The best 68 US Economics books

Diving into US Economics reveals insights crucial for understanding the country's financial landscape and global impact. Our book list serves as a practical guide, shedding light on complex economic principles and real-world applications.

Explore our collection for a well-rounded grasp of US Economics. Ready to unravel the mysteries behind economic trends and policies? Start exploring now!

  1. 1The Origin of Wealth

    The Origin of Wealth

    Eric D. Beinhocker

    The Radical Remaking of Economics and What It Means for Business And Society

    3.9 (95 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The Origin of Wealth about?

    The Origin of Wealth shows us the inadequacies of the economic theories that underpin our understanding of economics. The book argues that economic actors shouldn’t be seen as rational consumers that act on their self-interest. Rather, economics is best understood as a complex system of adaptation, similar to evolution, where products, ideas, and ideology compete for survival.

    Who should read The Origin of Wealth?

    • Students and scholars of economic science
    • Anyone interested in economics, social sciences or business   
    • Business leaders, economists and politicians
  2. 223 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism

    23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism

    Ha-Joon Chang

    Why capitalism is not what you think it is.

    3.8 (270 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's 23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism about?

    In 23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism Ha-Joon Chang destroys the biggest myths of our current economic approach. He explains how, despite what most economists believe, there are many things wrong with free market capitalism. As well as explaining the problems, Chang also offers possible solutions which could help us build a better, fairer world.

    Who should read 23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism?

    • Students of economics who are fed up with mainstream teaching
    • Anyone who takes an interest in the financial crisis and why nobody saw it coming
    • Anyone wondering why levels of inequality are so high
  3. 3Economics: The User’s Guide

    Economics: The User’s Guide

    Ha-Joon Chang

    Everything you need to know about economics.

    4.3 (177 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Economics: The User’s Guide about?

    Economics: The User’s Guide lays out the foundational concepts of economics in an easily relatable and compelling way. Examining the history of economics as well as some critical changes to global economic institutions, this book will teach you everything you need to know about how economics works today.

    Who should read Economics: The User’s Guide?

    • Anyone interested in the history of economics
    • Anyone interested in the intersection of politics and economics
    • Anyone who dozed through Economics 101 in college
  4. 4The Wealth of Nations

    The Wealth of Nations

    Adam Smith

    The most influential economic book of all time

    4.3 (1,246 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The Wealth of Nations about?

    The Wealth of Nations is a profoundly influential work in the study of economics and examines exactly how nations become wealthy. Adam Smith advocates that by allowing individuals to freely pursue their own self-interest in a free market, without government regulation, nations will prosper.

    Who should read The Wealth of Nations?

    • Anyone who wants to understand the foundations of capitalism and the free market
    • Anyone curious about the core tenets of a fundamental work of economic theory
  5. 5Don’t Buy It

    Don’t Buy It

    Anat Shenker-Osorio

    The Trouble with Talking Nonsense About the Economy

    3.8 (11 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Don’t Buy It about?

    Don’t Buy It (2012) explores the ways language influences our understanding of complex issues. Anat Shenker-Osorio brings her research and expertise to bear on a question that plagues progressives: why do conservatives always win economic debates in the United States, despite the deep inequality and structural injustice epitomized by the financial crash and the Great Recession? These blinks answer this question by analyzing the language employed on either side of the political spectrum.

    Who should read Don’t Buy It?

    • Anyone who identifies as a political progressive
    • Anyone who’s interested in how language affects societies
    • Students of English, economics, sociology and politics
  6. 6PostCapitalism

    PostCapitalism

    Paul Mason

    A Guide to Our Future

    3.9 (124 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's PostCapitalism about?

    Postcapitalism (2015) offers a close examination of the failures of current economic systems. The 2008 financial crisis showed us that neoliberal capitalism is falling apart, and these blinks outline the reasons why we’re at the start of capitalism’s downfall, while giving an idea of what our transition into postcapitalism will be like.

    Who should read PostCapitalism?

    • Capitalists and anti-capitalists
    • Students of sociology or politics
    • Anyone interested in what the future holds for modern-day societies
  7. 7False Economy

    False Economy

    Alan Beattie

    A Surprising Economic History of the World

    4.2 (177 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's False Economy about?

    False Economy (2009) offers a fresh perspective on how and why some nations of the world have become economic powerhouses and others have ended up as financial disasters. You’ll see that nations aren’t handcuffed by fate. Rather, their economic success or failure is based on the choices they make.

    Who should read False Economy?

    • Anyone interested in economics
    • Readers who want to learn about the politics of money
    • People interested in international business
  8. 8Two Nations Indivisible

    Two Nations Indivisible

    Shannon K. O’Neil

    Mexico, the United States and the Road Ahead

    4.2 (28 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Two Nations Indivisible about?

    Two Nations Indivisible (2013) tells the story of the United States’ relationship with its neighbor to the south: Mexico. These blinks explain the profound connections between the two countries as well as the misunderstandings that keep them apart, with an emphasis on political and economic relations.

    Who should read Two Nations Indivisible?

    • Policy makers who want to understand more about the US-Mexico relationship
    • Educators and students interested in world politics
    • Americans and Mexicans hoping to understand each other better
  9. 9The Way Back

    The Way Back

    F.H. Buckley

    Restoring the Promise of America

    3.4 (8 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The Way Back about?

    The Way Back (2016) offers an intriguing explanation of why the American dream is a long-lost concept. These blinks take a close look at the fundamental systems of the United States, from education to criminal justice, and reveal exactly how these systems have broken down and why they are in desperate need of repair.

