Our recommendations for some econ reading this winter. These are books you'll enjoy and be able to draw on to enhance your classroom teaching.

1.

A DEGREE IN A BOOK: ECONOMICS
by Elaine Schwartz

"Packed with flow diagrams, infographics, pull-out features and handy timelines, this book makes learning the subject easier than ever. ... It also includes profiles of prominent economists, including Adam Smith, John Maynard Keynes and Elinor Ostrom, and the contributions they have made to economic theory."

2.

ADAM SMITH'S AMERICA: HOW A SCOTTISH PHILOSOPHER BECAME AN ICON OF AMERICAN CAPITALISM
by Glory M. Liu

"Drawing on a trove of illuminating archival materials, Liu tells the story of how an unassuming Scottish philosopher captured the American imagination and played a leading role in shaping American economic and political ideas. ...Liu explores how a new generation of political theorists and public intellectuals has sought to recover Smith’s original intentions and restore his reputation as a moral philosopher."

3.

CAREER AND FAMILY: WOMEN'S CENTURY-LONG JOURNEY TOWARD EQUITY
by Claudia Goldin, Winner of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Economics

"A renowned economic historian traces women’s journey to close the gender wage gap and sheds new light on the continued struggle to achieve equity between couples at home."

4.

MINE! HOW HIDDEN RULES OF OWNERSHIP CONTROL OUR LIVES
by Michael Heller and James Salzman

"'Mine' is one of the first words babies learn, and by the time we grow up, the idea of ownership seems natural, whether we are buying a cup of coffee or a house. But who controls the space behind your airplane seat: you, reclining, or the squished laptop user behind you? And after a snowstorm, why does a chair in the street hold your parking space in Chicago, while in New York you lose both the space and the chair? ... Mine! draws on mind-bending, often infuriating, and always fascinating accounts from business, history, courtrooms, and everyday life to reveal how the rules of ownership control our lives and shape our world."

5.

RISKY BUSINESS: WHY INSURANCE MARKETS FAIL AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
by Liran Einav, Amy Finkelstein, and Ray Fisman

"An engaging and accessible examination of what ails insurance markets—and what to do about it—by three leading economists. ... With insurance at the center of divisive debates about privacy, equity, and the appropriate role of government, this book offers clear explanations for some of the critical business and policy issues you’ve often wondered about, as well as for others you haven’t yet considered."

6.

MIND YOUR MONEY
by Yanely Espinal

"Let’s be real: most books about money are boring! Our brains crave stories, not seminars. Mind Your Money delivers all the personal finance basics through insightful stories with a splash of sass. ... Whether you’re frustrated with your budget, dealing with debt, or struggling to raise that credit score, this book will motivate and inspire you to finally reach your #MoneyGoals."

Twice a year we offer a workshop called 6 Econ Books in 60 Minutes. Above are our December 2023 selections. Looking for more reading ideas? Here's a list of all books featured in past workshops.