{Review} How to Understand Economics in 1 Hour by Marshall Payn

ISBN #: 978-0983653950

Page Count: 136

Copyright: April 20, 2012

Publisher: Path Maker Books

Book Summary:

(Taken from Amazon)

For decades US politicians have been kicking the federal deficit and overspending can down the road. No politician can get elected by running on a platform that will honestly fix the US economy. At no time in history has it been more crucial than now for each of us to understand our government. In order to do so, we must understand economics, politics, and the difference between the two. We are the richest country in history but yet we sit on the edge of financial disaster. How can we expect that to change if voters don't understand the very basics of economics?

There has never been a source of information on economics that people can easily understand, UNTIL NOW. In clear and simple terms, this book separates truth from emotion, economics from politics, and offers undeniable proof of our country's destiny if each of us continues to elect politicians while lacking a clear understanding of basic economic principles. If you think you understand economics, think again. This book is an eye opener, not only with its content, but because these concepts are so simple. What is truly amazing is that the knowledge in this book is not common knowledge. You cannot call yourself a responsible citizen unless you read How to Understand Economics in 1 Hour prior to voting in the 2012 US election. It will change the way you see the government, politicians, and the future of our country.

Kathy's Review:

THE CHALLENGE: Understand Economics in Just One Hour
THE PARTICIPANT: Kathy, an economics-challenged marketing professional who also writes book reviews.

I took this challenge very literally, and allotted one hour and one hour alone to read this book. I went into it with very little knowledge of economics, although I did sit through two ECON classes at the college level, but only because they were required. I couldn't tell you one thing I learned in that class, but I do remember that one completely tooly guy tripped over my friend's backpack when he was coming back to his seat with his test results, and he had just flashed his good grade at us saying, "Read it and weep, suckas!" That became our catch phrase for the near term, until it was replaced with something equally as hilarious to our young minds.

Now that the groundwork has been established, let's see if the book lived up to its premise.

I liked right away how the author admitted that economics is boring. I wholeheartedly agree. The author also promised nothing complicated, which I appreciate. And guess what - it was pretty straightforward, and by golly, I think I kind of understand economics now! At least the basic principles. The "one hour" portion of the challenge was also passed with flying colors - I was able to read this in probably about 45 minutes.

I wish that I'd had this book when I was struggling through college-level econ. I think this would be a great introductory read for non-economics major who needs to take the class as part of a requirement. Or, if you would like more understanding on this topic, and are like me and it all sounds like mumbo-jumbo, this book nicely breaks down the basic concepts so it's easily understandable.


*An ecopy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.