I really enjoyed this book - it begins with an overview of some of the various cultural terms that equate closely to cosy, like hygge, lagom, and others. With those terms explained, Melissa Alvarez then moves on to ideas for bringing that cosy, calming, and settling feeling into your own life. There's a number of different areas she covers, so there should be a suggestion in here for almost everyone - if you can't access nature, for example, there's plenty of suggestions for clearing your head without ever leaving your own home.
A comprehensive little book, and one I'll absolutely be buying when it's released.

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was aware of the concept of hygge before reading this book and while there were parts of it I agreed with and enjoyed, the book was ruined for me by the sanctimonious tone of the author. The author clearly knows a lot about the metaphysical world and she weaves the topic of coziness into a spiritual practice in a way that makes sense but at the same time seems condescending. There was just something about the tone that didn't resonate with me and that is the reason I gave this book such a low rating. My interest waned with every page I read & I really wanted to like the book because I agree with the theme and overall points the author wanted to make.

This is a non-fiction (not my normal read) but I love the title & the ideas & help this book gives really makes me want to live more Hygge! The book gives good practices & suggestions on how to make your life more cozy, and simple. I can not wait to put some of the practices & tips into my own life.

In all fairness, I was left a little stumped and not so cozy. The book felt like it was going in circles and rather that portraying a calming setting, I was left confused by the "cozy" feeling I am accustomed to. It didn't provide any real helpful suggestions. Sure "me time" is great, but this version is all to hippie and out there for me. I'm sure this writing style will appeal to a certain audience and I requested it in hopes to be that audience, but not for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Melissa Alvarez for allowing me to read and review The Simplicity of Cozy. I thought that this was a well-written, interesting book. I would love to listen to an audio version of it. 4/4

I received a free e-book copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Simplicity of Cozy promises to teach its reader how to improve her life by focusing on and tending to coziness and the magic of simple, everyday moments. So far, so good. Unfortunately, after reading carefully the first few chapters and skimming the rest, it seems to me that "coziness" and "hygge" are just concepts the author has added to the book to make it more marketable, along with "minimalism". Otherwise, the book concerns itself mainly with various ways of achieving a more spiritual and more mindful lifestyle, while making infrequent references to the concept of coziness. This would be fine if you are interested in this kind of thing, and I respect the author's approach, but it is just not quite what I wanted to find in this book. (Hint - it was focus on coziness.)

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
Rarely have I found a book that I cannot find something good to say about. But, this is one. Talking in circles, never actually making a point, trying instead to mystify the reader with buzzwords and mumbo-jumbo.
For example, "now that doesn't mean you'll never experiences (!) difficulties - you will because some lessons chosen prior to birth are hard....". (Sorry, I'm not aware of lessons that I chose PRIOR to my being born!)
Another example, "as you sit there, purposefully imagine the positivity of white light moving though your frequency, your own personal vibration, the energy of all that you are". Yeah, okay. Maybe too much coffee?
I honestly could not finish this book. Maybe somewhere after the first quarter of claptrap the author settles down and makes some sense? Perhaps, but I know I won't be finding out.
Skip it!

This book seemed like a good idea. But then it quickly spirals down to trendy and what's in right now. The author uses lots of buzz words and seems to over do all the hip things like 'energy',Hygge, Lagom, psychic stuff. I'm sure someone may like the book but not me.

I really enjoyed reading the chapters on the history of hygge, lagom, and other similar life philosophies around the world. However, the rest of the book felt like a beginner's guide to self-care. Which is perfectly okay in its own right, and I'm sure there is an audience for it, but I found it too simplistic, after those first chapters which were really fascinating.

I came across The Simplicity of Cozy and had the pleasure of being able to read it. This book is a fountain of knowledge. I truly enjoyed not only expanding my own personal growth but learning more about the history of Hygge.

This book will help you find other ways to experience your own version of "Cozy". I was able to explore the different meaning of hygge/cozy through different countries, the history was fascinating and well detailed. I felt like I had a better understanding after finishing the book. I do plan to revisit the book through the year and more than likely throughout my life. The book contained exercises to help you connect with your own spiritual self.

I will say the book focuses more on your inner spiritual path through cozy than anything materialistic surrounding you. Yes, the book has suggestions like soaking in the tub with candles for example but it's still about you connecting with the water and decompressing. It allows you to become apart of the world instead of rushing through life. It was nice taking the time to try the exercises and take a few suggestions from the book to improve my life/home personal space to experience my own version of cozy.

I got to read an early e book edition from NetGalley. The version of the book I saw has no pictures. There is a lot of information about Hygge and other similar concepts in this book but I always appreciate some colorful pictures in a book like this.

This book focuses a lot on a New Age side to Hygge and Hygge-like concepts. It’s a lot about focusing inward rather than on environment.
That’s a neutral comment not a negative one. What you like in a book of this style could be different than what I like.
There is surely plenty of information. It’s just not in a format that I love.

Cozy is one of my favorite words and feelings. I love the global focus of this book in exploring the emphasis and understanding of cozy around the world. It's very focused on your soul being attuned to the world around you, and a bit new age in that regard. Overall it feels like the author found what's trendy and used a bunch of buzzwords and common concepts to try and create a book about spirituality, but it feels disjointed and flat. The book started strong, but fell apart very quickly in my opinion.

Winter in the Northeast – a season I both love and loathe. I hate the cold and driving in what amounts to an ice rink, but I love the fact that the awful weather allows me to be lazy during my time, off, curling up under a blanket with a good book. Nowadays, lots of people are getting into this “movement”, whether you call it hygge, lagom, or something else, finding a way to be comfortable and cozy has become a lifestyle. Alvarez showcases the lifestyle in countries around the world (most of them with long, cold winters) and show readers how to create their own corner of calm and relaxation

Who doesn't like to feel cozy? This book gives you valuable advice on how to get that feeling from many different cultures and ways.