This Was Never Easy: A Brief History of Nostalgia

This book provides an unprecedented look into the life and investment philosophy of Warren Buffett. Written by Alice Schroeder, who gained unparalleled access to Buffett and his inner circle, it delves into the complexities and paradoxes of Buffett's life. The book covers his work, opinions, struggles, and triumphs, and highlights key principles such as intrinsic value, margin of safety, and long-term perspective. Buffett’s legacy is not just his wealth, but the principles and ideas that have enriched people’s lives.

In this book, Thomas E. Woods, Jr. challenges the common narrative that deregulation and free markets led to the 2008 financial crisis. Instead, he argues that government interventions, such as those through Fannie Mae and the Community Redevelopment Act, were the primary causes of the housing bubble and subsequent market collapse. Woods also critiques government bailouts, suggesting they exacerbate the problems rather than solve them. The book provides a detailed explanation of Austrian business cycle theory and its application to the crisis, as well as a historical context comparing the government's response to the Great Depression.

Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan is a revised and updated financial action plan that addresses the new economic realities of 2009. The book offers guidance on navigating the changed financial landscape, including information on new legislation, FICO practices, and strategies for managing credit card debt. It also provides advice on rebuilding retirement plans and managing finances during and after retirement. Orman emphasizes the importance of financial honesty and long-term investment strategies to achieve financial security.

This book provides a meticulous and gripping narrative of the events leading to the collapse of Bear Stearns, one of the oldest and largest investment banks. It exposes the excessive greed, corruption, and unethical practices within the firm, particularly the failure of its hedge funds loaded with subprime mortgages. The author, William D. Cohan, offers a comprehensive look at the power struggles among senior management, the lack of oversight, and the catastrophic consequences of their actions on the global financial system.

In 'End the Fed', Ron Paul argues that the Federal Reserve System is both corrupt and unconstitutional. He contends that the Fed's actions cause booms, bubbles, and busts in the business cycle and that it inflates currency to levels similar to those seen in Weimar Germany or Zimbabwe, threatening an inflationary depression. Paul also argues that the Fed serves the interests of big banks and wealthy elites rather than the general public, and that it facilitates warfare by enabling the government to finance its debts through inflation, which acts as a hidden tax on the population.

In this book, Tom Brokaw profiles men and women who came of age during the Great Depression and then went on to fight in World War II or contribute significantly to the war effort on the home front. Brokaw argues that this generation, which he terms 'the greatest generation any society has ever produced,' demonstrated extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and honor. The book includes stories of military heroes, community leaders, and ordinary citizens who served their country with valor and then transformed America upon their return. It covers a wide range of topics, including the war in Europe, Pearl Harbor, and the home front, providing a comprehensive look at the lives and contributions of this remarkable generation.