MSM New Years Recommendation Countdown
Dr. Diederik de Boer, Director a.i. / Director Expert Center for Emerging Economies / Associate Professor Sustainable Business Development
| Movie | Hotel Rwanda |
| Year | 2004 |
| Why this movie? | The movie tells the powerful and tragic true story of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who saved over a thousand lives during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The film's central message is a searing indictment of international indifference to humanitarian crises and an affirmation of individual courage and morality in the face of widespread evil. |
| Book | The Border |
| Author | Erika Fatland |
| Why this book? | The book is a non-fiction travelogue chronicling author's, Erika Fatland's, epic 259-day journey circumnavigating Russia's 60,000-kilometer border, exploring the complex histories, cultures, and landscapes of the neighbouring nations from North Korea to Norway, offering a unique perspective on the Russian empire without entering Russia itself, blending history, anthropology, and sharp observations. Written before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the book offers strikingly prescient insights and remains a powerful lens for understanding Russia and its enduring impact on the world. |
Hermina Kooyman, Manager Enrolment and Career Services
| Movie | Don't look up |
| Year | 2021 |
| Why this movie? | It is a great watch because it reminds us, through its satirical humour, how easy it is to get caught up in distractions and miss what really matters. It encourages us to stay grounded and work together instead of getting pulled into division. It is also a wake-up call for all of us to stop living in denial about the severity of climate change. |
| Movie | Top Gun: Maverick |
| Year | 2022 |
| Why this movie? | Top Gun: Maverick is not only a fun and entertaining film to watch but it has some great lessons about leadership, teamwork, inclusivity, making mistakes, ownership and responsibility. It really is a great movie and a Must Watch. |
| Book | Stormlight Archives (5-book series) |
| Author(s) | Brandon Sanderson |
| Why this book? | Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive is a fantastic series to get into because it mixes epic fantasy with honest, relatable themes. The characters deal with hope, trauma, and personal growth in a really human way, showing how connection and responsibility can help us pull through tough times. It also touches on depression, addiction, leadership, and learning to think for yourself instead of following blind faith. It’s a series that entertains you but also leaves you feeling inspired and a little stronger. |
Oliver Olson, Senior Lecturer Marketing and Strategy
| Movie | Frankenstein |
| Year | 2025 |
| Why this movie? | Who knew!?! The monster is not a monster! Acting is top rate. Extremely faithful to the original Mary Shelley book. (A bit gruesome in parts... be warned.) |
| Book | Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future |
| Author(s) | Dan Wang |
| Why this book? | I have been fortunate to teach at Nanjing University for 12 years and have witnessed first hand many of the insight from this great book. |
| Podcast | Acquired |
| Host(s) | Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal |
| Why this podcast? | Almost (I emphasize ALMOST) replaces the MBA/MM. If you listen to these 4 hour deep-dives into the history and stories behind the biggest companies in the world, you will be ready to ask all the right questions in class... you might even find some of the right answers! https://www.acquired.fm/ |
Check out our full MSM New Years Recommendation Countdown here.
