My reading continued to be erratic the last couple of months. I think this has a lot to do with the fact that I don’t have specific reading challenges to keep me focused in the same way as last year. And it’s been a busy last few months.
I continue to read my way around the world (albeit slowly, see my progress) and to check off prompts for my Nordic Literature Reading Challenge (also slowly, see my progress). Luckily, once again, the school where I work has presented a summer reading challenge for faculty and staff and I am dedicated to completing it. The reading period is from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend. I’ve already checked off a couple of prompts for that which is satisfying.
What have you been reading lately?
The Wedding People by Alison Espach (2024)
Narrated by Helen Laser
I judged this book by its cover (thought it might be about drunk people at a wedding) and put it off for a long time. Finally, after repeatedly hearing rave reviews, I picked it up on a whim. I was greatly surprised by how different it was than I expected and how much I enjoyed it. Phoebe finds herself to be the only guest at a grand hotel in Newport, Rhode Island, who is not a part of the group there for a weeklong wedding celebration. Everyone assumes she’s part of the wedding group, even the bride. However, the bride soon learns about Phoebe’s imminent plans and this begins an unexpected friendship. The story had humor and heart. It was predictable in the grand scheme of things, but that didn’t bother me at all because it was all about the journey of getting there. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Night of the Scourge by Lars Mytting (2023)
Translated from the Norwegian by Deborah Dawkin (2025)
This is the final installment in the Norwegian Sister Bells Trilogy, a historical fiction series which takes place in a fictional remote village over a period of about 100 years starting in 1879. The last installment follows the descendants of earlier characters through World War II and the Nazi occupation. Having grandparents who were about the same age as the main character, I greatly appreciated the insight into how Norwegians lived during that time. Some became actively involved in the Resistance; others collaborated with the Germans; and many just tried to balance the fine line in between. The book was long and slow to get going which hindered my progress and enjoyment to begin with, but overall, it was a satisfying end to the trilogy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Nordic Literature Reading Challenge: Historical Fiction (Norway)
- Read Around the World: Western Europe (Norway)
- Read my own shelf: Gifted
The Bones Beneath My Skin by T. J. Klune (2018)
Narrated by Kirt Graves
I have mixed thoughts about this one. I wouldn’t quite call this the “spine-tingling thriller” that the description states. It was, however, certainly a “strange story.” It was a mix of genres – all of them outside my normal comfort zones. I was aware of the sci-fi/fantasy element, but I was surprised by the romance and paranormal elements. It’s about an unexpected trio who have quite the adventure together, and their relationships was what I enjoyed the most. My favorite character was Art, the eccentric and precocious 10-year-old girl who is the glue that keeps Alex and Nate together through the story. Alex is devoted to keeping Art safe no matter what, and Nate, who is grieving after the tragic loss of his parents and job, is drawn into their drama. It was a book very different from my usual reading experience and made for an interesting book club discussion. ⭐️⭐⭐️
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (2024)
Narrated by George Weightman and Katie Leung
I knew going in that this book was outside my comfort zone with its time travel element, but the blurb and then accolades (a book on Barack Obama’s Summer 2024 Reading List and a Modern Mrs Darcy minimalist pick in Summer Reading Guide 2024) convinced me to give it a try. Unfortunately, it was not for me. Even though I had a physical copy, I chose to listen to it. Part of my dissatisfaction might be that I chose the wrong format for me because I had a hard time keeping track of the five expat characters. The story was certainly original but not particularly hilarious as the description promised. The time travel element was too tough for me to wrap my head around. At the end, I didn’t really understand what had happened. As I told a friend after I’d finished it, I was not smart enough for that book. Obviously, I am of the minority opinion. ⭐️⭐️
- Summer Reading Challenge: A genre outside my comfort zone; A book from any summer reading list
- Read my own shelf: BOTM selection
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (2024)
I needed something back in my comfort zone after the previous paranormal and time travel books, so I picked this out of my list of unread ebooks. I was at first turned off by the affair-resulting-in-pregnancy between Margo and her college professor, and then I was dubious about her choice to start an OnlyFans account to earn money as a sex worker. But over time, I grew to admire Margo for how smart and determined she was to become financially independent and how she handled her relationships with her mother, estranged father, and the world in general. It was a welcomed return to realistic fiction, very contemporary which was fresh. And it was set in LA County which was a bonus. I look forward to seeing the adaptation filmed on the college campus mentioned in the book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Summer Reading Challenge: A book with an adaptation; A book set in California
- Read my own shelf: Purchase
What have you been reading lately?
