Brilliant. If I had to choose one book to take with me to a deserted island, this is the one. It’s insightful, erudite, innovative (at least to me). It took me a while to read, because every single page is interesting and makes one think. For example; we all suffer from focusing illusion: nothing inContinueContinue reading “Thinking Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman (2011)”
Category Archives: Favourites (*****)
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)”
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.
Matterhorn – Karl Marantes (2010)
Watching the series Tour of Duty as a kid gave me the feeling to ‘see and feel’ the Vietnam War. This novel does an even better job. The battle for Matterhorn, one of the many hills in the dense Vietnam forest, tells the whole story: the horror of war, the friendships that keep the youngContinueContinue reading “Matterhorn – Karl Marantes (2010)”
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 Art of Possibility – Benjamin Zander (2006)
Wonderful little book that eclipses all management books in explaining that the power of imagination and inspiration can take us anywhere. Zander’s speeches are a delight, using his passion for music (he is a conductor) to convey his message.
Into Thin Air – Jon Krakauer (1997)
Probably the best book ever on the excitement and sheer craziness of extreme mountaineering.
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 hetContinueContinue 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 emperorContinueContinue 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.
PEPIJN VAN DIJK 