Great book on the interesting history of Iran, its politics and the role of Shi’ism in shaping modern Iran.
Category Archives: Blog
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)”
“Feit of fabel” – mijn fact check items op BNR Nieuwsradio
Een greep uit mijn uitzendingen “Feit of Fabel” op BNR Nieuwsradio – Over The Fact Club – 22 augustus 2013 – Over de thema’s in de campagne – 22 augustus 2013 – Over Nederland in Europees verband – 22 augustus 2013 – Over Jolande Sap en Mark Rutte – 6 september 2012 – Over bio-plasticsContinueContinue reading ““Feit of fabel” – mijn fact check items op BNR Nieuwsradio”
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.
Modern Verdun
April 25th, 2012, Originally published on thnk.org TAKE A STAND | I was hoping that Easter would bring us a small miracle. The miracle of a political breakthrough. Not in the last place because Easter is a historically good period for miracles. It didn’t happen. But then suddenly, last Saturday, after 7 weeks of completeContinueContinue reading “Modern Verdun”
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.
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.
PEPIJN VAN DIJK 