for pure entertainment. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: Romantasy AND a big book AND a book “everyone” has read

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson (2022) 📖🎧

This is the story of two estranged siblings who reunite in California after their mother’s death. She had left them a voice recording to listen to together along with a black cake to eat together when “the time is right.” Their mother, born on an unnamed Caribbean island to a Black local woman and a Chinese immigrant man, shocks the siblings with the news that they have a half sister and she shares the story of her life growing up on the island and being forced to leave, of which they had no knowledge. Her story takes us from the island to the UK and USA, and interspersed with her story are those of the three siblings. There’s a lot going on here – many characters, many points of view, many issues – all of which kept me totally engaged in the story.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: A book written by a BIPOC author AND a debut book
  • Book Voyage: Read Around the World: North America (Caribbean Island)
  • Read My Own Shelf: unread BOTM selection

An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good (Elderly Lady #1) by Helene Tursten (2013)
Translated from the Swedish by Marlaine Delargy (2018) 📖

This collection of short stories features Maud, an 88-year old woman who lives alone and, due to a technicality in the contract from way back then, rent-free in her family’s spacious apartment in Gothenburg, Sweden. She is still agile and totally with it, unless she finds it beneficial to pretend she isn’t. When someone or something is causing a problem and threatening her lifestyle, she has no problem resorting to murder. It’s supposed to be a “funny, irreverent story collection” but it didn’t quite land with me.


Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhhà Lại (2011) 📖

This is a middle grade novel-in-verse about 10-year-old Hà who is forced to flee Saigon, Vietnam, with her mother and brothers when the city falls in 1975. It is based in part on the author’s own childhood. After travel on board a navy ship and time at refugee camps in Guam and Florida, they ended up in Alabama, a world so challenging and different from anything she had known. She struggled with the language, bullies, friends, and everything she missed from Vietnam. Family and friendly people did make it easier over time. It was a completely absorbing read and gave interesting insight into a refugee experience — all in verse which was impressive! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: A book from a past school reader list
  • #DiversityAcrossGenres: Asian (API) / Historical Fiction

What have you been reading lately?

Disclaimer: AVikingInLA is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

September 2024: Nordic Events (Virtual & SoCal In-Person)

Welcome back to monthly posts of Nordic events happening virtually and in Southern California. Even though it’s not officially fall yet, it still feels like that as students of all ages begin to return to school.

Southern California readers, have you taken advantage of some of what the Los Angeles area has to offer during summertime? Many events continue into the fall. Also coming up soon is the family friendly Vista Viking Festival. California’s premiere Viking festival and Norse heritage event takes place September 21 and 22 just north of San Diego at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum in Vista. Festival tickets are already available.

Come see Vikings in their camps and get a glimpse of Viking life. Listen to live music from local favorites. Browse the vendor village, enjoy food from food merchants, and wash everything down with libations of mead and ale from the Beer Garden. Try your hand at ax-throwing, archery, and spear flinging on the Weapons Range. Enjoy Norwegian and Viking cultural demonstrations, competitions, and battles! And back by popular demand is an exclusive tasting event with Viking Spirits. This special limited seating event will feature wine and spirits along with Scandinavian delicacies. Each of the four daily seatings is limited to 25 participants so get your tasting tickets early to secure your seat and time slot.

Online book clubs have selected their fall reads. Check out Nordic Book Club Meetings to see what is being read when. Does anything look interesting to you?

What’s on your calendar for September?


ASI Nordic Table Event: Apples in the Nordic Kitchen with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 9/5, 1:00 p.m. CT)

Time to go wild for apples! In this virtual class, Kristi Bissell of the blog True North Kitchen will demonstrate several apple recipes, taking inspiration from Nordic ingredients and traditional dishes. From breakfast to fika to dessert, this class will cover a range of ways to incorporate diverse apple flavors and textures into our fall kitchens. The demonstration will include a simple apple compote, Danish apple trifle, and Swedish apple cake.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Wool Embroidery Intro with Laura Berlage (Fridays, 9/13-9/27, 2:00 p.m. CT)

Embroidering with wool has captivated imaginations since at least the Viking Age, offering beautiful and textured means for stitched expression. Dive into this world with textile artist Laura Berlage and learn about its many iterations over the centuries with this immersive introductory class, while stitching your own floral piece. During the course, students will learn 14 different stitches, how best to utilize them in a design, and good process discipline while stitching—skills and concepts that you can apply to any number of future embroidery endeavors. Great for beginners or those with some embroidery experience who are looking to master the finer points of decorative stitching with wool. Suitable for ages 16+.

