This summer reinforced just how powerful a dedicated reading challenge can be. Having that structure kept me on track, gave me a sense of momentum, and took the uncertainty out of choosing what to read next. Also, I loved the sense of community with my work colleagues that came about as a result of this shared reading challenge.
An added bonus was that as part of this reading challenge, I was able to count two books toward my ongoing Nordic Literature Reading Challenge, which was especially satisfying. Sadly, my literary travels beyond Europe stalled, so that will be a priority for the fall. Luckily, I already have plenty of books on my shelf that fit that goal.
How was your summer reading?
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab (2020)
Audiobook Narrated by Julia Whelan
After long being on my radar but me being uninterested in reading it due to it being fantasy, I finally read it since it was selected for my book club. It generally alternated between Addie’s current life in 2014 in New York City and her past starting 300 years ago in France when she sold her soul to live forever. The cost was that no one would remember her. However, that changed in 2014 when she met Henry who actually did remember her. I enjoyed the structure with the alternating timelines, and the glimpses into how she learned to live with the conditions of the curse were interesting. Despite it beginning to feel a bit repetitive over time, I did really enjoy the story, probably aided by the fact that the audiobook was excellent. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Summer Reading Challenge: A book from an author’s backlist; A book with a dual timeline; A banned book
Dream State by Eric Puchner (2025)
Set in Montana, this is a story about college friends that takes place over decades. It begins with a wedding in 2004 at which the bride makes a decision that will dramatically change the lives of the groom and best man, two college friends, and have long lasting effects on their families to come. It is not a light and easy read, but a deep and thought-provoking read about relationships and the long lasting consequences of our actions. The element of climate change interspersed throughout was unexpected but interesting. I really enjoyed the book. Might I be biased because it’s by an author from my alma mater and featured friends from there and even included chapters that took place there, and I read it for a college girlfriend reunion? Maybe so. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Summer Reading Challenge: A book about friends; A book that spans decades
- Read Around the World: North America (Montana, USA)
- Read my own shelf: Gifted
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent (2013)
This story takes place in Iceland in the 1820s and is based on the true story of the woman who was the last person to be executed in Iceland. Agnes was charged with the brutal murder of two men and sent to an isolated farm to await execution. As winter passes and her execution nears, Agnes shares her story with the local priest assigned to her spiritual care, and over time, the family’s initial hostility softens as they begin to understand the circumstances around her situation. I enjoyed the book, especially the strong sense of time and place, but I wasn’t totally enthralled by the story itself. ⭐️⭐⭐️
- Summer Reading Challenge: A book set in a place you want to visit; A book from your TBR list
- Nordic Literature Reading Challenge: Iceland / Historical Lit or Free Choice
- Read Around the World: Western Europe (Iceland)
What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown (2025)
Audiobook Narrated by Helen Laser and Peter Ganim
This was a mystery and coming-of-age story that takes places in the 1990s rural Montana and dot-com era in San Francisco. Jane grew up with her father in an isolated cabin off the grid in Montana. All she knew about her past was that they used to live in the Bay Area but moved after her mother died in a car accident. As Jane became older she began to question the world beyond their cabin. When Jane unwittingly becomes a piece of a horrible crime, she strikes out on her own to navigate next steps. It questions the role of technology in our lives and was a fun and engaging throwback to the 1990s. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Summer Reading Challenge: A new release
- Read Around the World: North America (Montana, USA)
The Guest List by Lucy Foley (2020)
This features an exclusive wedding on a remote Irish island. The story with its alternating perspectives between the bride, the bridesmaid, the best man, the plus one, and the wedding planner certainly kept me turning the pages eager to find out what happened next. However, they were all such unlikeable characters! And they had so many secrets amongst themselves. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Summer Reading Challenge: A wedding-themed book; A book from your TBR list
- Read Around the World: Western Europe (Ireland)
- Read my own shelf: BOTM
Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson (2025)
Audiobook Narrated by Marin Ireland 
I really enjoyed this road trip book in which four half siblings – who did not know of each other before – are on a quest across country to find their common father. They are all so different with totally unique experiences with their dad which added an intriguing piece to the story. I loved seeing this found family flourish over time. I highly recommend the audiobook! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Summer Reading Challenge: A book set on a mode of transportation
Bluebird, Bluebird (Highway 59, # 1) by Attica Locke (2017)
No disappointment when I finally read this book which has been on my TBR list for a long while, and I will gladly continue the series. Set in a small, rural town in East Texas, it was a suspenseful noir following a suspended Black Texas Ranger as he investigated the murders of a Black man from Chicago and a local white woman. It had a strong sense of place with memorable characters. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Summer Reading Challenge: A book in a series; A book with an animal in the title or on the cover
- Read Around the World: North America (Texas, USA)
Olive Kitteridge (Olive Kitteridge #1) by Elizabeth Strout (2008)
My friend was right. Elizabeth Strout is a great author. Olive Kitteridge, a retired school teacher in her 70s, is the thread that binds the stories in this book together. Taking place in a coastal town in Maine, Olive is the main character in some stories while in others she just makes a cameo appearance. Olive is a memorable character – not always likeable but always honest. I grew to really like her. (FYI, reading the physical book worked much better for me than listening to the audiobook because of the jumps in time.) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Summer Reading Challenge: A book by a friend’s favorite author; An award winner or nominee (Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, 2009)
- Read Around the World: North America (Maine, USA)
These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean (2025)
This was the most fun book of the summer. Set on a private island along the coast of Rhode Island over a week, it is about a super rich, dysfunctional family dealing with the sudden death of the father. He left in place an inheritance game they all had to participate in, including a sibling who had been excluded from the family five years ago. There’s sibling and family drama of course, but also an unexpected romance. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Summer Reading Challenge: A beach read
- Read my own shelf: BOTM
- Read Around the World: North America (Rhode Island, USA)
Island by Siri Ranva Hjelm Jacobsen (2016)
Translated from the Danish by Caroline Waight (2020)
This was my first experience with the Faroe Islands, a self-governing archipelago in the North Atlantic that’s part of Denmark. It is the story of a young Danish woman who explores her family’s history and connection to the Faroe Islands. It was interesting to get some insight into the culture and history of the Faroe Islands, but oftentimes it was hard to follow the story as it jumped back and forth in time and place between the three generations of the family. ⭐️⭐️
- Summer Reading Challenge: A book in translation
- Nordic Literature Reading Challenge: Denmark / Free Choice
- Read Around the World: Western Europe (Faroe Islands, Denmark)
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.
