Koncocoo

Best Economic History

The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine
The real story of the crash began in bizarre feeder markets where the sun doesn't shine and the SEC doesn't dare, or bother, to tread: the bond and real estate derivative markets where geeks invent impenetrable securities to profit from the misery of lower- and middle-class Americans who can't pay their debts. Although Lewis is perhaps best known for his sports-related nonfiction (including The Blind Side ), his first book was the autobiographical Liar's Poker , in which he chronicled his disillusionment as a young gun on Wall Street in the greed is good 1980s. He returns to his financial roots to excavate the crisis of 2007–2008, employing his trademark technique of casting a microcosmic lens on the personal histories of several Wall Street outsiders who were betting against the grain—to shed light on the macrocosmic tale of greed and fear. Lewis returns on the final disc for a 10-minute interview about the crisis's aftermath, including a savvy assessment of the wisdom of the financial bailout and where-are-they-now updates on the book's various heroes and villains.
Reviews
"A lot of folks have already reviewed The Big Short, and generally I don’t do big write-ups on traditionally published works."
"Read the book before watching the movie, and I think it was a great portrayal of the mechanics of how the american housing market was manipulated by those using their own bottom line as apposed to the individuals obtaining mortgages."
"But in the indiscriminate bailouts that occurred in 2008 (reward the guilty, punish the innocent), our government (our tax dollars) has enabled the unthinkable -- this could happen again."
"I'd like to start out by saying that I work in finance so I found this particularly interesting."
"Had heard about Paulson before, whom the media has made famous for his contrarian call (and deservedly so), but learning about Michael Burry, Greg Lippmann, et al. REALLY enforced the need not just to be patient, but to have the patience of Job with our best investing ideas."
"The bank, the investors, the mortgage loan officers and even the borrowers, who could sell their house properties after a two year time frame (Bush tax laws and escape paying any tax at all) were the players receiving benefit."
"Michael Lewis has a gift for explaining the complicated & esoteric in a very simple & straightforward manner."
"I'm very keen to see the movie based on this book. Also, the people involved here are more interesting than any characters I've seen in financial movies."
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Fantasyland: How America Went Haywire: A 500-Year History
In this sweeping, eloquent history of America, Kurt Andersen shows that what’s happening in our country today—this post-factual, “fake news” moment we’re all living through—is not something new, but rather the ultimate expression of our national character. Over the course of five centuries—from the Salem witch trials to Scientology to the Satanic Panic of the 1980s, from P. T. Barnum to Hollywood and the anything-goes, wild-and-crazy sixties, from conspiracy theories to our fetish for guns and obsession with extraterrestrials—our love of the fantastic. has made America exceptional in a way that we've never fully acknowledged. It’s an eye-opening history filled with brilliant insights, a saga of how we were always susceptible to fantasy, from the Puritan fanatics to the talk-radio and Internet wackos who mix show business, hucksterism, and conspiracy theories.” —Walter Isaacson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Leonardo da Vinci. “With this rousing book, [Kurt] Andersen proves to be the kind of clear-eyed critic an anxious country needs in the midst of a national crisis.” — San Francisco Chronicle “A frighteningly convincing and sometimes uproarious picture of a country in steep, perhaps terminal decline that would have the founding fathers weeping into their beards.” — The Guardian “A spirited, often entertaining rant against things as they are.” — Kirkus Reviews “A provocative new study of America’s cultural history . Even the parts you think you know already are put into an eye-opening context.” —Walter Isaacson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Leonardo da Vinci “Kurt Andersen is America’s voice of reason. The people who should read this book won’t—because it’s a book—but reality-based citizens will still get a kick out of this winning romp through centuries of American delusion.” —Sarah Vowell “ Fantasyland presents the very best kind of idea—one that, in retrospect, seems obvious, but that took a seer like Kurt Andersen to piece together. Kurt Andersen is the bestselling author of the novels Heyday , Turn of the Century , and True Believers.
Reviews
"Andersen's premise is that from colonial days on, America, unlike Europe, has been shaped by people who have been divorced from reality, whether through religious fanaticism (think the Puritans) or prospects of riches (think the Roanoke colony or Jamestown settlers). In the aggregate, this elevation of the impossible, the absurd and the unsubstantiated, has repeatedly destroyed lives and gotten us to the sorry place we are today, where the holder of the highest office in the land routinely lies and gets away with it."
