I Love It

I'm stunned at how everything that happens around the world can affect, well, everything! The Age of Turbulence, by Alan Greenspan (former Chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve) has taught me how unstable (yet stable) markets really are. The book is an easy read (in other words not written in economist gibberish) thus making it easy for your average joe (such as myself) to understand and enjoy. I liked how a wide range of topics were covered, and we done so in a way which compelled me to continue reading until the book was finished. The book reminded me of what it was like for some of my family members during our recent economic recession, and how we had to help them along as tough financial times took it's toll on them. The book was also written in a manor which seemed as if Greenspan was trying to help you (give you advice) on how to invest your money wisely in financial markets. You could tell from the way he wrote the book that it was not meant to criticize you, but rather make you stop what you were doing, and reconsider your entire economic portfolio so as to make sure that everything seemed to add up. I appreciated how he did not hand out blame (most of the time) during tough economic periods which he had previously experienced, but rather spoke about why things went the way they did, and what could have been done to fix it. Early on in the book, he talked about his childhood, and how he loved to play baseball. He was not shy about discussing where he came from and what he did during his younger days, and that impressed me. Most well-known businessmen would never dare do such a thing, but obviously Greenspan has nothing to hide, and is proud of his past. He certainly seems like the perfect person to have as Chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve, and it sounds like he did a damn good job of it too. Just ask yourself this: could you have possibly done any better?

Greenspan: Listen to what I'm saying!

Alan Greenspan, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve in the United States, has written about his life experiences relating to global markets and their effects on the world in his new book, "The Age of Turbulence" (No. 1 New York Times Bestseller). He describes different situations throughout history concerning global markets on the rise and fall; and how they effect the way different governments react. He attempts to persuade readers (note that his intended audience is adults ageing 30+) that global markets are far from perfect. He explains that there will always be recessions, (such as the one we just suffered through in 2008-09) no matter what is done to try and prevent them. Greenspan says at one point, "markets go up, and markets go down, but they always grow." His tone is very relaxing; almost comforting in a sense. He clearly wishes to clarify in peoples minds that our economy is perfectly healthy, and that there is no need for panic. Interestingly enough, however, he also quietly says that there is room for improvements when it comes to the way our economy works, but that someone else (meaning not himself) will have to be the person with the guts to attempt it. All-in-all, this is a fabulous read; its easy to understand, interesting, and cleverly written. Two thumbs up to Alan Greenspan for one of the best pieces written in the past decade!