PANIC! The Story of Modern Financial Insanity

Not for the beginner in financial literacy, this volume pulls apart the subprime financial crisis in highly technical and detailed terms. The effect of moving among five voices—with changes in gender, pitch, pace, tone, and emphasis—is an interesting and engaging title that might otherwise overwhelm the listener. David Chandler, James Jenner, and Johnny Heller have a gritty edge to their readings of the crash of markets, which will assuage the anger many feel toward the decisions made on Wall Street. Ruth Ann Phimister is more nasal and perky in recounting facts; Kevin Orton gives the impression of a young and earnest financier. The combined effect is a big-picture interpretation of the limited vision behind many of the theories and scurrilous actions underpinning various trends in the stock market and the resulting downward spiral. M.R. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2009]