"The author begins in 1517 with Martin Luther's 95 theses and brings the reader through to the Trump era, persuasively arguing that Americans have a unique susceptibility to the fanciful and the false. Our early settlers were both looking for elusive but alluring gold and riches, and for the freedom to believe in religious doctrines that could seem fantastical myths to some. Bringing up Jodi Dean, a political scientist and professor at Hobart and William Smith, he calls out her "enthusiasm for untruths and her contempt for reason." (My spouse and I once took family members to England, and as we walked the streets of Castle Combe, surrounded on all sides by ancient, thatched-roof cottages, half-timbered houses and pretty English gardens, they exclaimed, "It's just like Epcot!" His prose is direct and easy to read, and he quotes other writers, philosophers, theologians and politicians extensively, which brings a breadth to his narrative that I appreciated."
"I learned something new on almost every page, and the book is full of brief references to things that sent me off to do a bit more research (did you know that Harvard has a program in placebo studies? Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the book is showing how the same impulse ("find your own truth, don't trust anybody else") applied not just to the hippies but ended up giving tise to post-modern academic relativism of the "truth doesn't matter" school."
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Capital in the Twenty-First Century
The main driver of inequality—returns on capital that exceed the rate of economic growth—is again threatening to generate extreme discontent and undermine democratic values. It seems safe to say that Capital in the Twenty-First Century , the magnum opus of the French economist Thomas Piketty , will be the most important economics book of the year―and maybe of the decade. Like [Paul] Kennedy a generation ago, Piketty has emerged as a rock star of the policy-intellectual world… But make no mistake, his work richly deserves all the attention it is receiving… Piketty, in collaboration with others, has spent more than a decade mining huge quantities of data spanning centuries and many countries to document, absolutely conclusively, that the share of income and wealth going to those at the very top―the top 1 percent, .1 percent, and .01 percent of the population―has risen sharply over the last generation, marking a return to a pattern that prevailed before World War I… Even if none of Piketty’s theories stands up, the establishment of this fact has transformed political discourse and is a Nobel Prize–worthy contribution. Whether or not his idea ultimately proves out, Piketty makes a major contribution by putting forth a theory of natural economic evolution under capitalism… Piketty writes in the epic philosophical mode of Keynes, Marx, or Adam Smith… By focusing attention on what has happened to a fortunate few among us, and by opening up for debate issues around the long-run functioning of our market system, Capital in the Twenty-First Century has made a profoundly important contribution. But beyond its remarkably rich and instructive history, the book’s deep and novel understanding of inequality in the economy has drawn well-deserved attention… [Piketty’s] engagement with the rest of the social sciences also distinguishes him from most economists… The book is filled with brilliant moments… The book is an attempt to ground the debate over inequality in strong empirical data, put the question of distribution back into economics, and open the debate not just to the entirety of the social sciences but to people themselves. What makes Thomas Piketty ’s Capital in the Twenty-First Century such a triumph is that it seems to have been written specifically to demolish the great economic shibboleths of our time… Piketty’s magnum opus. Thomas Piketty of the Paris School of Economics has done the definitive comparative historical research on income inequality in his Capital in the Twenty-First Century . Thomas Piketty ’s Capital in the Twenty-First Century is a monumental book that will influence economic analysis (and perhaps policymaking) in the years to come.
Reviews
"Important book, even if long and complex."
"An essential read, especially for politicians that decide policy based on oligarch-serving propaganda rather than facts and science."
"Good info comparing the US to Europe on upward mobility and politics as the primary cause of our inequality."
"Good book but the same could have been said in half the words."
"He is not preachy at all, not alarmist, not doom and gloom and angry like Marx and not delusional like Hayek and much of the Chicago school and all the "free market" positivists."
"I have not had a chance to review the references, but I have read elsewhere that the research on the data in this book is rigorous."
"An incredibly long listen."
"Piketty addresses the recent, volatile concern over inequality with a comprehensive analysis of the history of economic inequality and explains our present situation ."
