This was an odd book that was all over the place for me. It would have been a DNF if I weren't reading an ARC, but then the ending somewhat redeemed it for me. I'm going to settle on 2.5 stars, rounded up. The biggest problem with the book was that the protagonist, Paulie Johansson, was aggressively unlikable for the majority of the story. In a novel about personal growth, that's far too much time for me to spend with someone I can't stand. The learning curve/redemption arc at the end was just too little, too late for me overall. Here's the plot: Paulie has landed herself a spot on a Swedish reality TV show that connects the winner with their Swedish family (through the modern miracle of DNA tracing). There are some very funny scenes, lots of excellent Pippi Longstocking references, and a general sense of chaos. Solid themes of redemption and hope. I will probably give future books by Franson a try. Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for a digital review copy.

3.4 (because I just can’t round up to 4 stars on this one)

I really don’t know how to describe “Big in Sweden” or my feelings about it. I was skeptical at first, but then got really into the set up and how one drunken Christmas Eve night with her best friend could lead to the best thing Paulie has ever had happen and a way forward to better things.

However, we soon realize that Paulie drinks a lot particularly when it’s a bad idea, like she has something really important to do first thing in the morning and it’s already late or drinking alone with someone she is trying to avoid because she is attracted to him but also in a relationship. This is one of those where you you’re not sure which love interest is better or if either of them are a good idea. The latter was my leaning.

The book is chock-full of detailed, fascinating, and intimate history and imagery of Sweden from top to bottom which is unique for a book like this (American vs. a Swedish book translated). Unfortunately, Paulie is such a mess and it’s kind of amazing that anyone likes her because she is selfish and it’s hard to like her a lot of the time. She walked in totally blind to what could be a life-changing situation and was her own worst enemy. I wanted to like this much more than I did. The settings and cast of characters along the way are fantastic however and that made it enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

I wanted to like it - I kinda did? - but I feel like ultimately I didn't connect with the writing. I tried to read it a few times, and every time realized I wasn't having fun so I moved on to something else. Maybe one day I will finish it. I love the premise though. And the cover is great.

3.5 stars! I really enjoyed Sally Franson's debut A LADY'S GUIDE TO SELLING OUT, and love books set in the realm of reality TV, so I was thrilled to receive an ARC of BIG IN SWEDEN. The premise sounded so unique and fun—Paulie Johansson accepts the opportunity of a lifetime and boards a plane to Sweden to star in a reality competition show there...and possibly meet the family she never knew. Forced to take on outrageous challenges and bond with her fellow contestants, Paulie's about to learn so much more about family, friendship, love, and maybe even herself along the way.

The writing style of BIG IN SWEDEN was a definite highlight for me—Sally Franson's writing is so sharp and witty, and compulsively readable! I thought she did a fantastic job of developing the setting, too. I loved reading the descriptions of all of the different sights Paulie and her castmates saw, and the things they did (the chapter where they went to the ABBA Museum was an especially fun one!). While the story is generally lighthearted, I also appreciated the focus on deeper themes, like self-discovery, found family, identity, and belonging. BIG IN SWEDEN will make you laugh, but it will also make you think, and Franson establishes a good balance of humorous and heartfelt moments throughout. Additionally, I thought the character development was well-done overall, particularly Paulie's—BIG IN SWEDEN shows that reality TV contestants are more than the archetypes they might be assigned by production and/or the audience, and they each have their own struggles, flaws, and complexities.

In terms of things that didn't work for me as much, I felt like the pacing of the story felt a little off sometimes. The beginning had me hooked, the middle felt a little slower and more difficult to get into, but by the end, I was fully along for the ride again. However, that could have just been my personal experience, and maybe other readers will feel differently! Some other reviewers have mentioned that this is the kind of book everyone will have different takeaways from, and even one person might discover something new each time they read it. I definitely agree with those points—so give it a try, and see what you find. Overall, I thought BIG IN SWEDEN was a really fun and creative read, and am excited to see what Sally Franson has in store next! Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the ARC.

First of all… what?

I got a little over 30% done with this ARC and I’m bamboozled. Our main character, Paulie, is not as complex as I think she thinks she is? She feels like she has to justify her every move (to herself!!) because I guess she doesn’t think she’s doing what she should do… but then she does it anyways? Idk man. Nothing makes sense.