    Who should read The Way Back?

    • Public school teachers looking for insight into the school system
    • Entrepreneurs fighting bureaucratic red tape
    • Students of sociology and economics
  10. 10Saving Capitalism

    Saving Capitalism

    Robert B. Reich

    For the Many, Not the Few

    4.0 (75 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Saving Capitalism about?

    Saving Capitalism (2015) is a biting critique of the world’s economic order but also an optimistic look into how capitalism could support the common good. These blinks will teach you how and why capitalism is failing most people, and where it needs to go to do right by the majority.

    Who should read Saving Capitalism?

    • Economists and students of capitalistic systems
    • Anyone living and working in a capitalistic society
    • Activists and people fighting for social justice
  11. 11America’s Bank

    America’s Bank

    Roger Lowenstein

    The Epic Struggle to Create the Federal Reserve Act

    4.2 (34 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's America’s Bank about?

    In America’s Bank (2015), you’ll discover the gripping story of the US Federal Reserve, or “Fed.” These blinks trace the history behind the development and unification of the American banking system and show the complex web of interests and players that continue to shape the system today.

    Who should read America’s Bank?

    • Students interested in economics or politics
    • People interested in American history
  12. 12The WikiLeaks Files

    The WikiLeaks Files

    Julian Assange (introduction)

    The World According to US Empire

    4.3 (39 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The WikiLeaks Files about?

    The WikiLeaks Files (2015) provides fascinating and digestible insights from WikiLeaks, the organization that came to worldwide prominence with the release of 251,287 US State Department cables in 2010. These blinks paint a bleak picture of an American empire and its machinations.

    Who should read The WikiLeaks Files?

    • Global citizens concerned with world affairs
    • Students of political science or international relations
    • Diplomats and others working in civil service
  13. 13Dark Money

    Dark Money

    Jane Mayer

    The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right

    3.9 (174 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Dark Money about?

    Dark Money (2016) is a chilling look behind the scenes of American politics, outlining how a small handful of the country’s richest people have been influencing the country’s political landscape since the 1970s. Far from a conspiracy theory, these are the cold hard facts of the powerful and immensely wealthy individuals behind the rise of today’s radical right-wing conservative movement.

    Who should read Dark Money?

    • Students of political science and economics
    • Political junkies and newshounds
    • Readers struggling to grasp the layers and complexities of US politics
  14. 14Austerity

    Austerity

    Mark Blyth

    The History of a Dangerous Idea

    4.3 (52 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Austerity about?

    Austerity (2013) cuts through the confusion behind our recent financial crises and reveals what really happens when economists call for a policy of austerity to be implemented. This is when budgets are cut, public funding is slashed and working-class families suffer so that banks can be saved and continue to make billions. Find out what’s really going on and who’s really being protected when your country gets pushed into austerity.

    Who should read Austerity?

    • Students of political science and economics
    • Readers who want a better understanding of the recent banking crisis
    • Activists fighting against the top 1 percent
  15. 15Barbarians at the Gate

    Barbarians at the Gate

    Bryan Burrough, John Helyar

    The Fall of RJR Nabisco

    4.1 (62 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Barbarians at the Gate about?

    Barbarians at the Gate (1989) tells the story of one of the largest corporate deals in US history, the leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco. These blinks provide a gripping portrait of the extreme and extravagant behavior in corporate America during the 1980s.

    Who should read Barbarians at the Gate?

    • Anyone working in finance or business who wants to learn about a legendary deal
    • Citizens appalled by the excesses of corporate America
    • Anyone enthralled by hostile takeovers and cutthroat dealings
  16. 16Economics for the Common Good

    Economics for the Common Good

    Jean Tirole

    Delve into economics with a Nobel Prize winner

    4.0 (72 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Economics for the Common Good about?

    Jean Tirole’s Economics for the Common Good (2017) is a wide-ranging look at the contemporary economy, packed with plenty of insights into the theory and practice of modern-day economics. Deconstructing the supposed opposition of state and market, Tirole explores their many interconnections in fields ranging from climate change to property rights and the new digital economy.

    Who should read Economics for the Common Good?

    • Anyone interested in the how, what and why of economics
    • Proponents of free markets and advocates of state regulation
    • Anyone who’s ever wondered why climate change is so hard to tackle
  17. 17An American Sickness

    An American Sickness

    Elisabeth Rosenthal

    How Health Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back

    4.3 (63 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's An American Sickness about?

    An American Sickness (2017) takes an honest look at the state of the American health-care system and frankly diagnoses its many ailments. When big business started taking over what were once charitable organizations, things began to go truly wrong. Rosenthal presents valuable information on how to reduce health-care bills and not get taken for a ride by greedy hospitals and over-prescribing doctors.

    Who should read An American Sickness?

    • Americans, both healthy and sick
    • Workers in the health-care and insurance industry
    • Readers who want to save money
  18. 18Glass House

    Glass House

    Brian Alexander

    The 1% Economy and the Shattering of the All-American Town

    3.7 (27 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Glass House about?

    Glass House (2017) tells the cautionary tale of Lancaster, Ohio, a town that went from boom to bust over the course of the past fifty years. At the heart of this downfall is the Anchor Hocking glass factory, a major source of employment that turned into a bitter disappointment. This story is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the current state of affairs in American society and politics.

    Who should read Glass House?

    • Politicians and policy-makers
    • Students of history and American studies
    • People interested in the current state of American affairs
  19. 19Doughnut Economics

    Doughnut Economics

    Kate Raworth

    Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist

    4.0 (228 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Doughnut Economics about?

