Official Review: The Next America-Moving Beyond a Fragile...

[AnaF]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Next America-Moving Beyond a Fragile Economy" by Don Allen Holbrook.]

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The Next America: Moving Beyond a Fragile Economy, written by Don Allen Holbrook, is a nonfiction book that explores the consequences of the current economic crisis and its effects on the American economy.

However, this book goes a little further, as it compiles a series of suggestions and plans targeted to the improvement of specific areas, such as the political structure of the country, tax and access to education and healthcare. According to the author, these fields are instrumental to the full economic recovery of the USA and essential do make sure that the conditions to a proper economic development are settled.

Overall I think this book is quite interesting. I really liked the way it was divided, not only because each chapter was focused on a specific issue, but also because of the way they were structured. The author begins by making a brief exposition of the relevant facts regarding that particular topic and then takes it a little further by explaining what he believes could be done to improve that specific area. I actually think that the elements provided in the beginning of the chapter were instrumental to, not only understand the topic in question, but also to contextualize it.

Another think that I believe was done quite well on this book was the introduction of some step-by-step plans, accompanied with a small explanation for each step. They help to understand what the proper course of action would be if those plans were to be applied and what would be the best strategy to reach a certain goal.

As for the suggestions and plans outlined by the author, I believe some of them could be applied outside the USA, even if with the necessary adaptations. I felt that especially when the author talked about holding politicians responsible for their actions and indiscretions and implementing major transformations on the political structure of the country through, for instance, changing the duration of the terms.

Finally, and even though I agree with the author about certain issues – like the relevance of education and the importance of having a well trained workforce -, I also thought that some of these ideas would be hard to implement. Hold habits die hard and there are really powerful institutions making sure that some things stay the same, even if they aren’t the best choice from an economic, political or social point of view.

Overall I give this book 3 out of 4 stars. I think that this is a great reading if you’re looking for a book that not only explains the effects of the current crisis, while providing real life examples, but that also makes suggestions and explains what could be done to improve some of the main – and most important – fields of our society. However, if you decide to pick this book up, then I advise you to read it with an open mind and to be ready to draw your own conclusions. Some of the author’s opinions and ideas regarding the role he believes the USA should play in the world and while dealing with other countries might not gather a consensus.

In general, I believe this is an engaging read, that made me think and draw my own conclusions regarding this issue.

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[donholbrook]

Change is inevitable but progress is optional. Rebuilding the American Dream will take grassroots driven initiative and individual responsibility to act in our own and collective best interests!