Pre-order my debut book 'Inventing BE' Special editions
Welcome to BE a LINK
BE Alink is my name, and this site is BE a LINK
With my book 'Inventing BE' and through conversations we will engage in together, I encourage us all to BE a LINK to bridge the divides that are killing us.
Photo of me on the right:
My body is like a talking stick, a portal through which my spirit can be seen and my voice be heard to BE a LINK, a bridge between all the divides that keep us separated from each other like we separated ourselves from nature… Healing is in the collective where we are all one
A MEMOIR / MANIFESTO
Synopsis of 'Inventing BE'
Fiercely courageous and exhilarating, Inventing BE depicts the life and time travel of Dutch designer, architect and Alinker walking bike founder, BE Alink. Growing up in the Netherlands, she had no language for what she felt about her body. How traditional society—including family members and teachers—viewed her did not align with how she identified from a very early age. In the stirring trenches of international humanitarian work across continents, BE discovered herself in places torn apart by volatile crises like Afghanistan, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Indonesia, positively affecting many others along the way.
BE has seen sights and peeked beneath oppressive systems most wouldn’t dare. In the process, she learned that to live a rich life, one had to confront the darkness of humanity to turn on the light of true freedom—in mind, body and spirit. Inventing BE is both memoir and manifesto dedicated to anyone who has ever had to conform or compromise their authentic self. You are never alone, and in the strangest, most far-flung places, you may be right at home.
Pre-order you limited numbered - signed copy here Publication Oct-Nov 2025
Gary Helseth, former UNOPS Country Director – Afghanistan
Matin Maulawizada, Make up artist, Pro ambassador at Lashify
Matin Maulawizada, Make up artist, Pro ambassador at Lashify
I worked with BE (then Babs) during her International career and often wondered how she was able to achieve all she did in such difficult places at such difficult times. More than once I found myself asking, “Who is this person”.
This book allowed me to better answer that question by reading of how she developed the strong will and mental attitude which she applied to the difficulties she faced. Her writing gave me a better understanding of not only who she is but how she became that fearless humanitarian who when faced with overwhelming challenges and frustrations, persevered. I was also able to see how she developed and then maintained the amazing level of empathy for those most marginalized, to whom she dedicated her life’s work and which came to define her.
I enjoyed the flow of the book and while there was a seriousness to the message, I still found it funny and entertaining along the way. Her book also reminded me of times when I was faced with a risky activity in a dangerous place but that really needed to be done and I had just two options. I could try and find a team of “battle hardened, fearless, tough as nails, ex-military special forces SOB types….. or… I could send in Babs.
Matin Maulawizada, Make up artist, Pro ambassador at Lashify
Matin Maulawizada, Make up artist, Pro ambassador at Lashify
Matin Maulawizada, Make up artist, Pro ambassador at Lashify
I’ve had the pleasure of reading a chapter of Inventing BE during her time in Afghanistan. I first met BE in Jalalabad, Afghanistan during a consulting stint I was doing on Afghan craft, embroidery and the importance of women’s education. I immediately took a shine to her bold and unapologetically authentic personality and the ease that she navigated Afghan society wearing men’s clothes working with locals in a manner that gained my trust immediately. She was there to work with and for the people. She treated locals as equal and with genuine love and kindness and I was thrilled to read that the love and respect was reciprocated by people she encountered in Afghanistan during some of the most challenging times in Afghan society.
For people that live on the periphery of society standards and having a nomadic soul that fits in everywhere yet always stands out shockingly in the binary frame of western existence, it was refreshing to see her navigate at ease in a way that wasn’t so simple for any “expats” living in a war zone.
I cannot wait to read the book at its entirety and savor every experience vicariously through BE’s amazing storytelling.
A life that has found its purpose and has realized that we are here to service our fellow humans should be celebrated and recognized and I’m looking forward to see this book becoming a staple in everyone’s reading lists and libraries.
With love and gratitude.