Books with a source of inspiration

Now that the sunny weather is on the doorstep, we can move to the park or terrace to dip our noses into the books. With International Women's Day on March 8, MASTERS is creating a selection of books sharing experiences of power women to be a source of inspiration for many.Text: Patrick Stoffer

Judas - Astrid Holleeder

Who doesn't know him: the notorious criminal Willem Holleeder. In the book Judas, sister Astrid Holleeder describes her experiences with brother Willem. About the brave decision she and sister Sonja Holleeder made in 2013 to stand up to their brother. The book takes the reader through the years of Willem's terrorization, threats and extortion on the family and the time when she risked her own life as her brother's confidant, with the goal of putting him behind bars for life. A true, suspenseful and compelling book where no detail is left unsaid.

Becoming - Michelle Obama

One of the most well-known, inspiring women in the world, she takes her readers in the book Becoming from her childhood in south Chicago to her years as an administrator, balancing between the demands of motherhood and work to her time in the White House. Becoming provides an insight into the life of a woman who endured many trials with knowledge and inspiration. A story that inspires one to do the same.

The moment of elevator - Melinda Gates

In her inspiring debut, Melinda Gates delves into the relationship between women's empowerment and successful societies. Based on her long-standing commitment to women's rights, such as the right to birth control, emancipation in the workplace and the elimination of all forms of sexism, she paints a picture of the enormous potential there is to effect change. And perhaps more importantly, we ourselves can do our part. For the book, Melinda spoke to many women around the world.

City full of balloons - Femke van der Laan

For a year, Femke van der Laan wrote weekly in Het Parool about her life in Amsterdam after the death of husband: Amsterdam mayor Eberhard van der Laan. Her columns were read and shared many times. City Full of Balloons is a loving and moving sketch of mourning in everyday life