These are the books I have read that I recommend and have helped shaped my economic views.
How an Economy Grows and Why It Crashes by Peter Schiff - This was one of the most outspoken men during the Global Financial Crisis and predicted it pretty much to a T. This book is written as an allegory and shows just how an economy grows and why it crashes. It is simple enough for a middle schooler to read and understand. If only it was required for everyone to read...(Kidding. That would be antidemocratic.)
Fault Lines: How Hidden Fractures Still Threaten the World Economy by Raghuram Rajan - This is a relatively centrist view into why the economy crashed and all the remaining structural problems we have. It is very well done containing tons of research and makes an attempt at solving the problems although the solutions are a bit ambiguous.
Too Big To Fail by Andrew Ross Sorkin - Gives an extremely detailed account into what was going on behind the scenes before, during, and after the financial crisis. Well written and interesting.
The Road to Serfdom by F. A. Hayek - Classic book published during WW2. Gives logical and rational reasoning into why any economic policy besides free markets will lead to less freedom and liberty. It's a tough read but very enlightening.
