Probably the best book ever on the excitement and sheer craziness of extreme mountaineering.
Author Archives: dpvd
Charlie Wilson’s War, The Extraordinary Story of the Largest Covert Operation in History – George Crile (2007)
Hilarious account of Congressman Charlie Wilson, who together with CIA operative Gus Avraktos, creates an ever expanding program to support the Afghan Mujahideen – back in the days when the Soviets were fighting in Afghanistan. This story proves that reality is more surprising than our imagination.
The teeth may smile but the heart will not forget – Andrew Rice (2009)
Devastating account of the atrocities in Idi Amin’s Uganda – through the eyes of a man who loses everything. Beautiful and painful at the same time.
Boek: essays over de publieke zaak
Samen met Mickey Huibregtsen stelde ik deze essaybundel samen. In dit boek laten we verschillende mensen, uit diverse sectoren, aan het woord over hun visie op maatschappelijke verandering. Na de lancering volgde veel aandacht in de media. Zo waren er dagelijkse interviews met auteurs op BNR Nieuwsradio en publicaties in het Financieele Dagblad. Bestel hetContinue reading “Boek: essays over de publieke zaak”
A Wilde Sheep Chase – Haruki Murakami (2000)
As millions of others, I call myself a Murakami fan. This books was my introduction to his world, one I will never forget.
Saturday – Ian McEwan (2005)
McEwan’s best.
1421 – Gavin Menzies (2003)
Old marine officer Menzies tells in this page-turner how the Chinese Empire collapsed in 1421 at its highpoint: at a time when it ruled the oceans, had established posts as far as on the shores of Patagonia and was cultural trendsetting. Until a perfect storm – internal unrest, imperial overstretch, superstition – made the emperorContinue reading “1421 – Gavin Menzies (2003)”
Tirza – Arnon Grunberg (2006)
The best book I’ve read from one of the best Dutch contemporary authors.
Disgrace – J.M. Coetzee (2003)
In Coetzee’s post-Apartheid South-Africa violence is unleashed in new ways.
Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad (1899)
Read it for the first time as a relatively young boy and was easily pulled into the adventures of Marlow and Kurtz. Re-reading years later gave me a better understanding of the depth of this beautiful allegory. Served as inspiration for Apocalypse Now, one of my all time favorites.
One Hundred Years of Solitude – Gabriel Garcia Marquez (1967)
Of all his books I pick this one as it made the most impact on me – anyone wanting to understand the art of creating an atmosphere, please turn to the late Garcia Marquez.
American Psycho – Brett Easton Ellis (1991)
Read all his books, but this one stands out. American Psycho is over the top in every sense: it’s cruel, fascinating and raises questions about one’s own motivations.
The Secret History – Donna Tartt (1993)
Reading it in two days at the age of 14, this book taught me the beauty of great literature. Will never forget the first sentence and have been looking for the mysterious country home, where Henry, Camilla and the rest came together, ever since.
The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared – Jonas Jonassons (2009)
A worldwide best seller, I found it a mediocre book, too childish. I only finished it because of the interesting historic bits.
DANIEL PEPIJN VAN DIJK 