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Try needle felting while making sweet spring-themed ornaments for a Swedish påskris or Easter tree. In this virtual class, students will work alongside Seattle-based artist Kayla Ann and practice forming 3D objects and adding miniature details using the materials from the provided kit. Students will leave class with fundamental needle felting skills and a handful of colorful ornaments to celebrate spring.
Salmon is a staple of Nordic cuisine, and in this one-hour demo, Kristi will share some favorite ways to serve it from her blog, 
Create the cutest spring rabbit in this afternoon-long class! Students will follow instructor Laura’s step-by-step instructions to transform hand-dyed wool from her family’s own sheep into a felted rabbit that will fit in the palm of your hand. Needle felting is fun, easy, and therapeutic, and as your wooly friend comes to life, you’ll enjoy conversation with other students and learn more about wool and the sheep who produced your kit materials! Kits ($32 value) are included in the class fee.
Take a page from Nichole Accettola’s recent cookbook 
Swedish smörgåsbord has a fun and fascinating history, and we’ll cover both the history, etiquette, and some of the classic dishes typically served at this vast buffet. As we talk, we’ll prepare a light five-course tasting menu with each course representing the progression of tables in a smörgåsbord.
Join Swedish writer and filmmaker Maja Hagerman for a compelling discussion on her extensive research on the spread of racial theories in academic communities in the Nordic countries between 1910 and 1935, with a focus on Swedish race biologist Herman Lundborg. Hagerman’s research formed the basis of her documentary film, to be screened virtually at a later date. Presented in conjunction with 
Gather some tips and tricks for building a smörgåstårta, or Swedish sandwich cake, at home. This savory centerpiece uses sandwich fillings of all varieties to feed a large group with style. Kristi Bissell of 
Join Vesterheim Gold Medalist Charles Banks as he guides you through the creation of your very own flat plane figure carving. For this class, we will carve a Scandinavian classic, a stylized Nordic Fjords Man. Following the tradition of flat plane figure carving, you will use only a single knife to carve out this character. You will receive an overview of the history and traditions of this style of carving, be introduced to the cuts and techniques of the reductive carving process, and learn finishing techniques – all culminating in your very own carving. Live instruction and video tutorials will be utilized as educational tools, as well as practice sticks, a unique “head study,” and printed imagery of your character. Enrollment deadline: April 16.
Learn to tackle a classic Swedish princesstårta in this virtual demo with Kristi of 
If you’ve ever thought about trying rosemaling, here’s a great opportunity to take the brush in hand! Rosemaling is the wonderful folk art of Norway that is based on the flowing scrolls and flowers that are made up of “C” and “S” strokes. This class introduces students to these basic strokes that are the foundation of rosemaling, as well as the detailed line work that completes a rosemaling project. The class will include demonstrations and plenty of hands-on practice. Students will practice strokes and complete a project on board. The class will be taught using acrylic paint. If you’ve painted with oil, this would be a good opportunity to explore acrylics. A complete kit of supplies (a $45 value) is included in the cost of enrollment. Enrollment deadline: May 9.
Curious about how tapestries are made and ready to try your hand at pictorial weaving? This most ancient form of textile creation is rich with history and an invitation for creative expression. Master weaver Laura Berlage will take you on a multi-week journey into the magical world of tapestry, where you will learn to transform warp and weft into a peaceful sunset landscape, measuring approximately 10 x 10 inches. Starting with a simple frame loom, focus will be given to establishing good tapestry technique and learning the process for horizontal and angled forms – beginning with foundational geometrics and building into more naturalistic forms. Fundamentals of cartoon creation and shading will also be covered, and we’ll explore tapestry pieces from Vesterheim’s collection along the way. Enrollment deadline: May 12.