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Best Economic Conditions

Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt
#1 New York Times Bestseller — With a new Afterword. “Remarkable… Michael Lewis has a spellbinding talent for finding emotional dramas in complex, highly technical subjects.”. - Financial Times. “ Flash Boys richly deserves to be the first chapter in a new discussion of market rules and abuses… Lewis raises troubling and necessary questions.”. - The American Conservative. “When it comes to narrative skill, a reporter’s curiosity and an uncanny instinct for the pulse of the zeitgeist, Lewis is a triple threat.”. - James B. Stewart, New York Times. He’s doing essential work, and anything that embarrasses fat cats and encourages reform is a flash in the right direction.”. - Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press. “Lewis, as always, is exceedingly good at describing the complexities and absurdities of the subculture he portrays here… A deeply entertaining book, and one that illuminates how much our world has changed in less than a decade.”. - Hector Tobar, Los Angeles Times.
Reviews
"But other times when execution really matters, it was all real, the price you were willing to trade at just got shifted permanently right before your eyes and somebody "front-run" you. I learned a while ago, if the first million can't make you happy, that you have to accumulate more, you will never be content. If you have to play the rigged game to add more riches to your money pile that most human beings will never see in their lifetime, I feel sorry for you. Granted, true free market doesn't exist in the financial world (no matter where you look, New York/London/Chicago/Tokyo). Only the naive will expect any market to give all participants the same level of positioning to engage in any transaction. When I show up to buy strawberries, some farmers/dealers have way more information on the supply and demand, and have inventory to reflect their view. For those who deny the unfairness of HFT front-running, either you haven't seen it (which should disqualify you from commenting on this topic) or you are so jaded that you can't see its harm (which begs questions about your integrity)."
"One can get caught up in the epic battle between the "good guys" and the "Big guys" or rather the secret traders and big banks versus those who were trying to make the system transparent."
"Interesting story about automated trading and how some folks tried to beat the market by getting there first."
"High Frequency Traders (HFT), a relatively new market parasite, have combined the technology of high-speed trading and "front running" algorithms to attach themselves to an astonishing percentage of market trades and "rig" the market."
"It is possible that this book helped a close family member avoid an irreversible financial mistake because he thought he was making an error (he did not immediately realize that the system whereby the "regular" guy executes trades is now more rigged than ever before!). Btw, I don't care about the arguments related to this book... My concern was the financial wellbeing of a family member, who is retired and cannot make up a loss over a period of time."
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Best American Gilded Age History

Coilhunter - A Science Fiction Western Adventure (The Coilhunter Chronicles Book 1)
Welcome to the Wild North, a desolate wasteland where criminals go to hide—if they can outlast the drought and the dangers of the desert. If the land doesn't get you, the Coilhunter will.
Reviews
"Very creative and different."
"Yes, it is a science fiction story and he can write what he wants but these sections lowered my opinion of the story."
"Wilson's worldbuilding is fantastic, down to the shifting yellow grains of sand that get caught in machine parts, fill exhaust pipes, and clog diesel tanks. As he hunts for those on the wanted posters to earn some coils, the currency in the Wild North, he also searches for justice--or at least revenge--for his murdered family."
"The story pulls the reader into his life of searching for wanted criminals, and sandwiched between these captures and killings is his never-ending search for the murderer of his family. In one instance, when a fleeing criminal takes to the rooftops, Nox “…ran towards the wall, simultaneously throwing a knife from his belt at the stone, where it lodged in place, and then another a little further up, and another higher still."
"That Wilson is good as Westerns isn’t a surprise; what’s surprising to me is that Coilhunter is a Western in the first place, since it’s technically set in the same world as Wilson’s grim Great Iron War series. Even more to the point, though, Wilson makes his Western world all its own, making it stand out from the Great Iron War to the point where it feels less like a spinoff and more like its own series. With bounty hunter towns, old friends, and spectacular lawless zones, Wilson brings the world – and the characters – to life in a satisfying way, all while peppering things with his usual strong action sequences."
"A dark, rough and gritty Outlaw Western set in a dystopian future, where the law keepers aren’t much better than the criminals that they hunt."
