Author, media commentator and former investment banker Talbott gives fiscal politics a shot of excitement and, yes, hope as he explores ... Obama's proposed bag of economic tricks. With reasoned but brutally blunt arguments, topics like corporate lobbying turn improbably fascinating; Talbott explains the system and its problems, and provides simple charts that will make average Americans blanch. Talbott delineates the differences between top-down and bottom-up economics, explaining the latter's advantages and how Obama's proposed policies will take us in the direction of greater economic justice and opportunity for average citizens. Quoting Obama at length, Talbott gives the impression of a man with the wisdom and will to reform many areas: healthcare, social security, housing and labor ... Even if one disagrees with the solutions, Talbott will illuminate in quick order some vital issues for voters and taxpayers. --Publishers Weekly, Starred Review