non-economists, don't be scared.

I was not a huge fan of economics in high school, and I gotta say - that has not changed. I find that this subject can be rather confusing and boring. Freefrall: America, Free Markets and the Sinking of the World Economy by Jospeh E. Stiglitz does not give you all of the answers, but it is a great introduction for those of us who are unfamiliar with our country's economy. 

Stiglitz writes in a simple, straightforward, JARGON-FREE language. Everyone has their opinions on what our country can do to turn our economy around, and Stiglitz is no exception. The difference is, he actually makes sense. Stiglitz beleives that there is too much short-term thinking driving our decision makers, and nothing is being done to fix our major problems. Can't disagree with that, the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer, where is Robin Hood when we need him?

Don't even get me started on unemployment, Stiglitz touches on this issue among many others. It's not a bad read at all, I actually kind of enjoyed it.