THE NEW EMPIRE OF DEBT

Bonner and Wiggin's book was originally published in 2006; this revised second edition is more timely—and scathing—than ever. The authors lament modern America's transformation from republic to empire and its downward slide from a nation of exporters and savers to one of debt-ridden overconsumption. Sean Pratt, who has narrated a number of business and finance books, is especially comfortable with this material, using a slightly exasperated tone that meshes perfectly with that of the authors. You can almost hear him shaking his head in dismay as the authors describe the country's financial mismanagement and encourage investors to take shelter in gold. D.B. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2010]