My Book Is Available Again on Amazon!
THE AMERICAN NETHERLANDER: 25 Years of Expat Tales
Bad news: my latest book was sold out on Amazon.com.
Good news: my latest book was sold out on Amazon.com!
Good news: It’s available again.
I just got back from a trip to the US, and I was told my book was not available on Amazon. Well, it is! Here’s the link:
https://www.amazon.com/American-Netherlander-Years-Expat-Tales/dp/9463192263/
I’m really happy how this book turned out. The first section revisits the Netherlands of 1994 when I first arrived, and then it delves into the typical Dutch stereotypes via my favorite first-hand stories. The second section is called How to Be Dutch: all the questions that SHOULD be on the Dutch citizenship exam. And the third section is a selection of Dutch names that do NOT translate well into English.
The ACCESS Magazine review
‘THE AMERICAN NETHERLANDER: 25 Years of Expat Tales tells the story of Shapiro’s personal cultural adventure and assimilation in the Netherlands, from when he first arrived 25 years ago and stayed for love. It is not a scientific guide, but a manual to understand and familiarise yourself with the country, using the author’s personal anecdotes for a subjective and hilarious point of view.’
‘Shapiro tackles Dutch common sense, a pragmatic approach to problem solving, openness and tolerance, multiculturalism, politics, education, and even customer service. While his personal experiences really bring out the humour and irony, he also shows understanding. For instance, the renowned ‘Dutch directness’ is really brutal honesty that isn’t intended to hurt feelings.
Shapiro uses paradoxes and oxymorons in Dutch culture: How can Dutch identity be so independent-minded, yet also so obsessed with consensus? How can Dutch identity be so liberal and open, yet also so Calvinistic and conformist? How can Dutch identity be so proud, but then be so quiet about it? “Dutch police won’t stop you for having an un-helmeted ba by strapped to the front of your bike, like a human shield. In fact, Dutch police won’t stop you if there is a kid on the handlebars, one on the crossbar, two on the back rack, and another one standing on top of those for a playdate. But if they’d been riding at night without a light? That’s a fine of €50.”’
