Book of the Week: Slovenology – Noah Charney

What happens when an American, an art historian, bestselling author, and keen observer of everyday life, moves to Slovenia—and completely falls in love with it? The result is Slovenology, a book by Dr. Noah Charney, filled with humor, insight, and warmth. It’s not just a guidebook, but a collection of 38 essays that combine personal stories, cultural observations, and practical insights into Slovenian society.

Charney paints a vivid picture of life in Slovenia, covering topics such as food traditions, village customs, film heroes, sports legends, architecture, and even the Zen of mushroom picking. His voice is both witty and poetic, showing Slovenia through the curious eyes of someone who has chosen it as his home.

Who is Noah Charney?

Born in 1979 in New Haven, Connecticut, Noah Charney is an American art historian, professor, and bestselling author. He is known internationally for his novel The Art Thief (2007). After living in various European cities, he settled with his family in Kamnik, Slovenia, where he teaches, writes, and contributes columns about culture and everyday life.

Charney holds a PhD focused on the architecture of Jože Plečnik, which brings an expert’s perspective to his Slovenian stories. His unique position as both insider and outsider makes Slovenology an exceptional and refreshing read.

A bestselling book with more than 2,000 reasons to fall in love with Slovenia

Better, more successful, more refined: this is the Slovenia we can already see today. This time, it is written in golden letters on the white covers of the bestseller The Slovenia Book. Printed in 29,000 copies on ecological paper and translated into four languages, the book is now celebrating its 10th anniversary. On 336 pages, an international team of journalists presents regional highlights, towns, attractions, and experiences, with numerous useful lists and superb photography, offering more than 2,000 reasons to fall in love with Slovenia again and again. At Mladinska Knjiga Bookstore Konzorcij, the special 10th anniversary edition of the […]

Why Read Slovenology?

For foreigners, it’s a witty and informative guide to understanding Slovenian culture, humor, and lifestyle. For Slovenians, it’s a chance to rediscover their country through new eyes and appreciate everyday life from a fresh angle.

The book is insightful, funny, and touching, offering more than 2,000 reasons to fall in love with Slovenia all over again.

A Perfect Gift

Slovenology is more than just a book—it’s a gift. With editions available in English, German, and Slovenian, it’s the perfect present for tourists, expats, or anyone eager to discover Slovenia. With its elegant design and engaging stories, it is a keepsake that represents the beauty, culture, and spirit of this small yet extraordinary country.

The Best Gifts from Slovenia

Slovenia, a country of rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, offers an array of unique gifts that perfectly blend tradition with modern creativity. In 2025, thoughtful and sustainable gifting remains more popular than ever, making Slovenian artisanal products an excellent choice for souvenirs or special presents. From locally crafted delicacies to eco-friendly innovations and exquisite handmade designs, each gift embodies the spirit of Slovenia’s craftsmanship and heritage. Whether you’re looking for something timeless or trendy, here are the top gifts to bring home from Slovenia this year. Equa Water Bottles Equa is a Slovenian brand renowned for its stylish and […]