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Best Finance

Cryptoassets: The Innovative Investor's Guide to Bitcoin and Beyond
This clear, concise, and accessible guide from two industry insiders shows you how to navigate this brave new blockchain world—and how to invest in these emerging assets to secure your financial future. In addition to offering smart investment strategies, this authoritative resource will help you understand how these assets were created, how they work, and how they are evolving amid the blockchain revolution. By sequentially building on the concepts of each prior chapter, the book will provide you with a full understanding of the cryptoasset economy and the opportunities that await the innovative investor . “As we hurtle into a new, decentralized economy, Burniske and Tatar have laid down something of immense importance: a coherent logic, a new science even, for investing in the assets that will define that coming world.”. “In this sweeping and lucid work, Burniske and Tatar make a compelling case that cryptoassets are foundational to the second generation of the Internet and represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the innovative investor. ―Ric Edelman, three-time #1 Independent Financial Advisor ( Barron’s ) and New York Times bestselling author of The Truth About Your Future. Cryptoassets is an excellent introduction to this breakthrough in technology and finance, and a tremendous resource for those eager to get their heads around what can be a daunting and complex subject.”. Chris Burniske and Jack Tatar give the most compelling case for why, with sharp, detailed analysis that reflects their deep understanding of the technology and their strong finance background. The authors surface many historical examples to remind us that in times of excitement, it is even more important to pay attention to the teams and talent behind each project.”. “ Cryptoassets is a must-read for all financial services executives and investors who want to understand the fundamentals and future directions of this burgeoning, new asset class. Within this book, they’ve rolled up their sleeves to provide helpful historical context and a valuation framework that readers will find intellectually stimulating and illuminating for understanding this rapidly emerging world of cryptoassets.”. Cryptoassets explains, in simple to understand terms, the full paradigm of Bitcoin and its successor currencies, and it provides everything needed to explore this exciting world.”. Cryptoassets makes blockchains accessible to the nontechnical by exploring their varied origin stories, use cases, and fundamental value. “Young, Stanford-trained, blockchain analyst and investor Chris Burniske has teamed up with financial planning expert and author Jack Tatar to provide the first comprehensive guide to understanding the fastest growing, most exciting asset class under the sun. “While the cryptoasset space has witnessed exponential growth, to achieve its full potential, it has to be broadly integrated into the real world. With consistent objectivity and clarity, Chris and Jack’s book details cryptoassets as an asset class, and will prove influential in driving institutional investor adoption of this groundbreaking opportunity.”. “ Cryptoassets provides a great introduction to and overview of the young yet rapidly growing universe of all things blockchain. This industry, asset class, and overall idea will make you ponder why abstract concepts like money, identity, and business function like they do in the world today, and how the innovation we’re seeing will completely reshape the economy of tomorrow. From setting the stage to diving into specific protocols and projects to sharing practical knowledge on how to invest in these emerging assets, Chris and Jack’s combination of expertise and familiarity with the complex topics at hand are testament to why I have considered them some of the best resources throughout my journey of falling deeper and deeper down the crypto rabbit hole.”. It’s not a hard read yet delves into much of the detail needed for a complete understanding of the benefits, and risks, of bitcoin, blockchain, and more. I’d totally recommend it to anyone who wants to dive into investing and understanding how cryptoassets will shape the future of society and the creation of value.”. “Those of us who work in the blockchain industry have long realized that the rise of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset class was inevitable. Chris was the first buy-side analyst to focus exclusively on this emerging asset class, and Jack was one of the earliest financial journalists to stress its importance. Now, with Cryptoassets , they describe, as nobody has before, why every investor should incorporate bitcoin, ether, and new blockchain-based assets into their portfolios, and how to analyze these tokens in order to make the right investments.”. The authors capture not only the technical and market analysis you need to know to invest in these projects but also the ethos and excitement of the people pushing this envelope. The book provides background and the potential impacts of ICOs, offering insightful knowledge to both those entering the space and experienced investors like myself. The book covers the full potential and array of what this technology offers in piercing the veil to an Internet of value with all the new innovations and crossovers from the traditional realm of finance. Chris and Jack have brought a wealth of knowledge and cross-disciplinary methods to bear from their respective fields and broken new ground in their analysis of this exciting new space.”. Burniske and Tatar are able to leverage their deep industry experience to condense a complex, continually evolving topic into a concise and informative guide for investors looking to be on the cutting edge of a new asset class. “In a world where issuing digital assets becomes as easy as creating a website, Chris and Jack provide a comprehensive guide that will help you separate the wheat from the chaff.”. “As we enter the next great evolution in global financial markets, Chris Burniske and Jack Tatar have authored a unique and much needed volume. The book adapts classic finance pricing models to the challenging task of valuing cryptoassets, offering the reader a solid headstart to investing in this new exciting asset class.”. You’ll learn about their colorful histories, how to apply fundamental valuation techniques, and practical tips to navigate the at-times turbulent markets.”. For curious minds who want to know about emerging technologies or even those who already have an understanding of blockchains, Chris and Jack leave no stone unturned. Chris Burniske and Jack Tatar steer the reader through a torrent of unknowns, illuminating the complicated world of cryptoassets and their underlying technology, which will more than likely become our generation’s most important innovation.”. “A must-read to appreciate the Bitcoin network effect and the wave of innovation that it launched through the community of people who played critical roles in creating all the distributed ecosystems that are transforming business models.”.