Open up those cupboards and freezers and dig out some pantry staples to whip up cozy snacks for cold winter days! Kristi Bissell of 
Join celebrated Norwegian Arctic cultural presenter and preserver Stina Fagertun to hear folktales from north of the Arctic Circle. Gather the family together to listen to Stina and be brought to the Arctic Circle with some ancient stories and folktales. The stories will delight the children and whoever else in the family loves a good story.
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 taught by Áila O’Loughlin 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!
Sámi author and journalist Elin Anna Labba will discuss her latest publication 
Spend an evening exploring Scandinavian silver work by creating your silver and gold-washed earrings! Ever wonder why sølje pins have those shiny dangles with silver disc drops? These discs are called “spoons” or “shells” in Norwegian. Historically, silver has long been seen as a protective element against evil and abduction by the hulder folk (hidden folk) in Scandinavian folklore. Legend has it that should you run into the devil wearing your sparkling sølje, he would see his reflection and run away! Don’t run away from a chance to create your earrings in this short class designed to introduce you to the beauty of Scandinavian silver work. Students will assemble up to two pairs of earrings using multiple disc elements suspended from sterling silver French hook ear wires.
Even though I didn’t quite follow through on all my end-of-year reading intentions, I’m happy and satisfied with how the 2024 reading year wrapped up! Unfortunately, I got waylaid with delays from library holds and an attempted read that ended up not working for me. Instead I seized the moment and jumped into a holiday read that crossed my path.
In the “How to Winter” workshop, Kari Leibowitz will share research and practical strategies participants can use to embrace winter wherever they live. Drawing from her psychological research experience, her time living in the Arctic of Norway, and her travels to Nordic countries researching how to embrace winter, Kari will help participants learn how to cultivate a more positive wintertime mindset. Kari will also share interactive exercises for making winter wonderful and highlight how these evidence-based practices can help you find meaning and opportunity in times of darkness or difficulty year-round. Join us to participate in the chat, to expand your mindset, and to embrace the cold, dark days of winter!
This is the first in a series of four live lectures that will be held on Wednesdays in January. Each lecture has a separate registration. The Sámi are the only recognized Indigenous people in Europe whose lands, Sápmi, are claimed and divided by the Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, and Russian nation-states. Despite the central roles they’ve played in the political, economic, and cultural histories of Northern Europe, the Sámi are commonly depicted as ahistorical wildlings whose lands are an unused frontier, ripe for development today. This series illuminates how untrue those depictions are. “Sámi History 101” examines the fundaments of Sámi history and culture, surveying oral histories, subsistence practices, societal organization, symbols of Sámi culture, and historical relations with neighbors. For information on the other sessions, visit 
Before bakers bought yeast at the store, they captured and used natural yeasts at home, and these flavors and techniques are essential to recreating certain Nordic breads. While we can use commercial yeast today, baking with natural yeast, otherwise known as a sourdough starter, still adds nutrition, flavor, and good keeping quality to breads of all kinds. In this hour-long demo, Kristi Bissell of 
Join woodcarver Steph Hughes and learn the art of kolrosing while being inspired by the story of the sloop Restauration, which will be the subject of the kolrosing design. Come learn as a family by kolrosing the ship that brought some of the first Norwegian immigrant families to America. There is no live Zoom event and no scheduled class time – your family can participate anytime during the month when it works for your schedule. Price includes a special folk art class kit designed for two participants to explore kolrosing. The kit includes all materials needed, some images from the Vesterheim collection as inspiration, and a treat.
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.
The Museum hosts genealogy sessions the fourth Saturday of most months via Zoom. In January, Dan Hubbard will present “I” is for Identity Crisis: Part 1 of 2. We think of identity as something fixed and simple, but as we try to reconstruct the identities of long-gone people, we need to realize that identity is a much slipperier concept. The things we use to define a person’s identity can change during that person’s lifetime. There are also questions of how a person self-identifies, the motivations they can have for changing how they self-identify, and how those changes affect the records they leave behind. Part 2 will take place Saturday, 2/22 (
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.
Norway has a variety of more than 450 different folk costumes, many of which feature highly embellished aprons, purses, beaded breastplates, and other adornment. Join textiles instructor Jane Addams and Vesterheim Chief Curator Laurann Gilbertson as they explore examples of the fine handcraft that makes each style of bunad so striking and special.
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.
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.
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.
Join Kristi Bissell of