Fiction
Amsterdam (1998)
By Ian McEwan
This 1998 novel by a British writer is a morality tale revolving around a newspaper editor and a composer. McEwan was awarded the Booker Prize for the novel.
Curious Clara’s Amsterdam Adventures: A Sinterklas Story (2009)
By Maike Mehlert and Ken Carroll
This is one book within an adventure series that was inspired by the authors’ own daughter, Clara, and their adventures together in Amsterdam. In this story, Clara and readers learn about the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas (sort of like Santa Claus), which is important for children and their families to learn about if they want to make the Netherlands really feel like home.
Non-fiction
Dutch New York: The Roots of Hudson Valley Culture (2009)
Edited by Roger Panetta
This book offers a unique perspective from which to approach the history of Dutch culture. Introducing readers to the Dutch, through their historical relationship with New York (or Nieuwe Amsterdam), the collection of essays is full of interesting stories and information relating to the history of the Netherlands, as well of the influence that the country had on the emergence and evolution of the United States, in its earlier development.
Murder in Amsterdam: The Death of Theo van Gogh and the Limits of Tolerance (2006)
By Ian Baruma
This book is written by a native Amsterdammer who explores the shocking truth of the murder of Theo van Gogh and its implications for the Netherlands, in the broader context of politics, culture and global relations. This book is not only brilliant in its story and structure, but it illuminates the image and imagination of Amsterdam as a liberal, tolerant city that must be reflected upon, in light of its recent history and within its contemporary cultural milieu.
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl (1953)
By Anne Frank
The autobiographical diary that was kept by a young Jewish girl, who was forced to seek refuge in an attic, during a large part of Nazi control of the Netherlands, during World War II. Parts of her diary, and the house in which she hid can still be visited in Amsterdam.
Tourism/ Expat Life
The Undutchables: An Observation of the Netherlands, Its Culture and its Inhabitants (2005)
By Colin White, Laurie Boucke, Rusty Haller and Gerald Fried
A practical yet humorous look at the Dutch way of life. This is especially intended for visitors and expats, but has also become a popular book amongst Dutch people who like to laugh at themselves.
Dealing With The Dutch: A Guide for Visitors, New Residents and better Business Relationships (2005)
By Jacob Vossestien
This book deals with the business life in the Netherlands, explaining how the Dutch culture effects businesses and work practices.
At Home In Holland: An English Speaking Guide to Living in the Netherlands (2000)
By The American Women’s Club of the Hague
This is written like a general guidebook to life in the Netherlands, but it takes a specific focus on women’s needs.
Minding Your Manners – A Guide to Dutch Business and Social Etiquette (2000)
By Magda Berman
A comprehensive guide to the “Do’s and Don’ts” of dealing with the Dutch, and the details of Dutch culture.
Dutch For English-Speaking Expats (2007)
By Maik Klaassen
A detailed Dutch langauge course book for English speakers. This also includes a CD-ROM with additional content. This is probably the best way to learn Dutch other than attending actual Dutch language classes.
