Reviews

Money: The True Story of a Made-Up Thing by Jacob Goldstein

nickbyers's review against another edition

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5.0

A quick and dirty history of that imaginary thing we use to buy things.

bcole1213's review against another edition

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5.0

Listened to the audiobook, which made this really engaging. If I read it instead of listened to it, I’d probably give this fewer stars just because it can be VERY dense. But it’s a super informative book and written/narrated in a really accessible way.

goodmd14's review against another edition

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informative

3.25

melusa's review against another edition

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funny informative lighthearted reflective fast-paced

4.5

Enjoyed reading this quick book. Goldstein is a great storyteller and makes learning about the history of money really fun. He talks about the Euro, bitcoin and about what the future of money could be. If you use money, read it!

buttercupita's review against another edition

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4.0

This is a fascinating set of non-fiction vignettes about the history of money, from its origins in China (I remember seeing the "shovel coins" in a Shanghai museum two decades ago....) to the contemporary world of Bitcoin. I originally borrowed the book from the library, but two chapters in, decided I needed to own it as I know I will return to it frequently to gain a better understanding of how our currency and finance systems have evolved. Goldstein explains complex things in an engaging and comprehensible way (think Planet Money, where he has worked for a long time!)

adhvaya's review against another edition

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challenging medium-paced

3.0

tball333's review against another edition

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funny informative medium-paced

4.0

bourriquet's review against another edition

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informative lighthearted medium-paced

4.5

larrytornado's review against another edition

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funny informative lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.75

Exceptional book about money in general terms. Packed with anecdotes, research, and wonderful ideas about what money is and could be.

Only loses a fraction of a star because I think it should be longer and more comprehensive, especially in the consideration of the possible future of money.

jayraytan's review against another edition

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funny informative medium-paced

4.0