    Doughnut Economics (2017) is a call to arms for a fresh approach to economics. As inequality soars and environmental crisis looms, the book’s central question has never seemed more relevant. How can we build a just economic system that allows us to thrive while preserving the planet? A good place to start, Kate Raworth suggests, is to do away with the old myths that have shaped economic thinking for so long. Zeroing in on the doughnut-shaped “sweet spot” in which our needs can be sustainably met, this is a thought-provoking read which might just help save the world.

    Who should read Doughnut Economics?

    • Anyone losing sleep over the Earth’s future as climate change kicks in
    • Economic innovators in search of new models for a new century
    • Fans of fresh thinking on big topics
  20. 20Edge of Chaos

    Edge of Chaos

    Dambisa Moyo

    Why Democracy is Failing to Deliver Economic Growth – and How to Fix It

    3.9 (63 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Edge of Chaos about?

    Edge of Chaos (2018) examines the key challenges that liberal democracies around the world are facing today. Aging populations, limited resources and increasing debt are all threats to these countries’ economic well-being – but so too are the “remedies” of short-term policies and protectionism. Author Dambisa Moyo examines that misguided agenda and presents a radical blueprint for economic growth in the twenty-first century.

    Who should read Edge of Chaos?

    • Citizens concerned about Brexit and Donald Trump
    • Policymakers interested in rebuilding their political systems
    • Curious readers hoping to get a grip on global economic systems
  21. 21Capitalism and Freedom

    Capitalism and Freedom

    Milton Friedman

    The definitive statement of Friedman's immensely influential economic philosophy

    4.3 (621 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Capitalism and Freedom about?

    Capitalism and Freedom (1962) is one of the most influential discussions of the relationship between economic and political freedom to have ever been put to paper. Written at the height of the Cold War between Soviet socialism and Western capitalism, Milton Friedman argues that only free markets can guarantee liberty. His theory remains every bit as relevant and thought-provoking today as when it was first published.

    Who should read Capitalism and Freedom?

    • Economics buffs fascinated by the intellectual history of the last century
    • Free-marketeers, classical liberals and libertarians
    • Opponents of free-market capitalism interested in the other side of the argument
  22. 22Utopia for Realists

    Utopia for Realists

    Rutger Bregman

    And How We Can Get There

    4.4 (305 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Utopia for Realists about?

    Utopia for Realists (2016) is a call to arms for a radical rethinking of life, work and how society functions. It argues that the world enjoys unprecedented wealth and material comfort but is still full of problems, from soul-destroying jobs to inequality and poverty. We have the power to solve these problems and build a better future if we embrace utopian thinking.

    Who should read Utopia for Realists?

    • Blue-sky thinkers
    • Socially engaged people who want to eradicate poverty 
    • Frustrated citizens who feel there must be a better way to organize our society and economy
  23. 23The Third Pillar

    The Third Pillar

    Raghuram Rajan

    The Revival of Community in a Polarized World

    4.5 (42 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The Third Pillar about?

    The Third Pillar (2019) traces the evolving relationship between the three “pillars” of human life – the state, markets and communities – from the medieval period to our own age. Economist Raghuram Rajan argues that, throughout history, societies have struggled to find a sustainable balance between these pillars. Today is no different: caught between uncontrolled markets and a discredited state, communities everywhere are in decline. That, Rajan concludes, is jet fuel for populist movements. But a more balanced kind of social order is possible.

    Who should read The Third Pillar?

    • Anyone apprehensive about the rise of intolerant political movements
    • Historians and economists
    • Community organizers and neighborhood activists
  24. 24The Future of Capitalism

    The Future of Capitalism

    Paul Collier

    Facing the New Anxieties

    3.9 (202 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The Future of Capitalism about?

    The Future of Capitalism (2018) offers a candid analysis of capitalism that calls for a return to communitarian ethics to mend rifts between families, communities and nations. Diagnosing the failings of modern liberalism, Paul Collier proposes the reintroduction into economic thinking of ethical concerns. He also suggests pragmatic policies that might forge a capitalism that works for everyone.

    Who should read The Future of Capitalism?

    • Students of political science and economics
    • Policy makers interested in cultivating a new center left
    • Skeptics of capitalism’s potential
  25. 25The War on Normal People

    The War on Normal People

    Andrew Yang

    The Truth About America's Disappearing Jobs and Why Universal Basic Income Is Our Future

    4.5 (151 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The War on Normal People about?

    The War on Normal People (2018) reveals how America is on the brink of economic and social collapse due to technological advances such as automation and artificial intelligence. Painting a portrait of the reality that average Americans will increasingly face if mass unemployment is left unaddressed, author Andrew Yang proposes a vision to transform the economy by adopting a human-centered form of capitalism that begins with a universal basic income.

    Who should read The War on Normal People?

    • Voters interested in learning about Andrew Yang’s ideas for America
    • Educated Americans who want to take on income inequality
    • Working-age people curious about the benefits of a universal basic income
  26. 26Good Economics for Hard Times

    Good Economics for Hard Times

    Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo

    Better Answers to Our Biggest Problems

    4.0 (252 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Good Economics for Hard Times about?

    Good Economics for Hard Times (2019) unflinchingly examines some of the most seemingly intractable problems we’re confronting today. Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo argue that economics can provide new perspectives on how to solve climate change without hurting the poor, and also tackle social problems caused by rising inequality, global trade, and fear of immigration. 

    Who should read Good Economics for Hard Times?

