The Mystery of Capital

This book gave an interesting point on view for why capitalism struggles in other nations. de Soto gives explanations as to why capitalism struggles in the east. He describes how the lack of establishment leaves these third world countries in a state that is unsuitable for for capitalism to thrive and prosper. 

He states that these nations lack a crucial part to the structure of capitalism, capital. This is the overlying point he makes in his book. Along with other theory such as the fact that Americans do not fully understand how our capitalist system came to be and why it worked so well in the begging. With out this information it is difficult for other nation to follow our lead with a thriving capitalist economy. 

De Soto's book is not only very interesting but very factual. He gives reasons and answers for many of the more difficult questions people have on the economy. He describes the causes and effects our economy has had on others, and the effects that previous leaders and the economy they have created will have on the future economy of those nations. This book gives a raw truth to some of the greater mysteries of capital. 

- Helen of Troy

The Communist Manifesto

The Communist Manifesto is written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It discusses the problems with the class system and capitalism, while supporting the theory of communism.It explains the struggle under capitalism between the ruling class(bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat).It also contrasts the relationship between the working class and the communists.It further distinguishes the differences between socialism and communism. I personally liked the book but felt that it was very lengthly.It was very hard to maintain a focus while reading the book because the font was so small and the text was very similar to a textbook. I beieve that the ideas of communism revealed in this book are very interesting, but will never be successfully used in society.

-John Wilkes Booth

McMafia:A Journey Through the Global Criminal Underworld

McMafia, written by Misha Glenny, takes the reader on a journey through the world of organised crime. The book is a real eye opener to the reality that is organised crime in eastern europe and around the world. I was completly suprised to learn that organised crime made up so much of the world GDP (1/5 of the total). The growth seen by organised crime in the years following the collapse of the soviet union is truely astonishing and coninues to keep its momentum. I fealt that Glenny's use of testimony from those connected to these crime organizations helps to paint the picture of the shocking truth of this phenomenon. ~ Bruce Springsteen (The Boss)