Author:
Tim Harford

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Summary

THE UNDERCOVER ECONOMIST is a fresh explanation of the fundamental principles of the modern economy.

Hmmm

For a while now I have had the uncomfortable knowledge that I don’t understand economics. I’ve had some questions about globalisation, about whether our worlds economics is an open or closed system, about whether or not we can all improve our standard of living indefinitely, about rich countries, and poor countries. I’ve had questions about fair trade, and buying local vs super markets, and about banks and economies based on interest and debt. I’ve had more questions about small vs big, about specialising, about whether or not free markets is a great goal for us to have, or whether we need to have more control imposed from external sources like government or institutions like the world bank.

Well… this book doesn’t answer all these questions.

but it is does make a great start in laying a good foundation of economic thinking.

It’s written well (think Malcolm Gladwell) with loads of stories that make it a very enjoyable read. Tim starts out describing how important the role of economics is in our society. He then painting a picture of what he calls “the world of truth” which is free trade at it’s freest and most honest. After laying some groundwork Tim tackles some major world issues with the broad sword of “economics” - obviously simplified, but very eye opening.

The book has helped me think bigger and more interconnectedly. A fun helpful first step in my learning of economics.

Author:

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Summary

An “instant classic” on web usability.

Author:
Audrey Niffenegger

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Summary

A man gets displaced in time. This book follows his and his wife’s story.

Hmmm

This is a really beautiful and well written book.

The story unfolds non-chronologically which echos the way Henry experiences his life and suits me to a tee.
I can’t say very much about this book with out spoiling it, but if you like novels, relationships and new ideas then read this book.

Things I especially like:
Henry and Clare’s relationship.
Clare’s art
Henry’s descripions of new times
Henry’s “skills”

Author:
William P Young

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Summary

Mackenzie Allen Philips’ youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his great sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend.

Hmmm

The Shack starts with one of my worst nightmares, a child goes missing and the father is powerless to do anything about it.
I like the story of Mack going to meet God in the Shack. I get that deeply. A time to go away and grieve and find peace. I love his relationship with God and the outcome.

but…
This book is very much written for a particular group of people rather than as a story, and that really lets it down. There are some beautiful (and new and important for the particular group of people) points made about God, and how God relates to us, and within himself, but the writer seems to fear that the people reading it won’t “get” it. It’s a bit like Mission Impossible 1 - a great story and a great film, but a lot of people didn’t “get” it, so Mission Impossible 2 had it’s story line, but the dialogue seemed to have to emphasise what should have been obvious. Ie:
Action:
a baddy walks in to the room.
Dialogue:
Look everyone this guy just walks in to the room. remember what he did. He’s really bad!

The book is worth a read. It won’t take you long, but the writing isn’t great.