Minor downsides: 1)Sometimes Krugman will explain a concept in one paragraph and finish with a sentence like "But I've probably talked too much about this already, so let's move on." I assume he's acknowledging that his intended audience doesn't need total comprehension of every concept to get the points he makes and so in the spirit of space limitations and attention spans, ushers the crowd forward. To me, it felt more "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain."2)Krugman also sneaks in some gratuitous sass in the direction of the American Right; it's not a terrible amount, but I prefer to avoid that in my demi-academic reads. Also, I feel like it will further turn off right-leaning folks who could jive with his analysis.3)I wish all writers would include a list of sources and further reading.Upside: everything else. Quick, readable diction. Excellent suggestions and responses to potential/typical qualms with those suggestions. Right off the bat, I have to admit my knowledge of economics is pretty much zilch and I’m a loyal fan of Krugman’s biweekly column in the NY Times. If you enjoy his style, this book is for you. As usual, Krugman manages to break apart complex theories into palatable pieces, presenting a convincing case for ending austerity measures along with a Keynesian expansion of government spending. Likewise, he demonstrates how this will never happen in our current political environment. Usually, I despise punditry books, but Krugman has won me over with his ability to dissemble complex ideas into simple examples, such as his illustration of the flaws with the Washington babysitting cooperative. A quick read (and a bit dated at the time of this review) I highly recommend this book to any economic novice who is seeking an understanding into the current fiscal mess and achievable means for setting the economy back on track (hint: it doesn’t include shutting down the government).
Do You like book End This Depression Now! (2012)?
This book was an easy to read account of the Great Recession and how to end it.
—DiannaV
Demonstrates yet again how dangerous the Republicans are. Warn your friends.
—Mama
can only do a few chapters at a time ... depressing read ...
—Rat235
Logical solutions not pursued by this illogical Congress.
—Corrinicorn
