Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer

2024 Summer Reading List

Aug 6, 2024

David Goldstein, a Senior Fellow at Civic Ventures, and Paul Constant, a writer at the same organization, share their summer reading list packed with thought-provoking economic and political books. They discuss the intersection of history and economics, highlighting fascinating reads like 'In This Economy?' and 'End Times'. The duo unpacks Bill Clinton's economic legacy and critiques conventional ideas in works like 'The Power Broker' and 'The Road to Freedom'. They encourage supporting local bookstores and rethinking retirement in a changing economy.

32:46

Episode guests

Paul Constant

David Goldstein

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Kyla Scanlon's book 'In This Economy?' serves as an engaging introduction to economic concepts, particularly for younger audiences unfamiliar with the subject.

Peter Turchin's 'End Times' emphasizes the historical cycles of inequality, warning of potential societal collapse if current disparities remain unaddressed.

Deep dives

Beginner Economics Book Recommendation

A recommended book for younger readers is 'In This Economy' by Kyla Scanlon, which offers an accessible introduction to economic principles. The book adapts content from Scanlon's TikToks, simplifying concepts like inflation and engaging those who may feel intimidated by economics. The author provides a straightforward explainer of how money and markets function, making it suitable for individuals new to the subject. However, the book is critiqued for not fully aligning with 'middle-out' economic perspectives, indicating the need for supplemental discussion to broaden understanding.

Intro

2min

Economics Unpacked: From TikTok to Crisis

8min

Rethinking Growth: Population and Economics

9min

Exploring Clinton's Economic Legacy

2min

Insights on Economic Literature and Podcast Recommendations

2min

Retirement Insights and Book Recommendations

10min

It’s Paul and Goldy’s summer reading list! In this week’s special episode, Civic Ventures Senior Fellow David “Goldy” Goldstein and Civic Ventures Writer Paul Constant recommend some of the hottest new economic and political books for your beach reading pleasure.

We want to know what you’re reading, too. Leave us a comment on Instagram, Twitter, Threads or YouTube!

Remember to shop local and small when you can, or order from IndieBound or Bookshop.org—both of which support independent bookstores! All of these books are also likely available through your local library.

Every book mentioned in this episode:

In This Economy?: How Money & Markets Really Work - Kyla Scanlon

End Times: Elites, Counter-Elites, and the Path of Political Disintegration - Peter Turchin

The Chile Project: The Story of the Chicago Boys and the Downfall of Neoliberalism - Sebastian Edwards

Our Malady: Lessons in Liberty from a Hospital Diary - Timothy Snyder

Growth: A History and a Reckoning - Daniel Susskind

Empty Planet: The Shock of Global Population Decline - Darrell Bricker & John Ibbitson

A Fabulous Failure: The Clinton Presidency and the Transformation of American Capitalism - Nelson Lichtenstein & Judith Stein

The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York - Robert A. Caro

The Road to Freedom: Economics and the Good Society - Joseph E. Stiglitz

Work, Retire, Repeat: The Uncertainty of Retirement in the New Economy - Teresa Ghilarducci

New Nigeria County - Clare Brown