Intro to Swedish with Jean Hanslin (Saturday, 9/14, 9:30 a.m. CT)

Are you curious about the Swedish language, but not ready yet to commit to a multi-date class? Are you looking for a quick and low-pressure way to get excited and prepare for an upcoming visit to Sweden? This two-hour introductory workshop taught by Jean Hanslin is the perfect way to get a feel for Swedish, pick up a bit of grammar, and learn how to pronounce some words as part of basic conversation.

FamilieTid with Vesterheim: Norwegian Folk Stories (Sunday, 9/15, 1:00 p.m. CT, free)

Join Vesterheim and celebrated Norwegian storyteller Johan Einar Bjerkem to hear folktales and sing some songs from Norway. You will meet trolls, princesses, and maybe even the character Askeladden! Bjerkem will also share the history of the stories and tales he tells.

Cooking Class: Breakfast Variations (Monday, 9/16, 4:00 p.m. CT)

In the online cooking classes hosted by Swedish American Museum in Chicago, IL, you are guided through Swedish recipes. In September, Sweden celebrates Brunch Day so in honor of that students will make Frukost Varianter – Breakfast Variations.

Embroidered Mittens with Steph Anderson (Friday & Saturday, 9/20 & 9/21, 5:30 p.m. PT)

Journey back to the Viking Era or earlier Iron Age and learn the same techniques those before us have used in decorating and embroidering their socks, mittens, and other nålbinding garments. In this class, you will be adding embroidery to your mittens. You will learn to add a little structure to the fabric of the nålbinding mitten, plan a design to embroider either using a pattern that is in your kit or making your own pattern, and learning embroidery stitches and techniques to make a mitten that has some beautiful embellishments. No embroidery experience needed. You will need to supply your own mittens by either purchasing or making your own nålbinding mittens.

Genealogy Session: The Viking Ship and the “Discovery” of America with Timothy Boyce (Saturday, 9/28, 10:00 a.m. CT)

Delve into ancestry and history at one of Swedish American Museum’s genealogy sessions. Timothy Boyce will tell the story of the Viking Ship, its amazing transatlantic voyage in 1893, its reception in the New World, and its subsequent history.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Design and Weave a Repp Band with Kerstin Neumüller (Saturday & Sunday, 9/28 & 9/29, 10:00 a.m. CT)

Join Swedish textile artist and educator Kerstin Neumüller for two online sessions to design and start weaving a repp band on a small rigid heddle style band weaving loom. The first session will focus on how to create different patterns in woven repp bands, a style in which warp threads tightly cover the weft threads. Kerstin will share a variety of possible patterns, giving students a starting place for designing their own band. Students will then use any small rigid heddle style loom they have on hand and their own yarn to prepare the warp and weft for weaving a repp band in the second class. This virtual class is an excellent option for students who need a refresher on band weaving, or for anyone who owns Kerstin’s book Simple Weave but wants to work alongside her live. Wide ranging discussion of project options on small looms, materials, and tips for weaving bands will fill in during work time. Suitable for ages 12+.

The Rise of Aquavit in the U.S. (Sunday, 9/29, 11:00 a.m. CT, free)

For a long time, the only aquavit an American could get was imported from either Denmark, Norway, or Sweden. In the mid 2000s, there was a surge of American distillers who began making the classic Scandinavian spirit for the American market. With this new batch of distillers came a new outlook of how aquavit could be enjoyed. No longer limited to drinking it straight with traditional meals, bartenders and spirit enthusiasts began playing with the use of aquavit in cocktails. Join co-founder and CEO of Vikre Distillery, Emily Vikre, as she shares the story of aquavit’s rise in popularity, as well the story of Vikre Distillery’s founding and its early life making a name for itself in the world of spirits.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Fanciful Paper Cutting with Torben Jarlstrøm Clausen (Sunday, 9/29, 1:00 p.m. CT)

Join Danish paper-cutting artist Torben Jarlstrøm Clausen live from his home in Odense, Denmark, to explore the universe of fanciful paper-cut beings. Working in the tradition of storyteller and paper cut artist Hans Christian Andersen (who was also from Torben’s hometown of Odense), students will work alongside Torben to release their own fantastic people from a piece of paper using only a pair of scissors. In just 90 minutes, students will experience the very best moment of cutting paper – when the paper is unfolded, the magic occurs, and your happy paper-cut person emerges! This workshop welcomes paper cutters of all levels who want creative prompts as well as a historic and contemporary look at paper cutting in Denmark and beyond. All experience levels are welcome; suitable for ages 16+.


LOOKING AHEAD

(Spots still available as of publication date.)

