RebeccasReads

21st Century Great Global Depression: The Perfect Economic Storm

"21st Century Great Global Depression,"  just like the name implies, is intended to scare the reader about the apocalyptical economic crash, which would be inevitable unless urgent action is taken by the American society.

Starting off with a recap of the recent economic crisis, which is still taking place and has taken a major toll on people around the globe, Mr. Harrison introduces the causes to the problem – easy credit, Wall Street crooks, governmental mismanagement of funds, etc. This worrisome truth is backed up by hard facts and examples, without unsupported blabber. Everyone has been affected by the crisis in one way or another, and almost everyone has played a role in accelerating this economic downturn. The excessive consumerism, credit card debt, loans and mortgages, which could not be repaid, are a huge part of the problem. For the most part, Americans lived outside of their limits, living day by day, without much look into the future. This narrow sightedness put the world onto its knees. However, much of this could have been prevented by proper leadership action, explicitly mentioned in the book, quite obvious people. The proper control of the financial sector would have prevented or at least weakened the devastating effects of the crisis. Almost no action was taken by the U.S. government, until after the doom day. And what action has it been! Those at fault were not punished in any way, but even rewarded, while most of the American society ended picking up the bill for all the bailouts and stimuli.

The government and financial sector is presenting the current situation and the near future as very promising with an upwards trend. The author tells the reader an opposite situation. Since there was practically no lesson learned from the recent crisis, without much intervention, a new crisis – “the Global Great Depression” is around the corner. This time, the disaster will have detrimental consequences, possibly destroying America and taking away its prosperity, prestige, and influence. The predictions are incredibly pessimistic and over the top. However, I believe, a bit of exaggeration is supposed to serve as a wake-up call, a hyperbolic call to arms. Action is needed, and the public needs to realize that, making sure their representatives are doing their job.

Overall, the text provides a thorough independent analytical perspective into the economic crisis with an excessively pessimistic foreshadowing of the near future.

21st Century Great Global Depression: The Perfect Economic Storm
Orest Andrew Harrison
Outskirts Press, Inc. (2010)
ISBN 9781432758073
Reviewed by Andrey Bilko for RebeccasReads (6/11)

The Beatles Discography: Volume One - The 60's

What a curious volume! This book is an album of complete Beatles’ discography from 1960s. Album covers from all over the world, every single one ever created during a decade. This is the first volume in a series, with more on the way. It is an absolute must-have for devoted Beatles fans and collectors, especially for those, who possess an admiration for mostly unappreciated art of album covers. With this anthology, it is quite fascinating to see the difference between the designs of the same record in various parts of the world, with British and American releases often having quite different designs, not even mentioning those released in Germany or somewhere else in the world. The uniqueness and meaning of each cover is fascinating! Each one tells a story, has its own face value, and was inspired by something special.

The second section of the book contains the chronological song index with specific information about each song. And the third section is full of additional information like author’s personal thoughts. The author is an absolute Beatles fan and collector with a desire for every meticulous scrap of detail to be noted. I am certain this book includes it all, when it comes to Beatles albums in 1960s. There is no place for anything to be left out.

The quality of "The Beatles Discography"  and images inside is wonderful. It is a nice memorabilia item for devoted fans and collectors, and especially those, who are peculiar about nitty-gritty specifics. 

The Beatles Discography: Volume One - The 60's
Stephen E. Donnelly
Outskirts Press, Inc. (2011)
ISBN 9781432769246
Reviewed by Andrey Bilko for RebeccasReads (6/11)