Books - Destination Finland

In preparation for my (and SN? Ventures ) upcoming "pilgrimage" to Helsinki and Slush , I’m expanding my Finnish book library to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s unique culture and mindset. Here are four books I hope to read before the journey. If you have recommendations for other great reads on Finland—particularly on its tech, gaming, and cultural worlds—please share them!

Finnish Video Games: A History and Catalog

by Juho-Kustaa Kuorikoski

explores the evolution of Finland’s video game industry, tracing its rise from a niche scene in the 1980s to a global powerhouse by the 2000s. Kuorikoski highlights the unique cultural and economic conditions that shaped Finnish game development, including the influence of small, independent teams and Finland’s embrace of mobile gaming, most famously exemplified by Angry Birds. Through detailed profiles of over 150 Finnish games, the book showcases the diverse genres and innovative approaches of Finnish studios.

Finding Sisu: The Finnish Way

by Katja Pantzar

delves into the Finnish concept of “sisu,” a unique blend of resilience, grit, and perseverance that shapes Finnish identity and lifestyle. Pantzar shares her personal journey of embracing sisu after moving to Finland, discovering its role in fostering mental and physical well-being through practices like cold-water swimming, forest walks, and simple, mindful living. Through practical advice and insightful anecdotes, Pantzar reveals how adopting sisu can help individuals overcome challenges, reduce stress, and lead a more balanced life, offering readers a refreshing perspective on Finnish resilience and inner strength.

This year, I’ve committed to fully experiencing the Finnish sauna tradition and braving the ice-cold sea. (See you there Andrus Oks ) !!

Against All Odds: Leading Nokia from Near Catastrophe to Global Success

by Jorma Ollila

recounts the transformative journey of Nokia under Ollila’s leadership, as he guided the company from financial instability to becoming a global leader in mobile telecommunications. Ollila, Nokia’s CEO from 1992 to 2006, details the strategic decisions, cultural shifts, and bold innovations that fueled the company’s explosive growth, positioning it as a pioneer in mobile technology during its golden era. With insights into the challenges and triumphs faced by the company.

The Art of Supercell: 10th Anniversary Edition

celebrates a decade of the Finnish game development studio Supercell , known for its highly successful mobile games like Clash of Clans, Clash Royale, Brawl Stars, and Hay Day. This visually rich book takes readers behind the scenes of Supercell’s design philosophy, revealing the creative process, artwork, and key concepts that shaped each game. With contributions from the artists, designers, and developers behind the company’s hits, it highlights Supercell’s commitment to quality, player-centric design, and innovation.