01/12/2008 10:29:16 am
Reading Recommendations. I have read a few books lately that I would - for very different reasons - like to recommend.

Dead Certain, by Robert Draper. A detailed and dramatic book about George W Bush and his presidency. Finally, I think I understand both his successes and failures. He is a decent, charming, regular guy. Poorly prepared for the task and too impatient - but with leadership skills and brilliant moments, such as after 9-11.

Microtrends, by Mark Penn. A microtrend, according to this Clinton adviser and PR consultant, is when one per cent of the population is intensely engaged in something. He has identified numerous intriguing trends in the US society - which are spreading. Take for example working retired, internet marrieds, sun-haters, vegan children and young knitters.

EconoPower, by my friend Mark Skousen. Mark Skousen shows in a fascinating book how many economists today engage in solving problems that are far from traditional economics. There are now solutions by economists that can cut crime levels, solve traffic jams, solve health care problems and even establish peace in conflict regions.

Stolt men inte nöjd, av Pär Nuder. En intressant skildring av en viktig period i svensk historia. Den förtjänar bättre än att dras in i ett internt partikrig. Nuder är engagerad och intellektuell - och en hängiven praktisk hanterare av stort och smått. Recension kommer i Liberal Debatt.

My Word is My Bond, by Sir Roger Moore. The memoirs of the now 81-year old Roger Moore, filled with anecdotes and humour. Mandatory reading for Bond fans as well as those interested in film and TV history. Moore comes across as a nice and decent person, as well as a hopeless practical joker.