Big in Sweden

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A charming, wise, and laugh-out-loud funny novel follows an American woman competing on a Swedish reality show to discover her roots. Paulie Johansson, content with her long-term boyfriend Declan and best friend Jemma, is convinced she doesn’t need more. However, after a night of fun, Jemma persuades her to audition for a Swedish TV show where Swedish-Americans compete for a reunion with their relatives. To her surprise, Paulie’s drunken submission wins her a spot, and despite Declan’s concerns, she decides to participate. Equipped with her Polaroid camera, a worn copy of Pippi Longstocking, and an adventurous spirit, Paulie heads to Sweden to compete alongside seven other Americans, all under the scrutiny of a camera crew. Initially, she believes they share little beyond their passports and views their fierce ambitions with skepticism. Yet, as they face increasingly absurd challenges—like rowing from Denmark to Sweden in freezing rain and participating in a pickled herring eating contest—Paulie begins to rethink her judgments about her fellow competitors. As her connection to her Swedish roots grows, so does her determination to win. Navigating her feelings about family, friendship, and love, especially for a handsome Swedish cameraman, Paulie starts to reflect on her past and what she truly desires for the future. This fish-out-of-water tale is filled with warmth, optimism, and wit, celebrating love for family, friends, c