Mind the Book 2013 - dag 2

This third Mind the Book deliberately opts for a limited number of themes, one timeless, the other very topical. With Belgian and international writers who have recently published a book on these topics and discussion partners/moderators who add to the discussion. 11.30 AM / BLUE HALL discussion Paolo Giordano, Jelle van Riet AFGHANISTAN & COMMITMENT Giordano's moving book 'The Solitude of Prime Numbers', now filmed, made him world famous overnight. In its long-awaited sequel, 'The Human Body', he moves to the war zone: literally, to an outpost besieged by the Taliban in Afghanistan, and figuratively, with soldiers who are being emotionally destroyed by frustration, remorse and ambition. spoken language English 1.30 PM / BLUE HALL discussion in association with MO* Magazine Tomás Sedlácek, Joris Luyendijk, Gie Goris moderator FINANCIAL CRISIS In his latest book, 'Economics of Good and Evil', Tomás Sedlácek proves once again that he is one of the most exciting economic thinkers around at the moment. For this young wonder-professor, economics is part of our culture, a product of our civilisation. The journalist Joris Luyendijk also specialises in the financial environment. He works in London, where he is doing anthropological research on the financial world. Together they talk to the editor of MO*, Gie Goris. spoken language English 1.30 PM / THEATRE STUDIO discussion Sami Zemni, Jef Lambrecht THE ARAB SPRING In his latest book, 'The Middle East. The times they are a-changin', Sami Zemni assesses the situation two years after the Arab Spring. Who were the driving forces behind the revolts? What role did new social media, incumbent aristocrats, Islamists and Westerners play? It has become a standard work on the subject. He talks to the journalist and expert in the field, Jef Lambrecht. 3 PM / BLUE HALL discussion Nir Baram, Hassnae Bouazza MIDDLE EAST AND COMMITMENT Nir Baram is regarded as the greatest literary talent in Israel. He received international acclaim for his third novel, 'Good People', which is set simultaneously in Berlin and Leningrad in 1938. Baram also takes a political stand: together with Amoz Oz he signed a petition against the war in Gaza. The journalist and writer Hassnae Bouazza recently wrote a book about ordinary people in the Arab world and their desires: 'Arabieren kijken' (Watching Arabs). A discussion about literature, commitment and the powder keg that is Gaza. spoken language English 4.30 PM / BLUE HALL discussion Paul Verhaeghe, Michael Foley, Barbara Debusschere moderator HAPPINESS Clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst Paul Verhaeghe has received praise for his books, including 'Identity', but he has also stepped on some toes. He talks to Michael Foley about the latter's latest publication, 'Absurde overvloed' ('Absurd Abundance'). In it Foley states that we know what makes us happy: enough time, rest and space to live in. Unfortunately, we only chase after the things we think make us happy. spoken language English