The UnDutchables Paperback – November 9, 2017

"They [the Dutch] migrate through an osmosis-like process whereby they assimilate into their new-found culture so easily and so well that even they at times appear to forget their roots. But they rarely lose their heritage and revert to type whenever convenient or satisfying for the ego (The UnDutchables, page 241)."I left Holland in 1953, at age three, and assimilated into America as quickly as I could. I never forgot my heritage, but I neglected it, except when gathering with members of the family. Last year I finally returned to my place of birth for the first time since I left, at the age of 60. That experience has caused me to rekindle my interest in where I came from and why I am the way I am.This book was mentioned to me after I returned from Holland, and based on the reviews I read here, I decided to make the purchase. I was not disappointed.This book is littered with alliteration, bad puns and "cloggy" humor, while delivering facts and opinions on what makes the Dutch Dutch, and what makes Holland unique among the nations of northern Europe.I"ll admit it takes a while to get used to the humor in this volume, but once you get on its wavelength, it's quite entertaining.I have already recommended this book to friends who come from a Dutch heritage, and I recommend it to you if you are Dutch, are from a Dutch background, or are in a relationship with someone who is Dutch (or wishes they were Dutch).

This book is hilarious. If you are going to move to holland or be there for a while you have to read this book. My boyfriend is Dutch and I was going to holland for the first time and moving there. We both were worried about the cultural shock. A friend of his had recommended this book. I bought the book and I am glad I did. It tells you about everything in a comical form. I would be reading the book and just start laughing. People would turn around and ask me what was so funny. I recommend this book 100%. Some of the information is a little outdated but very true. Enjoy!!

I read this book before marrying a Dutch man, and wanting to think only positive thoughts about my soon to be new country, was hurt by some of the writings in the book. After living in Holland for ten years, I have to agree with most of what is in the book. The Dutch are passive-aggressive people,liking you to your face or for a few months, but when not quickly learning their language, they become distant and cliquish. I tried to fit in with going to church, joining groups, and whatever anyone suggested, but I seemed to be on the fringe most of the time. My age had a lot to do with since I was 59, youngish but still not able to join the young people in bars and concerts to establish myself. I did go to college to learn the language, a horrendous experience since they were trying out a new way to teach....it didn't work! So, in rereading the book, I now am amused that it is so true about most things i.e. dog poop anywhere and everywhere. I asked a Dutch friend why she did not pick up her dog's droppings and she said "that is why I pay for the dog license. Let them clean it up". I was scolded constantly for wanting English translations for medical terms. "Why don't you go back to America?" was the standard comment in the medical society, so I ended up taking my hubby to every appointment, where they then treated me more civilly. As I left the country to return with hubby to California, my doctor said he was sorry he treated me as he did. "We look at foreigners as if they are here to get our welfare money". All in all, I would do it all again, but read more and not think the UnDutchables is an unfair concept of the Netherlanders. It is true, but they are wonderful people once they accept you and that you truly want to be a part of them. Reading this book will provide many laughs, and if you have lived through some of it, some sad moments of remembering, but .I heartily recommend this book as a gift to anyone even remotely interested or connected to the Netherlands. I have bought this book as a gift for many, and my Dutch relatives by marriage love it. Yes, the Dutch are tolerant, even when being joked about.Remember, take all of the reading with a grain of salt and know that a lot of it is an exaggeration, written years ago and every now and then updated. Every country has it foibles and the Dutch have fewer than some countries. Don't use this book as a travel book but as a humorous (in parts) way to understand another countries cultures and traditions.

Great read! Hilarious but true!At least for the part we refer to as "Holland" see the outstanding Youtube video "Holland vs Netherlands" to learn more about these lowlands.I am born and raised in the Netherlands (Maastricht) but always wanted to leave this country because I did not like the culture and habits the author accurately describes in this book. The Dutch are nice folks when they travel and when you visit as a tourist. But when you have to live there and fit in its a different story.Unless you come to Maastricht its like a small version of Paris. If they could anexate it to Belgium I might want to come back ;-)

This book was recommended as one of the two or three good books about Amsterdam. After reading it, I'm not so sure. The book is more or less as billed: a humorous and cynical view of the Netherlands and the idiosyncrasies of it's people. On the negative side, I found it sometimes overly disparaging to the point of being cynically unfair. In spots the book became tedious, but a more selective reader would have skimmed those parts. Also, the authors in their attempt to be cute sometimes pulled it off -- and at other times did not. On the positive side there is some useful information which explains why the Dutch do the things they do and some of the humor is well-placed. I would recommend it for anyone who would be moving to Holland and it might do well for a traveler who was planning to spend a significant amount of time there; otherwise I don't think is is worth it.

Fund to read about the Dutch and their funny ways.

Ottimo qualità e prezzo.

I'm Dutch. This funny book teaches me about our weird, curious and interesting habits. It's not only a good laugh but it gives also an intimate insight in dutch culture. But beware, although almost everything you will read is true, not everything is 100% correct. Some infos are a bit beside the facts or exaggerated. However, that does not injure the book. Like the Dutch ? Read the book !

Parfait état. Je n'ai rien à y redire. C'est arrivé rapidement et facilement à l'adresse que j'avais indiquée. Merci encore.

Read them for passing time, quite funny :)