    • People who want to regain their faith in the usefulness of economics
    • Environmentalists who want a new perspective on how to save the planet
    • Workers who are worried about how immigration and trade will affect their jobs
  27. 27Hawai'i

    Hawai'i

    Sumner La Croix

    Eight Hundred Years of Political and Economic Change

    4.3 (47 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Hawai'i about?

    Hawai’i (2019) is a detailed history of the economic forces that have shaped Hawaiian society. Author Sumner La Croix traces the arc of commerce, from traditions first established in the twelfth century by Polynesian colonists to the modern Hawaiian state. Along the way, he examines what has changed and what has stayed the same.

    Who should read Hawai'i?

    • Anyone interested in the dark side of paradise
    • Students of colonialism
    • Labor historians
  28. 28Americana

    Americana

    Bhu Srinivasan

    A 400-Year History of American Capitalism

    4.3 (103 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Americana about?

    Americana (2017) traces the history of the USA from one key perspective: capitalism. Bhu Srinivasan shows how the development of the country has been closely bound up with the development of capitalism, from the New England colonies’ earliest days to the most recent innovations of Silicon Valley or Wall Street.

    Named by The Economist as one of the best books of 2017

    Who should read Americana?

    • American history enthusiasts
    • People interested in the economy past and present
    • Fans – or enemies – of capitalism
  29. 29One Billion Americans

    One Billion Americans

    Matthew Yglesias

    The Case for Thinking Bigger

    4.3 (37 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's One Billion Americans about?

    One Billion Americans (2020) poses a provocative solution to America’s diminishing prosperity. Author Matthew Yglesias believes that by increasing its population to one billion, the nation could retain its position as the world’s top economic power. Yglesias puts forward a strategy to achieve this, while exploring the surprising benefits more people would bring.

    Who should read One Billion Americans?

    • Voters concerned about America’s future
    • The economically curious
    • Americans seeking solutions to social challenges
  30. 30Talking to My Daughter About the Economy

    Talking to My Daughter About the Economy

    Yanis Varoufakis

    A Brief History of Capitalism

    4.4 (209 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Talking to My Daughter About the Economy about?

    Talking to My Daughter About the Economy (2018) is a lucid and accessible account of our current economic system. This engaging primer explains what economics is, what it does, and why it became such a force in our everyday lives.

    Who should read Talking to My Daughter About the Economy?

    • Political junkies hungry for accessible economic theory
    • Everyday citizens seeking to engage with politics
    • Anyone interested in understanding our current economic system
  31. 31Austerity

    Austerity

    Alberto Alesina, Carlo Favero and Francesco Giavazzi

    When It Works and When It Doesn't

    3.9 (40 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Austerity about?

    Austerity (2019) uses data analysis to look at one of the most controversial topics in economics today. An analysis of several countries’ austerity policies over the past several decades reveals that cutting spending can actually help the economy expand.

    Who should read Austerity?

    • Economists keen to learn more about austerity
    • Politicians looking to brush up on their economics
    • Anyone who wants to understand the numbers behind government policy
  32. 32Angrynomics

    Angrynomics

    Eric Lonergan and Mark Blyth

    How we can rearrange our economies to produce more equality and less anger

    4.1 (114 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Angrynomics about?

    Angrynomics (2020) examines the growing atmosphere of anger around the globe. Part political theory, part social science, this approachable text diagnoses the cause of the rising resentment and proposes a few popular solutions.

    Who should read Angrynomics?

    • News junkies seeking fresh takes on the current political climate
    • Activists wishing to understand popular movements
    • Anyone with an interest in where the world is headed
  33. 33American Crisis

    American Crisis

    Andrew M. Cuomo

    Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic

    3.5 (27 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's American Crisis about?

    American Crisis (2020) is a candid retelling of how Governor Andrew Cuomo managed the COVID-19 crisis in one of the worst affected states in America: New York. It reveals the steps Cuomo took to steer New York through the early days of the pandemic in a country run by a president Cuomo sees as incapable of leadership. It also shows how real leadership requires honesty and transparency, clear communication, and compassion for others.

    Who should read American Crisis?

    • Anyone interested in American politics 
    • Leaders of organizations who want to learn about crisis management
    • Those curious about how New York has fared throughout the crisis
  34. 34The Value of Everything

    The Value of Everything

    Mariana Mazzucato

    Making and Taking in the Global Economy

    4.4 (166 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The Value of Everything about?

    The Value of Everything (2018) presents an argument for redefining value in the economy so that we can better understand who really creates value, and who extracts it.

    Who should read The Value of Everything?

    • Economists eager for new ideas
    • Fans of politics in search of change
    • Lovers of radical ideas and ambitious visions
  35. 35The Economists’ Hour

    The Economists’ Hour

    Binyamin Appelbaum

    False Prophets, Free Markets, and the Fracture of Society

    4.3 (74 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The Economists’ Hour about?

    The Economists’ Hour (2019) is a compact history of how economists came to dominate our political discourse. This work traces the rise of neoliberal ideology from the 1960s to today.

    Who should read The Economists’ Hour?

    • Political wonks wanting to parse the current climate
    • Citizens concerned about America’s rightward shift
    • Anyone asking, “how did things get so bad?”
  36. 36Wildland

    Wildland

    Evan Osnos

    The Making of America's Fury

    3.4 (38 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Wildland about?

    Wildland (2021) recounts the story of how America became unraveled throughout the first two decades of the twenty-first century. Drawing on stories from residents of three US cities –⁠ Greenwich, Connecticut; Clarksburg, West Virginia; and Chicago, Illinois –⁠ it examines the undercurrents of change that tie together the fates of these varied landscapes. Finally, it describes how the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 laid the foundation for the violent insurrection on January 6, 2021. 

