blackblog.

Besides all the tour-blogging of my Singapore related stuff, it is worth mentioning that I found a lot of time during the last weeks to just sit down and read – Something that was pretty wiped-out during the busy last semesters in university. Probably you understand: After getting slammed by reading scientific stuff, sitting in the library and learning/reading, I was not really motivated to take a book and read for relaxing. So, here is my recommendation:

Planet Germany Eric T. Hansen, Dec 2006, in German
I got this book as Christmas present from my girlfriend – and she did a really good suggestion: This book is really a pleasure to read! The author itself grew up in Hawaii, but studied in Germany and is living there for about 20 years now. He is working as professional journalist now – And you can easily see that. Facts have been accurately collected and presented in a clear manner. Full of nice side-stories the author points out many typical German behaviors and critically analyzes the German’s habits. Most times you start laughing about the introductive story in a chapter, but when he clearly presents funny facts you actually start thinking. Topics like “Why do Germans always complain about anything?” or the topics about the German national identity are really interesting to read. This book is full of indirect provocation, social critics and interesting views – Presented by someone who is truly a proud American and who lived among these Germans, that always pretend to get americanized. Definitively worth reading!

Update: My girlfriend added, that this book was actually suggested to her by shutdown.