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Rating: 
Summary: Great book for traveling or just learning about Denmark!
Review: After a trip to Denmark, I found this gem of a book. I could relate to many of things written in the book, but learned much much more. The author certainly knows his subject and writes so that everyone who reads it will have a better understanding of the Danish people and their culture. It also explains the school, medical and government system in an easily understandable way. A true MUST for any traveler or just for good, interesting reading. I know it will assist me when I make a return trip!
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Summary: Interesting, but more discouraging than insightful.
Review: I purchased this book prior to moving to Denmark from the US. This was the second Culture Shock book which I purchased and I have been disappointed with both books. Overall, I find the Culture Shock series to present the worse stereotypes of a culture. Some people may find these stereotypes to be true, but I certainly have not experienced all of the difficulties which the author has described. The author is Danish, but has returned to Denmark after living in Asia for a good number of years. You will find the author lamenting about such things as not being able to find someone to wire his stereo for him which he blames on the Danish mind of being self sufficient. I do think that the author does have some valuable insights into the Danish culture, particularly the welfare state. However, overall I found the advice to be discouraging rather than useful and not indicative of what I have experience during my past year and a half in Denmark. I would recommend referencing one of the guide books such as Rough Guide or Lonely Planet instead.
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Summary: some good advice, but disdain for dk permeates text
Review: I'm an American who lived in DK for a time and am returning. I thought the book would help because I had some problems previosly adjusting to danish culture. For example, it took me a long time to realize that cultural traits such as no customer service, the lack of polite words in the language itself and the general shyness of people wasn't personal. (i actually hated some things) But this author goes so far as to hate every aspect of danish culture to the point where it becomes a distraction. He hates the people, the weather, the countryside, the government, tax. At the end of the book he leaves the country because he couldn't adjust. So, don't expect this book to help you adjust and don't take the text that seriously. The author has a very skewed, seeming angry perspective of DK (even from my pov as someone with a few grudges against the country...I found myself taking the danish side) It may be helpful still to have a basic overview and it gives some advice on where to look for a job, orgs to contact for help, ect. Overall the book was slightly useful but some of it is untrue and prejudiced.
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Summary: Culture Shock Denmark
Review: The only reason I did not give this book 5 stars is because I would have enjoyed more pictures. But that is my own personal preference. I am moving to Denmark soon and marrying a Dane. This book was fabulous! My husband-to-be would TELL me things about Denmark; The Law of Jante, the no-nonsense way they provide service, and the humanitarian attitude for all people, but I didn't really understand it as being universal until reading this book. It enlightened me and I am extremely grateful that I found this book and read it. I recommend it for anyone planning to travel to Denmark or planning to live there, as I am.
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Summary: Revisiting my Culture
Review: There are books that give information on Danish tourist attractions, exchange rates, the weather and train schedules. This excellent book gives information on the Danes and how they interact in daily living. In an honest and thoughtful way, Morten Strange paints a picture of the Danes, how they interact, their problems, and their beauty. He ties in his own personal experiences which make it interesting and thought provoking. Don't visit or move to Denmark without reading this!
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Summary: Focuses on PEOPLE, not BUILDINGS
Review: This book is a dream come true for the serious traveler to Denmark who really wants to know about the Danish people, not just their historic sites, architecture and museums. This is not a travel guide, but it is a map of the heart and soul of the people who inhabit the country.Strange teases out all the uniquenesses and eccentricities of his fellow countrymen, and, because he has lived and worked outside of Denmark, is able to compare the Danish culture with others, notably American and British culture. The book is chock full of facts and statistics about Denmark, and, though it is written ostensibly for people who are moving to the country, I found it excellent preparation for my upcoming two-week vacation in Denmark. I feel that I have a headstart now in entering into conversations with people and interpreting their actions and reactions. Even the parts that are specific to those who will live in Denmark are interesting, as they give insight to the way Danes live their everyday life. Lest this book be labeled a "Chamber of Commerce"-style full-length advertisement for Denmark, it is important to point out that Strange is blatantly honest about the shortcomings he sees in his country. Overall, this book is an easy read, with short, digestible chapters. It has convinced me to check out the "Culture Shock" books for all of the countries I will travel to in the future.
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Summary: Terrible!
Review: This book was a terrible introduction to Denmark and the Danes, primarily because it was soooo negative! When I arrived in Denmark I found the Danes to be nothing like the ogres described in this book. I did, however, give the book two stars because there are some good things in there about the government and history. Choose another book as your introduction to Denmark!
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