    Who should read Wildland?

    • Americans trying to make sense of the changes in their country
    • Students of American politics and culture
    • Activists looking for a holistic picture of the grievances of average Americans
  37. 37The Dying Citizen

    The Dying Citizen

    Victor Davis Hanson

    How Progressive Elites, Tribalism, and Globalization Are Destroying the Idea of America

    2.8 (693 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The Dying Citizen about?

    The Dying Citizen (2021) explores the ways in which modern American democracy is being weakened. Touching on issues like globalization and identity politics, it discusses how left-wing progressives are damaging the foundations of the United States. 

    Who should read The Dying Citizen?

    • Conservatives looking for fresh insights
    • Fans of Donald Trump 
    • Anyone interested in politics and current affairs
  38. 38Lessons from the Titans

    Lessons from the Titans

    Scott Davis

    What Companies in the New Economy Can Learn from the Great Industrial Giants to Drive Sustainable Success

    4.2 (50 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Lessons from the Titans about?

    Lessons from the Titans (2020) tells the stories of ten industrial companies in the United States. From General Electric to Boeing, Honeywell to United Rentals, it looks at which strategic decisions led to success and which disastrous missteps created new obstacles. By analyzing the past performance of such legendary businesses, it offers greater insight into which companies today will stick around – and which won’t. 

    Who should read Lessons from the Titans?

    • Business gurus fascinated by economic shifts
    • Entrepreneurs looking to future-proof their companies
    • Economists curious about market shifts
  39. 39The Raging 2020s

    The Raging 2020s

    Alec Ross

    Companies, Countries, People – and the Fight for Our Future

    3.8 (96 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The Raging 2020s about?

    The Raging 2020s (2021) is an autopsy of the American social contract, which once kept companies, governments, and individuals in stable harmony but has since broken down. In particular, it describes how the power of corporations has expanded in recent years while federal might has waned –⁠ and how the result is that companies have more control over people’s lives than ever before. We must work to restore the balance and write a new social contract for the modern age.

    Who should read The Raging 2020s?

    • Citizens concerned about the increasing power of corporations
    • Current or aspiring politicians and activists
    • Anyone who sees the value in capitalism but thinks it can be improved
  40. 40Adrift

    Adrift

    Scott Galloway

    America in 100 Charts

    4.3 (323 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Adrift about?

    Adrift (2022) argues that the United States is flailing, despite all its success and global dominance since World War II. It’s a country struggling to adapt to revolutionary changes in technology, facing deep economic and political divisions and threats of extremism, and quickly losing ground to rivals like China. Despite all of this, Scott Galloway still sees reason for hope, but first lays out what he sees as the biggest challenges facing the nation. 

    Who should read Adrift?

    • Those who feel overwhelmed by the anger and divisiveness on social media
    • Investors who want to understand an evolving market
    • People wondering if higher education is worth their time
  41. 41It’s OK to Be Angry About Capitalism

    It’s OK to Be Angry About Capitalism

    Bernie Sanders

    What it Would Take to Change the Status Quo That Enriches Billionaires and Holds the Working Class Down

    3.9 (310 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's It’s OK to Be Angry About Capitalism about?

    It’s OK to be Angry About Capitalism (2023) is a critique of the economic and political system in the US. It offers a blueprint on how to move past unbridled capitalism onto a fairer and freer future.

    Who should read It’s OK to Be Angry About Capitalism?

    • Everyone interested in the idea of democratic socialism
    • Those who’d like to understand Bernie Sanders’s political agenda
    • Anyone concerned about inequality
  42. 42The Myth of American Inequality

    The Myth of American Inequality

    Phil Gramm, Robert Ekelund & John Early

    How Government Biases Policy Debate

    3.9 (103 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The Myth of American Inequality about?

    The Myth of American Inequality (2022) corrects widespread misconceptions about inequality in the United States. Taking aim at misleading official statistics, it shows that poverty has all but disappeared in today’s America and that the gap between rich and “poor” isn’t nearly as large as many people assume. 

    Who should read The Myth of American Inequality?

    • Politicos and policymakers
    • Historians and economists
    • Anyone interested in contemporary debates about economic justice
  43. 43Power Failure

    Power Failure

    William D. Cohan

    The Rise and Fall of an American Icon

    4.4 (286 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Power Failure about?

    Power Failure (2022) details the rise and fall of General Electric – once a great success story of international business.  But its legacy went badly awry, as even casual consumers of business news will remember. Power Failure: The Rise and Fall of an American Icon (2022) gives a startlingly detailed account inside the behemoth corporation, examining what went right – and then wrong.

    Who should read Power Failure?

    • Anyone interested in the inside workings of business
    • Leaders who want to learn from the experience of CEOs going through difficult times 
    • Employees who want to better understand the forces at play inside the companies that dictate their future
  44. 44Profit Over People

    Profit Over People

    Noam Chomsky

    Neoliberalism and Global Order

    4.4 (452 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Profit Over People about?

    Profit Over People (1999) is a deep dive into the often hidden world of neoliberalism, revealing how global power structures and US policies are influenced by corporate interests. You’ll be taken on a journey that uncovers an economic system geared toward the affluent, often to the detriment of the many.

    Who should read Profit Over People?

    • Students of economics or international relations 
    • Policymakers and businesspeople
    • Curious minds interested in the way our world works
  45. 45Innovation in Real Places

    Innovation in Real Places

    Dan Breznitz

    Strategies for Prosperity in an Unforgiving World

    4.4 (30 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Innovation in Real Places about?