Reviews
"They cover the good, bad, and ugly of bitcoin’s history and bring us into the present world of decentralized applications. The examples include bitcoin, Litecoin, Ripple, Dogecoin, Dash, Monero, Zcash, Ethereum, Auger, dApps in general. They paint a realistic picture of the landscape and give fair warning to those that may embark on a ride of the cryptoasset roller coaster. The authors provide an analysis and valuation framework that lays out the elements to look for and analyze when deciding on weather or not an investment would be worth it. I have added 2 pictures to the review to show you there is a lot of things you’ll want to recall as you go through your journey."
"The book wisely uses textbook features including headings; sidebars; labeled diagrams; charts and graphs; resources, notes and large index; and maps. The history of this surprisingly (to me) large knowledge domain is presented in the most succinct and straightforward manner. But it's way to long to have been a mere essay, and hence we have the first justification for getting the book rather than picking up information piecemeal. Next the text discusses returns on bitcoin and inclusion of cryptoassets in a financial portfolio."
"Whether you’re a traditional investor, a non-investor who’s interested in bitcoin, or an experienced financial professional who isn’t yet familiar with cryptocurrency, read “Cryptoassets: The Innovative Investor’s Guide.” It’s not only for investors—it’s for anyone who wants to learn more about cryptocurrency and blockchain. Chris Berniske and Jack Tatar do an excellent job telling the story behind many cryptocurrencies. Whether you’re an investor in cryptocurrency or not, chances are it’ll be disrupting a vertical near you."
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Best Behavioral Sciences

The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself
The Untethered Soul , spiritual teacher Michael Singer explores the question of who we are and arrives at the conclusion that our identity is to be found in our consciousness, the fact of our ability to observe ourselves, and the world around us. By tapping into traditions of meditation and mindfulness, Singer shows how the development of consciousness can enable us all to dwell in the present moment and let go of painful thoughts and memories that keep us from achieving happiness and self-realization. This book, copublished with the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS), offers a frank and friendly discussion of consciousness and how we can develop it. The accuracy and simplicity of this work is a measure of its pure mastery.” — James O’Dea , past president of the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS). It is the clearest statement I know of who we are and what we face in our emerging humanity.”. — Jean Houston , philosopher, psychologist, and author of A Mythic Life and Passion for the Possible “Deep spirituality is within your reach in this book. It may take more than one reading and many hours of introspection, but The Untethered Soul is a must-read for anyone in search of greater understanding of themselves and of the truth.” — Louis Chiavacci , senior vice-president of Merrill Lynch, ranked in Barron’s top fifteen US Investment Advisors. “This publication has released boundless joy for the hungry souls of the world.” — Ma Yoga Shakti Saraswati, founder of Yogashakti International Mission and recipient of Hinduism Today’s Hindu of the Year 2000 award. With great eloquence, wit, and compelling logic, Singer’s brilliant book completes this thought by showing them to be two poles of the same selfless devotion.” — Ray Kurzweil , National Medal of Technology recipient and author of The Singularity Is Near. Singer takes the reader on a journey that begins with consciousness tethered to the ego and ends having taken us beyond our myopic, contained self-image to a state of inner freedom and liberation. Michael A. Singer’s book is a priceless gift to all who have futilely searched and yearned for a richer, more meaningful, creative life.” — Yogi Amrit Desai , internationally recognized pioneer of modern yoga.