ASI Nordic Table Event: Danish Rugbrød with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 10/3, 1:00 p.m. CT)

Hearty Danish rye bread (rugbrød) is one of the classic Scandinavian breads, often used for open faced sandwiches. While this bread can be hard to find outside of Scandinavia, it’s actually quite simple to make at home, even for novice bakers. Join Kristi Bissell, creator of the blog True North Kitchen, in this virtual class to see a demonstration of all the steps of her yeasted Easy Overnight Danish Rye Bread. She’ll discuss pan options, sourcing ingredients, and even share some tips on a sourdough variation.

Introduction to Spoon Carving (Friday, Oct. 4, 1:00 p.m. CT)

Learn how to carve a spoon from a fresh-cut tree using traditional Nordic carving techniques. Over Zoom, Jess Hirsch will lead students through the process of carving a spoon, using a prepared wooden blank. We will cover tree anatomy, axing out a blank (roughed out spoon shape), knife holds for the hook and sloyd knife, drying, and finishing – from tree to spoon! This class is great for the beginner or the person wanting to learn sloyd-style carving. Together, students will go through safe knife holds and the steps to carve their very own cooking spoon! Carving is just as safe as cooking at home – students only need good hand strength and flexibility to carve their own spoon. Please wear pants and close-toed shoes. This class includes a kit of materials.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Wool Embroidered Coin Purse (Thursdays, 10/10-10/24, 1:00 p.m. CT)

Embroidery is a beautiful way to make an everyday object feel special. Inspired by traditional Nordic embroidery designs, explore the world of wool-on-wool embroidery with a variety of stitches and learn how to transform the fabric and liner into a miniature purse, along with attaching the kiss clasp like a pro. All the steps and techniques featured in this course are great skills to learn if you are considering making a full-scale traditional purse in the future; and we’ll explore beautiful examples from across history and regions as we go. Finished coin purses will be approximately 4.5”x 4” wide. Students will have the option to select from a variety of wool fabric colors for their project kit and use embroidery yarns from the instructor’s own sheep. This class is a great way to explore wool-on-wool embroidery for both beginners and those with some embroidery experience. Suitable for ages 16+.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Needle Felted Fall Landscapes (Thursday, 10/17, 6:30 p.m. CT)

Enjoy the relaxing art of needle felting while making a textile as pretty as a painting! Using a piece of felt as your canvas and wool roving as your paint, you’ll work alongside artist Kayla Ann to create an autumnal landscape you’ll be proud to display. You’ll come away with the skills and tools to keep needle felting beyond the online workshop. While the entire class will work on the same fall-inspired vista, Kayla will also discuss how to adapt other images into 2-D felted pictures and where to find supplies to do more needle felting on your own. Suitable for ages 14+.


Which events or experiences look interesting to you?

What I’ve Been Reading Lately (July 2024)

Welcome to another round of “What I’ve Been Reading Lately”. My focus these summer months is the reading challenge at work. All of the books this month check off a box (or more) for that challenge. I’ve tried as much as I can to choose books that cross over with other reading challenges, but with less success than I had hoped.

August is Women in Translation Month so I’m making an effort now to support that initiative again this year. For our summer reading challenge at work, one of the prompts is “A book by a woman in translation”. I’m happy to know that others at work are reading women in translation this summer as well!

How is your summer reading going?


The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley (2022) 📖

Lucy Foley has long been on my TBR list. I have two Book of the Month selections by her! And no time like the present with the Olympics in Paris to read the one set in Paris. It was fun to be back in Paris and read snippets of French (after junior year abroad and a somewhat recent vacation there), but otherwise it was not a very thrilling story. I enjoyed it, but too many clues just happened to appear. This experience won’t keep me from reading my other Foley book, The Guest List, though, which friends have loved. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: A book related to the Summer Olympics (featuring a sport or set in Paris)
  • Read My Own Shelf: Unread BOTM selection

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (2024) 📖

When I saw this was a Book of the Month selection for June, I didn’t hesitate to select it because I had just seen that the author would be at a local bookstore to discuss it. I had read her previous book, The Stationery Shop, which I enjoyed, and the premise of The Lion Women of Tehran intrigued me, and it didn’t disappoint. It was an engaging and moving story of friendship, betrayal, and finally redemption between two girls from very different backgrounds in Iran. It spanned decades (1950s to 1980s) and provided insight into a turbulent history that is still unfamiliar to me.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: Free Choice
  • Book Voyage: Read Around the World: Middle East (Iran)
  • #DiversityAcrossGenres: MENA/General or Historical Fiction

Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney (2017) 🎧
Narrated by Xe Sands

This book takes place in a day, December 31, 1984, to be exact, but it actually spans decades as 85-year-old Lillian goes for a walk around New York City and reminisces on her life. She has lived a full life as a poet, the highest paid advertising woman in America, wife, mother, and divorcée. She was an impressive woman but it came at a cost. I loved her strong and vibrant personality and admired all her interactions with various people along her walk. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: Takes place in a day AND Book with a character over 60
  • Book Voyage: Read Around the World: North America (New York City)

Sandwich by Catherine Newman (2024) 📖

I had read rave reviews about this one and surprisingly my hold at the library became available much earlier than I expected so I jumped at the opportunity to read it. It takes place over a week during the summer when Rocky, a 54-year-old woman, is on the family’s annual vacation to Cape Cod with her husband, young adult children and a girlfriend, and elderly parents. She is menopausal and nostalgic — and maybe she was too much so that I was turned off a bit. I did laugh out loud at some parts and enjoyed their multigenerational family time, but I wasn’t blown away by it as much as I thought I would be.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: Food in the title

Drømmen om et tre (Klimakvartetten #4) by Maja Lunde (2022) 📖
(The Dream of a Tree, available in English translation October 2024)

This is the finale to The Climate Quartet, a loosely connected series of books that each explores a different climate issue. This one is about seeds and features the Global Seed Vault located on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen in the Arctic Svalbard archipelago. The story takes place in 2110 and is about a small group of people living there. They live in isolation having cut off contact with the rest of the world where, due to climate issues, hunger is a constant concern. I loved being immersed in the setting of Svalbard and it was interesting to see how subject matter and characters from the earlier books come together in this one.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️


What have you been reading lately?

Disclaimer: AVikingInLA is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

What I’ve Been Reading Lately (June 2024)

Welcome to another round of “What I’ve Been Reading Lately”. My summer reading is off to a very satisfying start. A highlight of summers at home is returning home from work in time to sit outside reading in the afternoon sun.

I am primarily focused on our summer reading challenge at work. My plan is to complete all 25 prompts, but I’ll be double- (and maybe even triple-) dipping in order to do so. I’m trying to find books that check off prompts for my other reading challenges as well but not with as much success as I was hoping. I am, however, reading many unread Book of the Month selections that have accumulated over time which is very gratifying.

On the horizon is a trip to Norway to spend time with family. I look forward to long plane rides and long days with lots of downtime (rainy days inside or sunny days outside, it doesn’t matter) to get in long stretches of reading. I also eagerly await the opportunity to browse Norwegian bookstores and add to my collection of Norwegian language books.

How’s your summer reading going? 


Take What You Can Carry by Gian Sardar (2021) 🎧
Narrated by Vaneh Assadourian

This book takes place in 1979 and is about a Los Angeles woman who joins her boyfriend on a trip to his hometown in the Kurdistan region of Iraq for a family wedding. She’s an aspiring photographer and thinks this trip will provide the perfect opportunity to take the shot that will take her from lowly secretary to respected photojournalist. Also, she wishes to learn about her boyfriend’s childhood to understand him better. However, going to this war torn area of the world is not what she expected. There are certainly beautiful sights and touching experiences, but also frightening and tragic moments. The story is gripping and emotional. I loved learning more about the Kurdish culture and their struggles. The glimpse of Los Angeles in 1979 was also interesting.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


The Rabbit Factor (Rabbit Factor Trilogy #1) by Antti Tuomainen (2020)
Translated from the Finnish by David Hackston (2021) 📖

This is the first in a trilogy about insurance mathematician, Henri, who lives life based on careful calculations. However, his life is thrown off balance when he suddenly has no job and, at the same time after the death of his brother, finds himself the owner of an adventure park in dire financial troubles and with a great debt to criminals. It was a quirky and somewhat absurd crime fiction. The staff at the park were a motley crew, and Henri found himself in some odd situations. This Finnish author has been on my radar for a while, and learning that Steve Carell has signed to play the main character in an adaptation was intriguing (though no new news in the last couple of years). I can certainly see him playing it! I enjoyed it enough but won’t be reading book #2 anytime soon. Maybe another one by this author instead. ⭐️⭐️⭐️


Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano (2023) 🎧📖
Narrated by Maura Tierney

