so-soThis is a journalistic approach into the world of the wealthy, capitalism, and the ways the ultra wealthy evade paying taxes. I enjoyed the start of this but did get a little lost along the way. I still feel I learned quite a bit though. One thing that irked me is the author is female but the narrator for the audio was male.
Even as a #longtimefed I didn‘t know or realize everything that other feds do. I was often frustrated by indifference to admin/support staff and the observation that it‘s the type of work that‘s only really noticed when it‘s done poorly or not at all. Yet here I am taking the work of other feds for granted. While
I write about my own experiences/observations as they pertain to the current situation, I recognize it‘s a much bigger picture.
pickI enjoyed this book about the materials that make up the modern world and the history and economies around them. It‘s highly readable and accessible. Rigorous on facts & science but he tells it in a conversational voice with narrative drive. Fascinating to learn about the importance of sand & glass for example, & the modern need for copper & lithium. It shows how interdependent we are as supply chains are so complex. Recommended.
so-soGot a lil too scholarly and rambly for me at points. Some parts were hella interesting though. Just realizing what a philosophical concept debt is... crazy. Rec from mom. Took me ages to get through.
pickThis was written in 2008 so it is a bit outdated, but it is a book that gives a lot of thought to art - what is art, making, selling, owning, and value. Much to think about. How does a work become "worth" $12M and what is worth? I found the section on auctioneers most fascinating since I have become interested in Sotheby's auctions. Also found throughout the competition and unity of Sotheby's and Christie's really interesting.
Last year started my HUGE crush on Sotheby's auctioneer Phyllis Kao. That has lead me to this tagged book.
She is not featured in it, but it does give a history and look at current look at art houses and sales, it is interesting to think about what is art, even though the idea of this much money makes me sick to my stomach.
panSaifedean Ammous is Professor of Economics at the Lebanese American University. This book has useful summaries of the history of money and the development of Bitcoin but his arguments as to how Bitcoin meets the definition of money are unconvincing - no matter how many times he repeats his points - and his Austrian school economic arguments about Bitcoin‘s superiority for settlement smacks of wishful thinking over the real world practicalities.
These are my #BookSpin and #DoubleSpin reads for February 2025. Both sound really good to me ☺️
@TheAromaofBooks
My February #BookSpinBingo reading plan. The tagged book is the first of my #Roll100 picks.
1 - 10 are #buddyreads
@TheAromaofBooks