    Innovation in Real Places (2021) argues that the prevailing Silicon Valley model of growth creation has failed most cities and regions. Rather than chasing the chimera of becoming the next tech hub, communities should focus on identifying their niche in the global production process and fostering innovation based on their existing strengths. 

    Who should read Innovation in Real Places?

    • Anyone interested in learning more about innovation and sources
    • People interested in economic development and entrepreneurship
    • Citizens and policy makers wishing to advance policies promoting growth and prosperity in their region
  46. 46Too Big to Fail

    Too Big to Fail

    Andrew Ross Sorkin

    The Inside Story of how Wall Street and Washington Fought to Save the Financial System - and Themselves

    4.0 (126 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Too Big to Fail about?

    Too Big to Fail (2009) draws you into the heart of the 2008 financial crisis, revealing the high-stakes decisions and power struggles that shaped the world's economic landscape at that time. This gripping narrative untangles a complex web of financial intrigue, and will help you understand the forces that drove one of the most tumultuous periods in financial history.

     

    Who should read Too Big to Fail?

    • Finance professionals interested in economic crisis insights
    • History buffs exploring twenty-first-century financial events
    • Business students studying real-world corporate strategy
  47. 47The History of Money

    The History of Money

    David McWilliams

    A Story of Humanity

    4.2 (72 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The History of Money about?

    The History of Money (2024) takes us on a tour through time, from the earliest forms of currency to the introduction of bitcoin. It’s a story of booming trade, powerful empires and devastating financial busts. It explains how money has fueled enormous progress and why it remains a fragile system that struggles to benefit all people equally.

    Who should read The History of Money?

    • History buffs interested in fresh perspectives on old stories
    • Anyone interested in global economics
    • Curious folks who like big-picture tales of how the world works
  48. 48Milton Friedman

    Milton Friedman

    Jennifer Burns

    The Last Conservative

    4.2 (156 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Milton Friedman about?

    Milton Friedman (2023) provides a nuanced biography of the influential free-market economist. Tracing Friedman's groundbreaking work across diverse policy areas, it explores his instrumental role in the rise of modern American conservatism and free market ideology. 

    Who should read Milton Friedman?

    • Those looking to understand the roots of modern neoliberalism
    • Students of public policy and political history
    • Anyone interested in impactful, paradigm-shifting thinkers
  49. 49Leading Through Inflation

    Leading Through Inflation

    Ram Charan & Geri Willigan

    And Recession and Stagflation

    3.9 (99 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Leading Through Inflation about?

    Leading Through Inflation (2022) explores the significant impact of inflation on businesses, emphasizing its role in consuming cash, squeezing margins, and disrupting forecasts and plans. It provides practical guidance and strategies for CEOs and executives to navigate these challenges, offering advice on how to thrive in an inflationary business environment.

    Who should read Leading Through Inflation?

    • CEOs and senior business executives
    • Small business owners and entrepreneurs
    • Business School Students and Professors
  50. 50How to Listen When Markets Speak

    How to Listen When Markets Speak

    Lawrence G. McDonald

    Risks, Myths, and Investment Opportunities in a Radically Reshaped Economy

    3.8 (49 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's How to Listen When Markets Speak about?

    How to Listen When Markets Speak (2024) explores strategies for interpreting the complex signals of financial markets to make informed investment decisions. It offers insights into the correlation between historical market events and current market behaviors, providing readers with the tools to predict and respond to market trends effectively. The guidance within emphasizes the importance of listening to and understanding the nuances of market data and economic indicators.

    Who should read How to Listen When Markets Speak?

    • Financial analysts seeking market behavior insights
    • Investors interested in risk management strategies
    • Business students studying financial markets
  51. 51Free and Equal

    Free and Equal

    Daniel Chandler

    A Manifesto for a Just Society

    3.7 (110 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Free and Equal about?

    Free and Equal (2024) offers a progressive roadmap for building a fair society by reviving the compassionate ideas of philosopher John Rawls. It makes a compelling case for a society reimagined to safeguard free expression, eliminate the influence of money in politics, and build an economy where everyone can thrive.

    Who should read Free and Equal?

    • Progressives seeking a fresh perspective on addressing societal issues
    • Political philosophers interested in the contemporary relevance of John Rawls’s ideas
    • Policymakers searching for a framework to guide decision-making in the face of current crises
  52. 52Grow the Pie

    Grow the Pie

    Alex Edmans

    How Great Companies Deliver Both Purpose and Profit

    4.4 (79 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Grow the Pie about?

    Grow the Pie (2020) shows how businesses can thrive by creating value for society while also achieving sustainable profits. It reveals that companies prioritizing the well-being of all stakeholders often outperform those focused solely on shareholder returns. By presenting extensive research and real-world examples, it makes a compelling case that long-term success comes from growing the pie for everyone.

    Who should read Grow the Pie?

    • Business leaders seeking sustainable growth strategies
    • Investors interested in long-term corporate performance
    • Academics studying corporate governance and responsibility
  53. 53The Shortest History of Economics

    The Shortest History of Economics

    Andrew Leigh

    Explore Key Economic Moments and Their Impact on Today’s World

    4.1 (235 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The Shortest History of Economics about?

    The Shortest History of Economics (2024) explores the hidden economic forces that have shaped human history. It examines how capitalism and market systems emerged, linking economic developments to major historical events from the rise of agriculture to modern conflicts. 