Paulie won entry onto a game show in Sweden, apparently where her family is originally from, to… learn about her family….? I’m sorry, what? If you’re that invested in learning about your family history and culture, please just get a 23 & me kit and read a book. The other characters I kept getting confused about who was who because none of them were memorable at all. Most of them were just as annoying as Paulie. The first (and only) “challenge” I read about… they were acting like… Vikings…….? Again.. what?

Paulie is also completely over her long-term boyfriend but I guess won’t leave the relationships because of the security it offers. However, she’s lusting over multiple other men and I only got a few chapters in.. but she’s feeling guilty for not being in love with her boyfriend but also fully aware that she doesn’t even want to be….?

Idk man. This is another NetGalley book I got and had high hopes for but was SUPER let down

From the description, I was expecting a light, quirky character, fun Scandinavian novel. I was disappointed. The characters were not well developed. The main character was messy and without direction- Is she a drunk? Is she just an angry, selfish person? Is she even capable of making good decisions? Also hidden in this "feel-good" book was a lot of commentary on social and political issues of the day, both here and in Sweden, which kind of weighed the story down. It felt like the author was trying to cover too many issues all in one go, which gave it a frenetic, rudderless feel. I really wanted to love this book, as I did the Fredrik Backman quirky books, but it just didn't meet the mark for me. I wouldn't discourage anyone from giving this a try. It's a nice, light, summer read, that others may find enjoyable.

Thanks to Net Galley for this ARC opportunity!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC 🤩

very witty/clever writing, i highlighted lots of phrases and quotes throughout. I have wanted to visit Sweden for a long time and this book just fueled the fire! 🇸🇪 Self-discovery is the #1 theme, also the concept of “chosen family.” The story was a little repetitive and drawn out overall, but it was a feel-good and even empowering read (taking control of one’s life). I think this book will resonate more with some ppl than it did me, but i still enjoyed it overall. It would be interesting as an audiobook to get all the Swedish words pronounced correctly 🤪

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I had high hopes but I felt things were forced, insta changed, and very woke. Seems the plot was lost.

1.5 STARS ROUNDED UP.

I truly don't know what to say about this book except that so many others liked or loved it, and I don't know why I feel so differently about it.

I don't think I found one thing I liked about the main character, Paulie Johansson, from her never-ending bouts of bawling to her childishness, horribly ditziness, and never-ending anger at anyone and anything.


I also very much disliked the author's disregard for anyone who may not think politically the same as she does. If there was a woke or PC phrase to be used, she used it. In fact, I would almost venture to say that this author truly hates America and Americans, men, and straight White people.

If you are going to read this book and are unsure if you will feel the same way I do, then get it from the library. But don't pass it up just because I had my feathers ruffled—that may be a good thing for you.

*ARC was supplied by the publisher Mariner Books/HarperCollins, the author, and NetGalley.
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Dive into the uproarious world of Swedish reality TV with Paulie Johansson in 'Big in Sweden.' Filled with hilarious challenges, unexpected romance, and heartwarming discoveries, this book is a delightful escapade for anyone in need of a good laugh and a touch of adventure!

Paulie wins a spot on a reality show Sverige och Mig, a Swedish television show where Americans compete to win a reunion with their Swedish relatives.
I don't have a lot to say about this book. I wanted fun and funny but I was very disappointed. I just couldn't connect with the main character.

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

Paulie Johansson is 35-years old, lives with her long-term boyfriend (and relative snooze-fest Declan), and isn't doing a whole lot with her life. She tutors spoiled rich kids on how to get into Ivy League colleges most of them aren't interested in attending and pines for the day she can stick to an idea long enough to see it through. But after a drunken submission to the Swedish television show Sverige och Mig presents her with the opportunity to explore her grandmother's homeland, and maybe find some new family along the way, Paul jumps at the chance despite Declan's misgivings.

Weird and wonderful, BIG IS SWEDEN tackles the idea of found family and what it means to belong. Paulie is an... interesting main character. Akin to a newborn foal bumbling around, but able to drink alcohol and make bad decisions, she's certainly not going to be liked by all who encounter her. She's angry, selfish, and hypocritical-- but so is every other character in this book. They're all messy, multifaceted, and childish; and each embody their own special American stereotype. However, there were plenty of tender moments of growth and hilarious sections (most of them bordering on the side of ridiculous, but in a believable that's-reality-television way). The book, overall, read like a pointillism painting-- up close it's a mess, but once you step back to look at the big picture it's really lovely.

