Fault Lines: How Hidden Fractures Still Threaten the World Economy by Raghuram Rajan
An interesting look at the fundamental factors that led to the Global Credit Crisis of 2008-2009. Key Insight: During the past couple of decades, US policymakers encouraged rapid credit growth as a "palliative" to the growing inequality and meager real income growth experienced by a majority of Americans.
Listen to NPR Planet Money (Deep Read Series) Interview with Prof. Rajan:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2010/06/24/128089847/deep-read-let-them-eat-credit
Also, check out Rajan's prescient article from 2005: "Has Financial Development Made the World Riskier?":
http://www.kansascityfed.org/publicat/sympos/2005/pdf/rajan2005.pdf
From Poverty to Prosperity: Intangible Assets, Hidden Liabilities and the Lasting Triumph over Scarcity by Arnold Kling & Nick Schulz
Fascinating collection of interviews with eminent economic growth specialists.
Left Behind: Latin America and the False Promise of Populism by Sebastian Edwards
An examination of recent political and economic developments in Latin America by a leading economist.