    Who should read The Shortest History of Economics?

    • Students seeking context for modern economic theories
    • Curious general readers interested in how economies evolve
    • Anyone who wants a new lens on human history
  54. 54Pay the People!

    Pay the People!

    John Driscoll, Morris Pearl, The Patriotic Millionaires

    Why Fair Pay Is Good Business and Great for America

    4.3 (4 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Pay the People! about?

    Pay the People! (2024) examines how America's economy suffers when businesses and policymakers prioritize short-term profits over fair wages for workers. It argues that raising wages across all levels would benefit everyone – from working families to business owners – by strengthening consumer spending power and preserving democratic capitalism. 

    Who should read Pay the People!?

    • Business owners and executives seeking to understand the broader economic impact of wage policies
    • Policy makers and public officials involved in labor legislation
    • Anyone who wants to understand more about the American economy
  55. 55The Longevity Imperative

    The Longevity Imperative

    Andrew J Scott

    Building a Healthier, Productive Society to Support Longer Lives

    3.3 (10 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The Longevity Imperative about?

    The Longevity Imperative (2024) explores how individuals and societies can adapt to the changes brought about by longer life expectancies. It highlights the need for substantial transformations in health care, the economy, and social systems to ensure that longer lives aren’t just lived but are healthier, happier, and more productive. By rethinking how you approach your career, relationships, and finances, it offers a roadmap for embracing the opportunities of an extended lifespan and creating a society prepared for the longevity revolution.

    Who should read The Longevity Imperative?

    • Older workers seeking career and financial planning advice
    • Young professionals preparing for healthier, longer life spans
    • Policymakers and caregivers shaping longevity-focused societal change
  56. 56Money

    Money

    David McWilliams

    The Story Of Humanity

    4.6 (47 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Money about?

    Money (2023) explores the evolving relationship between humans and money over the past 5,000 years, from its origins in Mesopotamian clay tablets to modern cryptocurrencies. It traces how money has continually adapted to changing technologies, economies, and societies, shaping human behavior as much as being shaped by it. 

    Who should read Money?

    • History enthusiasts curious about money’s evolution
    • Economics students seeking engaging, real-world insights
    • General readers interested in financial systems and society
  57. 57AI Valley

    AI Valley

    Gary Rivlin

    The Mad Dash to Cash In on Artificial Intelligence

    4.0 (63 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's AI Valley about?

    AI Valley (2025) chronicles the high-stakes race to capitalize on artificial intelligence following ChatGPT’s explosive debut, focusing on LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman and DeepMind cofounder Mustafa Suleyman as they build an AI startup amid fierce competition from tech giants. It reveals how the economics of AI shifted power back to established companies, threatening Silicon Valley’s startup culture while promising to fundamentally reshape human-computer interaction.

    Who should read AI Valley?

    • Tech entrepreneurs exploring AI startup opportunities
    • Curious investors evaluating artificial intelligence markets
    • People interested in Silicon Valley power dynamics
  58. 58On the Brink

    On the Brink

    Henry M. Paulson

    Inside the Race to Stop the Collapse of the Global Financial System

    4.3 (8 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's On the Brink about?

    On the Brink (2010) offers a behind-the-scenes account of the 2008 financial crisis from the perspective of the U.S. Treasury Secretary, Henry Paulson. It follows the intense negotiations, high-stakes decisions, and unprecedented government interventions aimed at preventing a global economic collapse. Through firsthand insight, it reveals the complexity and urgency of managing a financial system on the verge of disaster.

    Who should read On the Brink?

    • Economics students studying financial crises
    • Policymakers navigating systemic risk
    • Anyone interested in global finance
  59. 59Money in the Twenty-First Century

    Money in the Twenty-First Century

    Richard Holden

    Cheap, Mobile, and Digital

    4.1 (57 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Money in the Twenty-First Century about?

    Money in the Twenty-First Century (2024) explores how technological shifts are reshaping the nature and function of money. It examines the rise of digital currencies, mobile payment systems, and low-interest economic environments, highlighting their impact on financial institutions and global economies.

    Who should read Money in the Twenty-First Century?

    • Professionals exploring the future of finance
    • Tech-savvy minds interested in digital currencies
    • Anyone seeking insight into modern money
  60. 60Our Dollar, Your Problem

    Our Dollar, Your Problem

    Kenneth Rogoff

    Seven Turbulent Decades of Global Finance, and the Road Ahead

    4.6 (38 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Our Dollar, Your Problem about?

    Our Dollar, Your Problem (2025) examines how the US dollar achieved global dominance through a combination of strategic positioning and fortunate circumstances, while demonstrating that this supremacy is increasingly vulnerable to challenges from cryptocurrencies, China's yuan, and America's own fiscal overconfidence.

    Who should read Our Dollar, Your Problem?

    • Policymakers who want to understand the inherent risks of dollar dominance
    • Investors anticipating how currency shifts could reshape global financial markets
    • Business leaders preparing for potential global economic challenges
  61. 61Competition Demystified

    Competition Demystified

    Bruce C. N. Greenwald, Judd Kahn

    A Radically Simplified Approach to Business Strategy

    4.3 (10 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Competition Demystified about?

    Competition Demystified (2005) presents a clear and practical approach to business strategy focused on understanding and applying the concept of barriers to entry. It argues that the key to long-term competitive advantage lies in identifying and defending positions where new competitors are unlikely to succeed. 

    Who should read Competition Demystified?

