A Beginner Book on Economics

[abluelady]

I'm trying to self-educate and was looking for a good book for a beginner on what is happening to our country right now. Ay suggestions? Thanks.

[hfojvt]

1. my preference is for "Small is Beautiful" but that is non-traditional

for more basic, or Keynesian economics you might look for something by Galbraith. Probably people here will suggest "Shock Doctrine" which I have not read, and might not consider a beginner book either. "Economics in one easy lesson" is kinda rightwing, although I read it a long time ago. I think it covers some of the basics. I also think "The Poverty of Affluence" is excellent. Not so much a basic on economics, but it does get at the whole "growth" mentalitiy which is a major driver in our economic theory and society.

Of course, I came at those books having already taken several college courses in economics. Something like Heilbroner's "The worldly philosophers" will give you an overview of economists and probably the basics of their theories.

[abluelady]

3. Thank You

Do any of the books you suggested explain how helping Wall Street helps Main Street?

[Davis_X_Machina]

2. Another vote for Heilbronner, who's really a historian of ideas.

Economics is too important to leave to economics books.

[Dramarama]

4. End The Fed

I know, right

[abluelady]

5. Right!

:hi:

[JitterbugPerfume]

6. I am reading The Value of Nothing

by Raj Patel

It is an easy read , and explains things so that even I can understand.

The title is taken from a quote by Oscar Wilde "Nowadays everybody knows the price of everything, and the value of nothing"

Patel explains how that the true price of a BigMac is $200.00 if you factor in the environmental, health , low wage etc costs that are passed on to society.

Naomi Kleins Shock Doctrine is really good too. I learned plenty when I read that one!

[abluelady]

7. Will Check it OutToday. Thanks.

I read "Shock Doctrine" too and really learned plenty. I'm on an educate myself kick right now. :)

[Taitertots]

8. Irrational Exuberance

Will get you a start toward understanding what is happening right now.

[abluelady]

9. Thanks

Will pick it up at my library tomorrow!

[Taitertots]

10. If you finish that and want more...

I know some good journal articles that are more complicated but offer good insights. Or a couple other books that are easier to digest than the journals.

[abluelady]

11. I'll Definitely Take You Up On Your Offer

I just started a short economics class and look forward to learning more about what I don't know. :)

[JeffersonChick]

12. Novice economics books

If you're trying to build a basic understanding, you could start with the "Dummies" series, and others like it: Economics for Dummies; The Complete Idiot's Guide to Economics, etc.

I recently read "Naked Economics" which is a starter guide that's written in such a way to be interesting and easy for the layman to understand.

[abluelady]

13. Thanks

I'm trying to read everything recommended. The Dummy series might be a good place to learn "talking points."

[dmr]

14. Another is 'Confessions of an Economic Hitman' by John Perkins

http://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Economic-Hit-John-Perkins/dp/1576753018

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confessions_of_an_Economic_Hit_Man

:hi:

[abluelady]

15. Read It!

Sure gave me a look at how America does "business."