Reviews
"I read the audio version of this book multiple times, bought copies of it for clients, and shared it with friends. After reading Michael's book, I simply allowed irrelevant, erroneous, totally made up thoughts to just float on by without attaching my emotions to them. It means you're no longer an emotional puppet on the string of everyone else's behavior, attitudes, decisions, choices, etc. I LOVED the audio version of the book because the person who read it was perfect for the content. I've read TONS of other books on similar topics but the way Michael conveyed the material was unique and different and I really GOT IT!"
"Some of the points made in The Untethered Soul are: 1. Learn to relax and stay open no matter what. Do not identify with the experiences you are observing. Facing the fact of bodily death can help you to realize that all of the observed is temporary. Do not allow painful experiences from the past to influence the present. If you want a life full of joy and love you must make a commitment to having a life full of joy and love. Learn how to live from your heart, not from your ego. The Untethered Soul is my second most favorite book on the subject of how to transcend the ego and how to realize the true Self and directly experience that perfect infinite consciousness that has only joy and love and has no suffering. My most favorite book on that subject is THE SEVEN STEPS TO AWAKENING which is a collection of quotes by these seven authors: 1."
"I see life and the spiritual journey differently, and though I do believe we all should strive for a happier life and a more peaceful spirit, I don't believe it is desirable to live without some unhappiness, some worries, some fears. The author contradicts himself many times, but more importantly doesn't indicate any awareness that he has contradicted himself. Thus, while the author makes many statements throughout that I agree with, he also constantly is making other statements that contradict previous ones, giving me the impression that he is just writing a stream of consciousness of statements cherry-picked to resonate with a broad range of spiritual-enlightenment-seekers, without much regard to whether those statements gel together to form a cohesive whole. Structure. I would not want to take that away from anyone, but sadly, it is not the book for me."
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Best Free Enterprise

Economics in One Lesson: The Shortest and Surest Way to Understand Basic Economics
Hazlitt’s focus on non-governmental solutions, strong — and strongly reasoned — anti-deficit position, and general emphasis on free markets, economic liberty of individuals, and the dangers of government intervention make Economics in One Lesson every bit as relevant and valuable today as it has been since publication. "A magnificent job of theoretical exposition."
Reviews
"This is an enlightening book."
"a new issue of one of the best summaries on political economy - easy study for the general audience."
"More people need to read this book; Great lesson and so practical."
"An outstanding book!"
"A must read for anyone interested in quickly coming up to speed on economics."
"Even if you have some or zero knowledge of economics, this book breaks it down so simple."
"new copy, but I know the book well."
"If you don't understand economics, then one read through this will open your eyes to how easy it is to understand things when you have the correct principles and right perspective on things."
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Best Journalism Writing Reference

The Smear: How Shady Political Operatives and Fake News Control What You See, What You Think, and How You Vote
The New York Times bestselling author of Stonewalled pulls back the curtain on the shady world of opposition research and reveals the dirty tricks those in power use to influence your opinions. Behind most major political stories in the modern era, there is an agenda; an effort by opposition researchers, spin doctors, and outside interests to destroy an idea or a person. Now, the hard-hitting investigative reporter shares her inside knowledge, revealing how the Smear takes shape and who its perpetrators are—including Clinton confidant Sidney Blumenthal and, most influential of all, "right-wing assassin turned left-wing assassin" ( National Review ) political operative David Brock and his Media Matters for America empire. Maybe you watched someone on the news report that Donald Trump is a racist misogynist, read that Hillary Clinton used a body double, or heard that Bernie Sanders cheated in the primary. Now hard-hitting investigative journalist Sharyl Attkisson, the New York Times bestselling author of Stonewalled , takes you behind the scenes of the modern smear machine, exploring how operatives from corporations and both sides of the political aisle have manipulated a complicit mainstream media to make disinformation, rumor, and dirty tricks defining traits of our democracy. Pulling back the curtain on the shady world of opposition research, she reveals how those in power create well-funded, organized attack campaigns to take down their enemies and influence your opinions, offering a detailed examination of the think tanks, super PACs, LLCs, and nonprofits that have become the hidden backers of some of the biggest smears in American politics. Attkisson hosts the Sunday morning national TV news program "Full Measure," which focuses on investigative and accountability reporting.For thirty years, Attkisson was a correspondent and anchor at CBS News, PBS, CNN and in local news.In 2013, she received an Emmy Award for OutstandingInvestigative Journalism for her reporting on "The Business of Congress," whichincluded an undercover investigation into fundraising by Republican freshmen.She received two other Emmy nominations in 2013 for "Benghazi: Dying forSecurity" and "Green Energy Going Red."