    • Business leaders seeking clear, actionable strategy guidance
    • Investors analyzing long-term competitive advantage
    • Students of economics and business strategy fundamentals
  62. 62The Fractured Age

    The Fractured Age

    Neil Shearing

    How Geopolitics Will Splinter the Global Economy

    4.5 (42 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The Fractured Age about?

    The Fractured Age (2025) argues that globalization isn’t ending – instead, it’s transforming into distinct economic regions that will reshape everything from trade routes to technology standards over the next decade. The analysis reveals how geopolitical tensions have turned economic tools into weapons, forcing companies and countries to accept higher costs and fewer choices as the price of alignment.

    Who should read The Fractured Age?

    • Executives and strategists navigating supply chain decisions and market entry choices
    • Entrepreneurs determining which markets to enter and which partnerships to pursue
    • Anyone wanting more context about tariffs, sanctions, and emerging global trade blocs
  63. 63Why Good People Can't Get Jobs

    Why Good People Can't Get Jobs

    Peter Cappelli

    The Skills Gap and What Companies Can Do About It

    3.9 (35 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Why Good People Can't Get Jobs about?

    Why Good People Can’t Get Jobs (2012) argues that the so-called “skills gap” stems more from employers’ hiring practices than from a lack of qualified workers. It shows how inflated requirements, rigid screening systems, and cuts to training create talent shortages, and outlines pragmatic fixes such as clearer job definitions, investing in training, and hiring for potential.

    Who should read Why Good People Can't Get Jobs?

    • Frustrated hiring managers seeking practical talent fixes
    • Data-minded recruiters optimizing screening and training
    • Anyone exploring the roots of skills shortages
  64. 641929

    1929

    Andrew Ross Sorkin

    Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History--and How It Shattered a Nation

    4.5 (91 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's 1929 about?

    1929 (2025) explores the events leading up to the most devastating stock market crash in modern history. Tracing the unchecked speculation, economic euphoria, and regulatory complacency that created the conditions for the collapse, it reveals how illusions of endless growth blinded an entire generation.

    Who should read 1929?

    • Anyone curious about market bubbles and crashes
    • History lovers interested in economic turning points
    • Readers of accessible financial journalism
  65. 65Fight Oligarchy

    Fight Oligarchy

    Bernie Sanders

    Where We Go From Here

    4.2 (137 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Fight Oligarchy about?

    Fight Oligarchy (2025) examines how a small group of ultra-wealthy individuals has gained unprecedented control over American economic, political, and media institutions. It argues that this concentration of power threatens democratic governance, and documents the rise of authoritarian tendencies under Donald Trump’s billionaire-backed administration. Drawing on historical examples of successful resistance movements and detailing grassroots organizing efforts through 2025, it presents a vision for reclaiming democracy through policy reform and mass mobilization.

    Who should read Fight Oligarchy?

    • Americans worried about democracy and wealth inequality
    • People seeking to understand oligarchy and political corruption
    • Anyone ready to organize and reclaim power
  66. 66Mutiny

    Mutiny

    Noam Scheiber

    The Rise and Revolt of the College-Educated Working Class

    2.8 (10 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's Mutiny about?

    Mutiny (2026) investigates why millions of university graduates find themselves trapped in service jobs – and how stagnant wages, punishing debt, and corporate cost-cutting pushed this overqualified workforce to their breaking point. Through inside accounts of recent labor uprisings, you’ll see exactly how these frustrated employees weaponized their education to force massive corporations to the negotiating table.

    Who should read Mutiny?

    • Retail workers looking to organize their own workplaces
    • Managers trying to understand modern employee frustrations
    • Recent graduates facing a difficult and unforgiving job market
  67. 67Samuel

    Samuel

    Robert J. Hastings

    What's Samuel about?

    "Samuel" is a heartwarming novel that follows the life of a young boy named Samuel as he navigates the challenges and triumphs of growing up in a small town. Set in the 1950s, the book explores themes of family, friendship, and the power of community. Through Samuel's journey, the author beautifully captures the innocence and wonder of childhood, making it a captivating read for all ages.

    Who should read Samuel?

    • Anyone seeking inspiration and motivation
    • People interested in personal development and self-discovery
    • Readers who enjoy introspective and reflective narratives
  68. 68War is a Racket

    War is a Racket

    Smedley D. Butler

    What's War is a Racket about?

    In "War is a Racket," Smedley D. Butler, a retired United States Marine Corps Major General, exposes the true motives behind war and the military-industrial complex. He argues that war is often driven by profit and serves the interests of a small group of wealthy individuals and corporations. Butler's book sheds light on the hidden realities of war and calls for a reevaluation of our approach to conflict.

    Who should read War is a Racket?

    • Individuals interested in understanding the true costs and consequences of war
    • People who want to challenge the status quo and question the motives behind military actions
    • Those looking to broaden their perspective on the military-industrial complex and its impact on society

Related topics

Frequently asked questions about US Economics

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard The Origin of Wealth as the ultimate read on US Economics.
Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • The Origin of Wealth by Eric D. Beinhocker
  • 23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism by Ha-Joon Chang
  • Economics: The User’s Guide by Ha-Joon Chang
  • The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
  • Don’t Buy It by Anat Shenker-Osorio
  • PostCapitalism by Paul Mason
  • False Economy by Alan Beattie
  • Two Nations Indivisible by Shannon K. O’Neil
  • The Way Back by F.H. Buckley
  • Saving Capitalism by Robert B. Reich
When it comes to US Economics, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Eric D. Beinhocker
  • Ha-Joon Chang
  • Ha-Joon Chang
  • Adam Smith
  • Anat Shenker-Osorio