9 Interesting Non-Fiction Books About Economics

Books About the Economy: Our 9 Picks

5 Things You Should Know About Economics

1. There are two main types: microeconomics deals with the behavior of individuals & macroeconomics focuses on larger groups, like countries
2. The law of supply & demand: a basic rule which says that the price of something is largely determined by how much of it there is and how much people want it
3. Gross Domestic Product (GDP): measures the size of a country's economy, basically an estimate of the value of all goods and services produced within the country over a set period of time
4. Interest Rates: determine how much extra you have to pay back when you take out a loan or how much you can expect a savings account to grow over time
5. Inflation and Deflation: describe a change in the spending power of money over time, leading to a stronger or weaker currency

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In Depth

Whether you're looking to improve your financial literacy or are already well-versed in economics, there's still a lot you can learn from experts in the field. In no particular order, here are nine interesting non-fiction books about economics, with topics ranging from managing personal finances to critical analyses of specific industries.

First up, at #1, we have "Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy" by Joseph E. Stiglitz, in which the author shares his belief that America is lagging behind other developed nations in terms of equality and economic growth, and that inequality has less to do with an individual's luck than policies that favor the top one percent. Stiglitz fights against the notion that economic stagnation is inevitable and suggests ways we can create a more equitable system.

Next, at #2, is "The Primal Prescription" by Doug McGuff and Robert P. Murphy. McGuff and Murphy combine forces to provide an in-depth analysis of the United States' health care system, tackling its history and providing information the general public may not be aware of. The authors encourage people to take more control over their own medical care and offer a guide for how to do so.

McGuff and Murphy combine forces to provide an in-depth analysis of the United States' health care system, tackling its history and providing information the general public may not be aware of.

At #3 is "A Man for All Markets." Written by mathematician Edward O. Thorp, best known as the father of card counting, it tells the story of how he learned to beat the odds before eventually moving on to become a successful stock trader. Throughout this memoir, he provides detailed explanations of how he achieved his goals, giving readers sound financial advice along the way.

Next up, at #4, we have "Utopia for Realists" by historian Rutger Bregman, who argues that a utopian way of thinking could lead us to a brighter future. By taking a look at history, the author attempts to show the possibility of implementing concepts such as a universal basic income and shortened work weeks, which could potentially reduce global inequality.

At #5 is "Bad Paper" by Jake Halpern. It's no secret that debt collectors occasionally resort to shady tactics, and Halpern delves deep into the industry to try and show how some of the people involved in it actually operate. The book focuses on the story of Aaron Siegel, a former banking executive who teams up with ex-convict Brandon Wilson to find uncollected debts sold by banks. It's an enlightening read about the world of consumer debt selling and collection that exposes the inner workings of an unregulated and often cutthroat market.

The book focuses on the story of Aaron Siegel, a former banking executive who teams up with ex-convict Brandon Wilson to find uncollected debts sold by banks.

Next, at #6, is "Door to Door" by Edward Humes. Through interviews and meticulous research, Pulitzer Prize winner Humes explores the complex world of transportation and the intricacies of moving goods and people around the globe. Focusing on the shipping and logistics industry, anyone curious about exactly how the products that we consume end up on our doorsteps is sure to learn something new.

Next up, at #7, we have "Second Chance" by Robert T. Kiyosaki. According to Kiyosaki, there's a lack of financial education in the world, resulting in many people not knowing how to properly handle their money. By drawing from his personal experiences, he offers readers advice on how to become more financially independent and build up one's wealth, such as investing in real estate. Throughout the book, he also provides his insights on the state of America's economy.

At #8 is "Private Island" by James Meek. The author explores the history of privatization in the United Kingdom and how it has affected the nation and its people over the span of three decades. Meek shines a spotlight on the country's public services, such as water and energy, which have been sold off to companies based overseas. Through his analysis, he tries to show the drawbacks of privatization and the negative effects it has on consumers, such as a significant rise in the price of certain utilities.

Through his analysis, he tries to show the drawbacks of privatization and the negative effects it has on consumers, such as a significant rise in the price of certain utilities.

Finally, at #9, we have "The Financial Diet" by Chelsea Fagan, with art and design by Lauren Ver Hage. Based on the website of the same name, it's a guide mainly targeted towards young adults who need help managing their finances. By sharing her personal experiences and interviewing experts, Fagan hopes to teach readers how to make and save money by sticking to a budget and investing early.