First in a series of 6 – describing in detail the author’s life. Almost on a daily basis. Liked the serenity and the beautiful sentences, but am not tempted to read the other 5 volumes.
Category Archives: Books 2014
Antifragile – Nassim Nicholas Taleb (2012)
An eye-opener on how systems should work to be able to confront the future (not robust, but anti-fragile), from a man I regard as a kind of a hero. Completely independent, extremely smart, but also horrible a presenter and storyteller, as I learned first-hand during a workshop on this book. Anti-fragilty is now part ofContinueContinue reading “Antifragile – Nassim Nicholas Taleb (2012)”
De Fatale Staat – Paul Frissen (2013)
Theoretical book that reminded me of the books I read as student political sciences – eloquent and painted with broad strokes.Revived my interest in complexity. Main notion is the political necessity to learn to reconcile with tragedy.
Todo lo que era sólido – Antonio Munoz Molina (2014)
Essays on Spain in times of crisis – have enjoyed the beautifully written, dense Spanish sentences, again demonstrating the uniqueness the baroque writing of Spanish authors. Molina is clearly a leftist, blaming the capitalist conspiracy for Spain’s trouble.
Stiekem kan hier alles – Eefje Blankevoort (2007)
A book on the surprisingly modern and liberal lives of ‘normal people’ in Teheran that gave me a peek behind the façade of religious conservationism as created by the secret police. Of great help to better understand the country during my trip in Iran.
Revolutionary Iran – Michael Axworthy (2013)
Great book on the interesting history of Iran, its politics and the role of Shi’ism in shaping modern Iran.
The One Thing – Gary Keller (2013)
A present form a friend who believes I’m in desperate need of focus. Though I think a permanent focus is an overrated asset, structuring priorities and getting things done is the number one motivator. This book is a helpful summary of the many management books on the topic.
The Great Escape – Angus Deaton(2013)
Insightful study into the reasons why nations prosper and why some don’t. And proves the case of the pejorative effect of aid. A must read for anyone working in developing countries or with international NGO’s.
No Place to Hide – Glenn Greenwald(2014)
Profoundly influenced my view on privacy vs security. Made me stop with Facebook, mistrust governments even more and strengthened me in my stance that big solutions, using a lot of data, are dangerous. A must-read for anyone interested in the consequences of living in a data-controlled world.
Pascal Mercier – Nighttrain to Lissabon (2004)
One that I wanted to read for a while. This is the kind of novel that makes fiction worth reading, yes even an unique experience. It’s with a great deal of jealousy that I read about Amadeu Ignacio who works at daytime and writes at night. Like the protagonist, Gregorius, he barely sleeps. They don’t feelContinueContinue reading “Pascal Mercier – Nighttrain to Lissabon (2004)”
The Rational Optimist – Matt Ridley (2010)
Absolutely delightful book. This is how one should live – technology, science and human creativity will solve our problems. I am a convert, cynicism is the easy choice, to be a rational optimist is the inspiring way to live.
Fire and Ashes – Michael Ignatieff (2013)
One has to admire the man’s courage – not a lot of people dare to write about their failures. And that makes this book such a pleasure to read; his cunning account of his attempt to become leader of Canada’s liberal party and after that, premier. As we know he never made it to theContinueContinue reading “Fire and Ashes – Michael Ignatieff (2013)”
Remainder – Tom McCarthy (2005)
The book’s protagonist wants to recreate his memories, in the sense of actually rebuilding them, and spends all his money and time on it. As it gets more and more real, it also gets more violent. Highly original.
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.
PEPIJN VAN DIJK 