This was a good one. I got totally wrapped up in this family saga about four inseparable sisters — the ambitious Julia, Sylvie the reader and dreamer, the free spirited artist Cecilia, and Emeline caring for them all — and William, the broken man who became a part of their close knit family. There was joy and trauma, love and heartache, a very moving story. And the structure was interesting. Chapters alternated between perspectives of them all (in the third person) but time would overlap a bit so the reader experienced the same event from more than one perspective. Highly recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: A book from a celebrity book club (Oprah)
  • Read My Own Shelf: Unread BOTM selection

Just for the Summer (Part of Your World, #3) by Abby Jimenez (2024)
Narrated by Christine Lakin and Zachary Webber

I listened to Yours Truly not long ago and loved it (Reading Lately, April 2024) so I knew I wanted to read this one. However, I was concerned it might not live up to expectations. I need not have worried (though I was a little thrown off at first by the same male narrator for a different character but I got over it). I loved the world of these characters and now want to go back to #1. This is the story of Emma and Justin, both with major parental issues which complicated their plan for a summer fling to break a curse of their exes always ending up with their soulmates. It had humor, heart, and substance.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: Takes place during the summer
  • Read My Own Shelf: Unread BOTM selection

What have you been reading lately?

Disclaimer: AVikingInLA is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Taking Advantage of What Los Angeles Has to Offer During Summertime

I hope you are enjoying summer wherever you may be! This post was inspired by a colleague at work eager to have a list of possible activities for the summertime. If you’re in the Los Angeles area during the summer months, either as a local or a tourist, here are some ideas to get you out and about taking advantage of what Los Angeles has to offer this time of year. If you are elsewhere, use this as inspiration to find similar summer events, special exhibitions, and unique experiences in your area.

🇳🇴 🇸🇪 🇩🇰 Scandinavian enthusiasts, don’t miss the last section. How many of those Scandinavian inspired places have you been to?

What’s on your summer to-do list?


Special Summer Events in LA


Special Exhibitions – See them before they’re gone!

 


Seize the Moment – Have you been yet?

 


For the Scandinavian Enthusiasts! 🇳🇴 🇸🇪 🇩🇰

  • Solvang — Visit the Danish Capital of America! (13 delightful things to do in Solvang, the Danish fairy tale town with plenty of ‘hygge’ | LA Times)
  • Shoops European Deli & Cafe in Santa Monica — “SHOOP’S specializes in innovative breakfasts, sandwiches, salads, & soups in the European tradition of quality & freshness.” They have a European imports market with licorice, chocolate, deli, and grocery items.
  • Copenhagen Pastry in Culver City — An authentic Danish pastry shop offering light and flaky pastries baked fresh throughout the day, a variety of layer cakes, rye bread, kransekake bites, rumkugle, and more. Don’t miss the Princess Cake available by the slice.
  • Clark Street Bakery in Brentwood, Larchmont, and Echo Park — After spending the summer at his Swedish wife’s family’s town working in a wood-fired bakery in the Swedish countryside and falling in love with the craft, Zack Hall returned home to become a full-time bread baker. Try cinnamon buns, cardamom buns, vanilla buns, Danish rye bread plus more.
  • Open Face Food Shop in Los Angeles (West Adams) — “From traditional Danish flavors to elevated American fare, you will find something for everyone at Open Face Food Shop.”
  • Sockerbit in Los Angeles (Beverly Grove) — “Inspired by nostalgia and Swedish traditions, Sockerbit offers hundreds of candy options to choose from! Everything from gummies, licorice, marshmallows and chocolates, in different shapes, textures and flavors.”
  • Berolina Bakery in Glendale — Artisan European breads and pastries. Try cardamom and cinnamon buns (strips and braids also available), Swedish limpa, Danish rye, and much more.

So far this summer we have checked off a few special summer experiences — a Dodger game, dinner at historic Yamashiro Hollywood with its unique architecture and stunning views of LA, a CicLAvia event in South LA, and hiking (with geocaching) at dusk.

Is this the summer when I finally seize the opportunity to check off some long standing wishes such as visiting the Sawdust Summer Art Festival in Laguna Beach (June 28-September 1, free for LA County residents July 7 and August 11) or the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena? I’m also intrigued by the idea of an adults only sunset swim with friends at the Annenberg Beach House where floaties and s’mores are provided. LAist’s new summer series, City Treks: Let’s explore LA and SoCal on foot! (And then grab a bite to eat), has also caught my attention. So far there are itineraries for Culver City/Park to Playa Bridge, Atwater Village/LA River, Anaheim, Magnolia Park in Burbank, Monrovia, Encino, and Oxnard. The next CicLAvia event is August 18 and connects West Hollywood, Hollywood, and East Hollywood (Meet the Hollywoods). I think it’s going to be a good one!

What do you have on your summer wish list to do?