How to Argue with an Economist : Reopening Political Debate in Australia

Rating:
Summary: Hot, easy-read book of substance
Review: I've always thought economics was a dry, theoretical subject area. HOW WRONG I WAS! Ms Edwards makes the topic crunchingly relevant and digestable. The key concepts are clearly explained and related to recent events. I never knew how economics contirbutes to shaping our community.
This book has left me with a sense of urgency regarding economics. Government policies matter, not just for short-term budget balancing, but for long term impacts on how we think and act.
The autor's experience at the upper levels of the public service gives startling insight into why our politicians only seem able to create mind-numbingly similar 'solutions' to still unresolved problems.
A first-rate read. (Especially if you know an economist and you need some educated ammunition to argue your point!)

Rating:
Summary: A must read...
Review: One of those books that expresses perfectly that gut feeling you have in your stomach that something is not quite right. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: A good detailed read for those dinner discussions
Review: This is a good book. It doesn't get bogged down in economic language or take too long to read. It provides a historical context to the last few decades of Australian politics and the way things have been done. It takes note of the relationship between the Tax Office and it's bureaucrats and those on the edge, the back bench Members of Parliment, and outer government agencies.

It goes into detail of the nature of Economic Rationalism. Although we may feel we understand it, this book gives examples and help us understand that which is around us but not necessarily understood. It talks about people, and how people see the world. It doesn't humiliate those of either side of politics and doesn't dismiss the beliefs we, or they have.

It is however, focussed wholly on the Australian experience of politics and the economy. This may put some international readers off, but on the other hand we already have enough books about how the American Market works. This book provides a good balance for those of us not under the American sphere of influence.