Everyone should read this book. Especially right now. If only to understand just how many variables influence the health of an economy and how hard it is to do the right thing to fix one. For example, regulation or free enterprise (let the market self-correct)? Both have merits. Neither is perfect. A surprisingly fascinating (and quick! though you'll want to re-read sentences and sections so you can recite them at parties) read. I wholeheartedly recommend.

An attempt to popularize basic economic concepts, this book is an easy read and entertaining, if not quite Malcolm Gladwell. I read this while I was taking an economics class, and it definitely added something, but you don't need a class to enjoy it. The author also has a book called Naked Statistics that I'll try next.

Answered a lot of questions I've always had about economics and various economies.

This is one of the most interesting nonfiction books that I’ve read that is truly captivating. Wheelan does an excellent job of breaking down economic concepts like externalities, international trade, protectionism, and the necessity of democracy for economic success with such finesse, detail, and intrigue. While he makes some points that I think gloss over nuance on the downsides of capitalism, he overall does a good job of depicting the market conditions that have created our world. As someone who is solutions- and policy-oriented, I appreciate that he offers a reflection on how we can continually improve by investing in countries with good policies already in place.

Reading this was a nice introduction to a lot of concepts in economics I think it would probably be better if more people understood.

For me it was mostly an entertaining trip though more approachable examples of those ideas in action rather than any sort of new insight, but I guess that's what happens if you read this book only after studying econ.

One thing that I liked a lot though, is that when I emailed the author some questions and requests for clarification, he got back to me quite quickly on it. It made me wonder why I hadn't been contacting authors more.

This Book is what Economics for Dummies should be. Instead of bombarding the reader with graphs and very dry and rather boring explanations, this book reads much more easily and is likewise much more welcoming on the subject of economics that is so often considered boring (hence the book's subtitle). It takes many different subjects and portrays them in interesting examples, with thorough, but very clear explanation. Topics include debt, international development, globalisation, economic incentives, free markets and trade. They offer great introductions into topics that one might want to become more involved in. The dash of humour found throughout the book certainly does not hurt either.

Considering I didn't know a ton about economics before, I found this to be a good introduction. I do think it oversimplifies some social/ethical problems, as well as human behavior, but still very interesting. I would love to read a more modern version of it; this was published in 2002.