Franson brought a lot of interesting debates to the table, and also provided the readers with some beautiful ideas on identity and family through Paulie's journey. There was a lot of hate on America, but there was also an equal amount of criticism for Sweden-- topics included immigration, white supremacy, the impacts of resource mining (including the environmental and social impacts on communities), indigenous peoples' historic and current treatment by the government, female reproductive rights, gay rights, evangelicalism, and education.

I have no doubt that BIG IN SWEDEN is a book that will be different each time you read it, the story is so layered and full of amazing insights, but I can also see how the causal writing style and characters could be polarizing for some readers.

Big in Sweden....you're doing too much! Shorten the story, make the main character stronger and more likable, and don't waste our time with "meaningless" hookups.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC for an honest review.

The idea of the book was interesting however I just found Paulie to be unlikable and overdramatic. I DNF @ 27%. What got me was she tried out for this Swedish reality show on a drunken whim and didn't really seem to want it but as soon as she got it she was all about Sweden and connecting with her family all of a sudden was her life long dream. When she breaks down at her great grandparents house after reading the letter felt so fake. It just felt it went from "I don't really care" to "OMG my family" in two seconds.

It also seems as though Paulie has a thing for the production guy after him essentially being polite to her and now it seems she is trying to fall in love. Maybe my issues would have been resolved if I had kept reading but I just was not particular interested in how her story ended.

I love Sweden and really wanted a cute story featuring some places I knew! I had a hard time liking the main character but liked the book overall. The ending was great and worth the read!

I don’t really get this book. I wanted to like it and thought the concept was cute/different/quirky but I didn’t find any of the characters likable and the whole thing felt somewhat bland. I didn’t think the reading experience was great either. The chapters are so long and there wasn’t enough happening in them to keep me interested. I think this book would appeal to the small subset of people who may have seen the show the author was on, but as someone who doesn’t really…care? It was pretty boring.

Pauline is in a relationship that’s run its course. She decides to go on a reality tv show to reconnect with her ancestors. I tried to give this book a shot but I just couldn’t get into it. I have to admit I quit reading without finishing it. I definitely recommend checking it out and seeing if it works for you.

Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner books for the E-ARC! (in exchange for my honest review)

OK, I so SO badly wanted to love this book. I am half Norwegian myself, and the thought of a reality competition show Scandinavian style? SIGN ME UP. But, I can conclude I give it a solid 2,5 (rounded up to 3 stars)- and that is solely based on the first two chapters and the last 1/4 of the book in my opinion.

The first two chapters hooked me in. But after that, it quickly felt like the characters were trying to outdo each other as far as complete demoralization goes. Even Paulie, whom I liked at the get-go, turned way too angry, hypocritical , and self righteous for my liking. I found her very hard to root for, both as a character in the overall story and in the competition. And, I completely acknowledge that this was possibly to highlight the behavior present in such a reality TV show environment, but I believe it might have been taken too far.
Also, the romance with Lars to me felt very, very flat and without chemistry. I guess if we were highlighting all of the things Lars was to Declan's "wasn't", then Lars/Paulie courtship could have been a little more vivacious or light or full of life....if that makes sense.

Also a side note- I felt the chapters were a little long. But it could just be my preference.

BUT, after about Chapter 10 I was back "in" again. All of the characters went back to feeling like layered, well-intentioned humans. There were some gorgeous moments between characters, to the point where I was smiling again.

Overall, the book was partially enjoyable. I might even give it a re-read just to see if the jagged edges of the competition portion of the book felt less abrasive. I also feel that the author was packing a lot into the story, thematically. There was a lot of commentary about the world and current issues shoved in there along with each characters self development journey.

I enjoyed the first chapter and half then it became a stereotype of predictable behavior. DNF mid chapter 3.

******************I received an arc, for my honest opinion from NetGalley*******

This book is a lot of fun but ultimately it wasn't my favorite. I felt like some parts of the competition were a little bit confusing with the characters. It definitely grappled with some serious and big issues (suicide, abortion, gay rights etc.) I thought it was fun to get into Swedish culture and the country. Paulie is definitely a gal worth rooting for but I wish the book was a little bit shorter and clearer on the competition aspect and I didn't love the romance aspect! Totally a fun read even if it wasn't an all time fave!