Book 47

Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates

Type: Fiction

My rating: 3 stars (out of 5)

Why I chose it: I don't recall what prompted me to get this book but I got it through PaperBackSwap.com which I highly recommend to anyone who loves to read. For the cost of shipping a book to someone else (using Media Mail about $3) you can get a book shipped to you from another PBS member. I have completed over 100 swaps and 9.5 out of 10 books that I received were in "like new" condition.

What I liked about it: This book was written almost 50 years ago but could have taken place yesterday. The main characters in the book are living life in suburbia and experiencing the monotonous routine that affects so many. I often say that the hardest part of life is trying not to be bored. Unfortunately, I found myself bored somewhat while reading this book. I would not, however, discourage anyone from taking a read. I think that the overly descriptive narration, although not appealing to me, is something that gives this book its fairly high rating on Amazon.

This book was made into a movie in 2008 starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. While I haven't seen the movie I think the film adaptation of the book could be a pretty good one.

Book 46

Crash Proof by Peter D. Schiff

Type: Nonfiction, Business & Investing

My rating: 5 stars (out of 5)

Why I chose it: I originally planned to give this book to a friend for his birthday. Then I did not see my friend for several months. Then I heard Peter Schiff speak in Valley Forge at a Campaign for Liberty conference. Then I had Peter sign the book. Then I read it.

What I liked about it: This book was written in 2006 and published in early 2007. Just like the YouTube videos called "Peter Schiff Was Right" this book also predicted the housing market collapse and the current economic downturn.

This book explains why sound money is essential and why all fiat (paper) currencies destruct over time. Peter uses lots of real world analogies to simplify economic and business principles to make them very easy to understand. There are fantastic chapters on the origin and function of money, inflation, the real estate bubble, and ways to protect yourself from a stock market or dollar collapse.

I have added this to my "Required Reading List" on understanding the current economic collapse, which also includes Meltdown by Thomas E. Woods and End The Fed by Ron Paul.

Peter Schiff is the President of Euro Pacific Capital and has never been in politics. He has been encouraged to, and has decided to run for Senate in Connecticut. Peter is the type of person we need to replace almost all those currently sitting in Congress.

Note: A second edition of this book was released in September 2009 called Crash Proof 2.0.

Book 45

One in a Million by Kimberla Lawson Roby

Type: Fiction

My rating: 1 star (out of 5)

Why I chose it: I heard the author talking about this book on XM's Book Radio. It sounded interesting.

What I liked about it: I hesitated to spend any time whatsoever writing about this book. It was a piece of garbage. Very bad dialogue between the characters. "Do you want to walk into the kitchen and eat a cookie with a glass of tea with me?" The plot was so weak my six-year old could have come up with it. Don't waste another second on it.