STRESS TEST Reflections on Financial Crises

Geithner wrote this book to communicate his take on the 2008 economic crisis. As narrator, he uses tone and pacing to present the perspective he wants the listener to hear and to bolster his arguments for his actions. Although his delivery occasionally contains some overly long pauses and drop-offs, Geithner’s view of the economic panic is a fascinating story. Well placed in the Bush and Obama administrations, he vividly describes his fear of the oncoming economic disaster and how powerless governments were to protect large banks, investment houses, and individual homeowners. Even though Geithner’s narration has some slight weaknesses, the authenticity of his delivery quickly draws listeners into the maelstrom facing policy makers in the wake of the collapse. M.L.R. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2014]