Noted Finnish Author to Speak on Nordic Social Policy Nov. 5

As part of the continuing celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Finland, the Finnish- American Society of the Midwest is sponsoring a presentation by Anu Partanen, author of the highly acclaimed book, "The Nordic Theory of Everything." Ms. Partanen will speak on November 5, 2017, at the Estonian House, 14700 Estonian Lane, in Riverwoods , Illinois.

Anu Partanen began her career as a journalist in her native Finland but when she married an American, decided to move to the United States. Now a naturalized citizen, she is continuing her career , based in New York City. She has written for many periodicals including The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Helsingin Sanomat. "The Nordic Theory of Everything" has attracted widespread attention , called "A best book of 2016" by the Seattle Times and "a best book of summer 2016 " by O, the Oprah Magazine. Robert Reich, former U.S. Secretary of Labor has called it "a wonderful, hopeful book about what American society could be."

In her presentations Ms. Partanen describes her feelings upon encountering for the first time the many difficulties and anxieties of American life, anxieties that in many cases simply don't exist in the Nordic countries. Although she is forthright in stating the many things about the United States that she loves and admires, she clearly and even -handedly presents many ideas and practices long familiar in the Nordic countries that could be adopted here and which could greatly improve the life of the average American citizen.

The program, which begins at 2:00 p.m. , will include refreshments as well as an opportunity to purchase the book and have it signed by the author. Admission is a $10 donation at the door.

Other events that have been sponsored by FASM in this special year have been a highly successful lecture on the Kalevala by Dr. Börje Vähämäki, Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto, as well as a pre-concert reception and post-concert meeting with the distinguished conductor and composer Esa-Pekka Salonen. That occasion was the world premiere of Mr. Salonen's Cello Concerto, performed by cellist Yo-Yo Ma and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Celebration of this anniversary year will culminate in a Gala dinner on December 1, 2017, at the Chicago Cultural Center.

The Finnish-American Society of the Midwest , a Finlandia Foundation Chapter, welcomes new members.

For more information visit our website at www.fasm.us and we are on FACEBOOK.