This book by Aini Rajanen is a wonderful read for anyone interested in a brief look at the Finnish culture. Ms. Rajanen's point of view is quite entertaining and with a good sense of humor. From SISU to sauna (pronounced sow-na) to a few recipies I think this book is well worth reading. I heartily reccomend this title.

I would especially recommend this book to those planning a trip to Finland. Raganen summarizes well the various aspects of Finnish culture and history. A somewhat informal tone makes "Of Finnish Ways" a fast read, but one that provides a fitting tribute to an exemplary, exceptional people, those whom the Russians call "The Unusual People."

Boose has pulled together a wonderful collection of stories from the oral tradition all five of the Scandinavian Countries and it is that that makes this collection unique and valuable. It combines the work of the likes of Anderson of Denmark, Asbjornsen of Norway and Djurklou of Sweden as well as other less prolific folklorists.Notation occurs in the Introduction in more narrative form which is a bit hard to access when you are interested in only one of the stories. I would have prefered a more accessable arrangement. The stories have been retained in oral lanquage and are in very tellable form. If you only want one book of tales from these countries or want a place to start this is clearly the book.

Excellent variety of stories. Some parents may find some of the stories too graphic regarding witches and trolls, etc. Some of the stories are just plain fun and the imagery is excellent. A good book to share with children or for recalling stories from a Scandinavian childhood.

These stories are readable and re-readable and leave the reader hungering for more. This reader has led me to seek out the whole Kalevala in the author's recommended translation. These stories are touching, haunting, and ring ever so true. They opened my eyes to a clearer understanding and appreciation of the Finnish women I have known (mother, grandmother, aunts) in recent generations. Somehow the author has captured the spirit of these real people in these fictional narratives. I found it hard to let go of. I heartily recommend it to one and all, but especially to women of Finnish ancestry and those who might know or wish to know better their Finnish family and psychological heritage.

This author has a gift for taking the elusive, repetitive runes of the Kalevala and weaving riveting personal tales of the women. All too often in many cultures, women are overlooked. The author presents her characterizations in the form of short stories that are highly readable and told from the too often mute woman's point of view.

The 8 tales presented here are not direct quotes from the epic poem, but, are very true in spirit to the collected folk tales. Because of the difference in medium (prose versus verse) the characters have a chance to come to life - Louhi in all her majesty and power, the sad Aino, silly Kylli - times when women were bartered to the men with the most power. You get glimpses into their sad daily lives of hard work, and their all-to-few moments of joy. Who among us can imagine the pain of being a young lady at that time, knowing that you would likely be given to some old, powerful man in marriage? Or the agony of falling in love with someone only to be told that you would be forced to marry another?

For a Finnish-American, I would put this book high on my list of must-reads, mainly because of the clarity it brings to so many of the Kalevala heros and heroines. Culturally, it also gives a clear picture of what daily life for so many was like, and for some, is still like (in the eastern portions of Finland).

This is a festschrift by various Finland Swedish writers and other citizens of Helsingfors (Helsinki). The selections vary in quality, of course, but there are number of charming reminiscences. The memoir by a writer who as a young girl was befriended by Tove Jansson is worth the price of the book alone, especially the joke certificate Tove drew for her.

This book uses seven of Alvar Aalto's most notable buildings to illustrate his working methods, his skills and his theories. When I picked it up I was a bit worried: How do you sum up fifty years of steady practice in seven buildings? Well, I got my answer. This is not a summary. Rather than a page or two on the hundreds of buildings & projects Aalto did, this book is an in depth study of a few major works. The essays are wonerful, the photos & sketches are great. A fine look at one of the true masters of the craft.

The Blue Mother centers around the recollections of two brothers. Man, are these two screwed up fellas! Benno is a mentally ill basket case who's institutionalized for an attempted suicide due to several bizarre homosexual encounters. His brother Raf may be more intelligently aware, but he's a psycological basket-case as well as alcoholic & marital cheat. The book has a soap opera-like theme to it, but Kihlman is a brilliant writer and the novel is hallucinatorily surreal. Here's another amazing writer virtually unknown to American readers & it's a shame. He's a genius.

Very unique book. Every page is suitable for framing. When used as a coffee table book with many people it shines because you can pass around the pages instead of handing around the whole book.

Jakobson, who was Finland's ambassador to the UN and to Sweden, captures Finnish culture extremely well. Beginning with a basic history of Finland, Jakobsen goes on to describe the Finnish problems during World War II with useful details. This of course, is important to know for his analysis of Finnish foreign policy during the cold war. Jakobsen offers a new view of Finland during this period, counter the popular idea of 'The Finland syndrome' which was unfortunately associated with Finland during this time. I studied in Turku during 1999 (Turun Kaupporkorkeakoulu). I wished I would have read this book before I went as it provides true insight into Finnish culture and history!

I have never traveled to Finland, but after reading this book, one will feel like they have journeyed there many times! The author beautifully portrays the simple yet elegant Finnish living designs and also brings the reader though the seasons in order to experience a more up close and personal Finland. The pictures are beautiful, bright, and do help the reader to have more of a "feel" of the land and people of Finland.

"The house is like its master", states a Finnish Proverb, which greets the reader at the beginning of the book. Gaynor depicts Finland to the reader in both black and white and incredibly vivid color. Her narratives throughout the book are wonderful and one will feel that they are totally immersed into the experience of touring the countryside with the author! The richness of the people, portrayed through their simplistic lifestyle, is very much evident.

The reader is also bought into the design of the exterior of the buildings and I loved the pictures of all the different doorways! The taste of the architectural adventure and history is a treat! Sources are also listed at the back of the book if one wishes to purchase Finnish furniture or accessories.

I heartily recommend this book, whether one is contemplating a trip to this Nordic country, or whether one has a fascination for the culture and experience of Finland. This book will easily feed your fascination as you cannot help but devour chapter after chapter! The photographer, Kari Haavisto, is also to be commended for the beauty of the land as seen through her eyes. The reader will definitely walk away with a more revered perspective for the people, their land, and their lifestyle.