Two Books Everyone Should Read

Originally poster at: 2BucksWorth.com

If you want to have some perspective on the way things are going in the world today and where they are headed, check out these two books, one looking at the past and another looking to the future.
The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression by Amity Shlaes

You may have heard about this on tv or radio, as it is getting a lot of buzz recently. I read a lot of history (by a lot I mean nonstop for decades), and this is the best account of the Great Depression I've read. It's balanced and very informative, without all the New Deal kool-aid. Some of the themes of the government response to the Great Depression bear great similarity to ideas being touted today.

The Next 100 Years: A Forecast for the 21st Century by George Friedman

A fascinating forecast for what the rest of the 21st century holds by a man who makes his living helping companies and government stay ahead of the historical curve. The predictions range from entirely plausible to some real head-scratchers, but if half of what Mr. Freidman predicts happens, it will be an interesting century to say the least. Oh and if you don't like America or you think the U.S.'s best days are behind it, this book will probably tick you off.

Feel free to suggest some of your recent favorite reads, I'm always looking for a good book. :-)

Nolanbuck