My reading has been quite irregular and unusual over the last couple of months. I’ve been slowly reading my way through a doorstop of a Norwegian book (still not done!). Meanwhile, I’ve been listening to audiobooks on drives and walks, so all my finished books recently are audiobooks. Usually, there’s much more of an even split. There was also travel and illness, both of them potential opportunities for more reading, but that didn’t turn out to be the case. I was also busy planning a trip to South Korea which was time-consuming (and from which I’ve now returned). But when looking back at what I did complete, even though fewer than usual, they were generally very enjoyable and satisfying. On top of that, I added three countries –South Korea, Jordan, and Canada – to this year’s Read Around the World challenge, which felt especially productive.
What have you been reading lately?
Beasts of a Little Land by Juhea Kim (2021)
Narrated by Sue Jean Kim and Raymond Lee
The setting — Korea during the 20th century, starting in 1917 during the Japanese occupation and continuing through Korea’s independence in 1945 — was exactly what I wanted as I looked forward to a trip to South Korea. The story followed Jade, a courtesan-in-training, and JungHo, an orphan-turned-revolutionary. Their lives intertwined with various characters from different walks of life and political sides both in Pyongyang and Seoul. Even though there were a lot of characters and relationships to keep track of and the development sometimes felt a little disjointed and uneven, I greatly appreciated the insight into Korean history and enjoyed following Jade’s coming of age during this turbulent time. ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️
Note regarding audiobook verses ebook: I mostly listened to the book. Though the narrators were great, I think I would have benefited from reading more of the book so I could have seen the characters’ names, especially the male names, and kept better track of them. If you’re more of a visual than auditory person, I recommend reading it rather than listening to it, unless you’re familiar with Korean names.
- Read Around the World: Central & East Asia (Korea)
The Confusion of Languages by Siobhan Fallon (2017)
Narrated by Jorjeana Marie and Lauren Fortgang
This book has been on my radar a long time. The setting and premise intrigued me: two American military wives in Jordan in May 2011 during the rise of the Arab Spring. Cassie is familiar with the customs and expectations; Margaret is newly arrived and naive. After a fender bender, Margaret leaves her son with Cassie while she goes to the police station to handle the situation. However, Margaret doesn’t return as expected and Cassie becomes increasingly concerned. The structure was engaging. The story alternated between Cassie’s first person narration of the current day and Margaret’s journal looking back into the past (which Cassie is reading). The setting was interesting, but unfortunately, I wasn’t a fan of either woman so that took away from my enjoyment of the whole story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Read Around the World: Middle East/North Africa (Jordan)
The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave (2024)
Narrated by Julia Whelan
The chance to join a group to discuss the book with the author bumped this book to the top of my TBR list. It’s a slow burn mystery about two estranged half siblings, Nora and Sam, who come together after the unexpected death of their father. Though ruled accidental, they suspect foul play. Together, they begin their own investigation into what happened that night. The timeline alternates between Nora’s narration of the present and the past as experienced by the father. The merging of the two timelines to illuminate what happened was satisfying. I really enjoyed the siblings’ relationship and was intrigued by Nora’s occupation as a neuro architect. ⭐️⭐⭐️⭐️
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum (2022)
Translated from the Korean by Shanna Tan (2024)
Narrated by Rosa Escoda
With a trip to South Korea coming up, I couldn’t resist adding this to my TBR list. This was a quiet, cozy, and satisfying read. It’s about a woman who, after a personal crisis, returns to an old dream and opens a bookshop in a small residential area outside Seoul. Slowly but surely, it welcomes a regular group of customers and is transformed into a thriving neighborhood space. There are many characters that weave through the story; all of them have past or current issues that they’re dealing with. It was a heartwarming and hopeful book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Read Around the World: Central & East Asia (South Korea)
- Read my own shelf: purchase
Still Life (Three Pines, Book 1) by Louise Penny (2005)
Narrated by Ralph Cosham
This was recommended to me years ago, and I’ve been intrigued by the fascination so many people have with Louise Penny and her series for a long time. I don’t know why I waited this long. I really enjoyed it. I loved Inspector Gamache – so calm, observant, and thoughtful. I really enjoyed the setting and people of Three Pines, a little village in Quebec outside of Montreal, and how life in this small town was portrayed; and I was very satisfied with how the murder mystery was developed and resolved. I will definitely be reading more of this series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Read Around the World: North America (Canada)
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 