Reviews
"The consumer of news is “pummeled by countless narratives—some based on grains of truth; others wholly invented for the audience.”. The author warns news consumers to be cautious even if all the media outlets are parroting the same line: “Today, if enough pundits, operatives, and media parrot the same narrative, it becomes incorporated into the fabric of the news as an accepted fact.”. And yet, smear campaigns are not new—they are as old as the Republic: “Our founding fathers knew very well the power of a sharp character assassination . “The Clarence Thomas Supreme Court nomination showed both sides that the best way to fight a smear might not be to take a defensive posture—but to mount an offensive countersmear.”. Attkisson is careful to define what she means by “smear.” It’s not the dissemination of falsehoods, so much as exaggeration: “Expert smear artists take a sprinkle of truth—in this case Imus’s objectionable comments—and pervert it into a weapon of mass destruction to advance a larger goal, often political or financial.” Smear campaigns take something that is true and "amplify a misdeed out of proportion.”. For me, one of the most fascinating sections was the explanation of a variation of smear called “Astroturf.” In this variation, the pros pretend they are ordinary folks: “Paid interests disguised as ordinary people troll assigned topics, news sites, reporters, blogs, and social media for the purpose of posting comments that spin and confuse.” The idea is to “give the impression there’s widespread support for or against an agenda when there’s not.”. Attkisson concludes with this sobering warning: “One thing you can count on is that most every image that crosses your path has been put there for a reason."
"It provides the insight and evidence that we've come to expect in her reporting, and opens the curtains of the smear industry so we might peer in and be prepared to spot when the smear is in play (hint...it's everywhere!)."
"This book documents political smear campaigns, behind-the-scenes coordination between the press and political campaigns and other special interests, and efforts by our own government to manipulate the news, influence public opinion, and punish whistleblowers. Although some events in the book go back to the 1990's, most of the information pertains to events of the last ten years, with the emphasis on the 2016 presidential campaign and its aftermath. Worst of all, our own government seems to be an active player in much of this. Many op-eds that you read on the editorial page are not written by the person whose byline appears beneath them, but by activists working for political campaigns, corporations, and special-interest groups. The Obama Department of Justice and other Obama agencies targeted reporters, stonewalled investigations, and maintained behind-the-scenes relationships with special interests."
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Best Business Marketing & Sales

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion (Collins Business Essentials)
Influence , the classic book on persuasion, explains the psychology of why people say "yes"—and how to apply these understandings. Arguably the best book ever on what is increasingly becoming the science of persuasion.
Reviews
"The Harvard Business Review article "Harnessing the Science of Persuasion" by Cialdini, from their October 2001 issue....is a good example. You can even get the Six Principles from the books Table Of Contents...save yourself some time. For salespeople to benefit from a sales book, the ideas have to be explained, understood, proven, accepted, and made real."
"Easy read."
"Great read for anyone that want's to better understand the way people think."
"Excellent book that illuminated many of the techniques sales people, propagandists and others have used on me without me even realizing it."
"Cialdini draws from his own experiences as a salesman and his knowledge of the psychology research literature."
"The six weapons of persuasion are current and useful (even though the author rephrased them to make them more millennial, i think)."
"Probably the best book ive ever read."
"Everybody I try to get advice from adviced this book so I checked it out."
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