Introducing CARL (Contender Awesome Reading List) - Looking for alternative "real life" books on EARLY RETIREMENT, INVESTING, EDUCATION and HEALTH? CARL aims to list as many useful books as possible that challenge the status quo.
Here is an Amazon page with loads of books to choose from this is followed by individual book reviews from THE.CoNTeNDeR.
EARLY RETIREMENT AND FINANCE
Early Retirement Extreme (2010)
Inspirational book on extreme early retirement (financial freedom). The author took frugality and savings to the absolute maximum (living in a trailer and biking to work whilst saving in the region of 75% of his take home pay). A highly educated individual who talks through game theory to highlight financial interconnections in your life and provides the maths behind early retirement (if you save x of your pay you need to work for x years to retire....). A must read for anyone serious about reaching financial independence as quickly as possible.
Red Alert (2011)
Stephen Leeb is an American investment specialist who looks at the BIG pictures \ themes in the world. He has now authored several books and issues a news letter "The complete Investor". In Red Alert he discusses how the west is asleep at the wheel with regards long term resource planning and how China is actively securing the scarce resources it needs to power its economy. He discusses that China is building up a very large renewable sector that is possibly the most important investment of our time. A thought provoking insight to the shortsightedness (stock market driven) of the west versus the planned (5 year) economy of China.
Game Over (2009)
This book covers several themes from the over complexity of society the cost this causes and mal-investment decisions. He outlines several ideas for investments for the future and gives specific industries and companies as recommendations.
When Money Dies (2010)
In depth look into Wiemar Germany's hyperinflation. Tragic look at the impact of post war payments by Germany to the Allies and the inflation approach taken by the the German central bank which lead to destruction of the "fiat" currency. A fascinating read that I devoured in a couple of days. This book clearly highlights the danger and abuse of power that can come with an un-backed fiat money system.
Currency Wars (2011)
Jame Rickards talks through a military financial war game around a financial war scenario. This is a rare insight into the inner working of the military and the difficulty getting all of the right people in the game (government military and civilian). He then discusses likely outcomes of currency \ financial war (e.g. countries looking to destroy the Dollar) and what the US could do to re-set the system in its favor.
Paper Promises - Money Debt and the New World Order (2012)
A timely look at the history of money and debt. Easy to read and relate to as this very well researched book goes through the key reasons why "money" has evolved from a real item such as shells or gold to the modern electronic accounting system.
The Real crash (2012)
Peter Schiff's latest book espousing the benefits of hands off
government and free market capitalism. Be liberal and let people decide
how to run their own lives?
The Fourth Turning (1998)
A look at how history repetes itself over generational / seasonal cycles. Click here for an interview of Neil Howe.
EDUCATION BOOKS
How Children Fail (1995 Revised Edition)
How Children Learn (1991 New Edition)
HEALTH BOOKS
Merck Home Health Handbook (2009)
Excellent resource to have in the house compiled from the work of 300 health experts. Covers health issues from childhood to old age, first aid, prevention and treatments.
The Baby Book: Everything you need to know about your baby from birth to age two
Mr and Mrs MUFF's favorite no nonsense and very comprehensive baby book. Like most parents we wanted to read up on our new arrival. We ended up purchasing SEVERAL books. This was by far the best one in our opinion.
LIVING THE GOOD LIFE BOOKS
A Guide to the Good Life - the ancient art of stoic joy (2009)
The Magic of Thinking BIG (1987)
Think positive and be proactive to achieve success. Simple really?
Willing Slaves (2005)
Ever wonder where the hard work culture came from? This book goes over the industrialization of the workplace. Covers how this has changed over time into our "always on call" work culture and the detrimental effects this is causing to some parts of society. Work life balance is being changed, for the worse, and in MUFF's opinion he could not agree more with the section on raising the kids and the importance of parental attention. A good reflective book that challenges the way we should look at work.
Here is an Amazon page with loads of books to choose from this is followed by individual book reviews from THE.CoNTeNDeR.
EARLY RETIREMENT AND FINANCE
Inspirational book on extreme early retirement (financial freedom). The author took frugality and savings to the absolute maximum (living in a trailer and biking to work whilst saving in the region of 75% of his take home pay). A highly educated individual who talks through game theory to highlight financial interconnections in your life and provides the maths behind early retirement (if you save x of your pay you need to work for x years to retire....). A must read for anyone serious about reaching financial independence as quickly as possible.
Stephen Leeb is an American investment specialist who looks at the BIG pictures \ themes in the world. He has now authored several books and issues a news letter "The complete Investor". In Red Alert he discusses how the west is asleep at the wheel with regards long term resource planning and how China is actively securing the scarce resources it needs to power its economy. He discusses that China is building up a very large renewable sector that is possibly the most important investment of our time. A thought provoking insight to the shortsightedness (stock market driven) of the west versus the planned (5 year) economy of China.
Game Over (2009)This book covers several themes from the over complexity of society the cost this causes and mal-investment decisions. He outlines several ideas for investments for the future and gives specific industries and companies as recommendations.
In depth look into Wiemar Germany's hyperinflation. Tragic look at the impact of post war payments by Germany to the Allies and the inflation approach taken by the the German central bank which lead to destruction of the "fiat" currency. A fascinating read that I devoured in a couple of days. This book clearly highlights the danger and abuse of power that can come with an un-backed fiat money system.
Jame Rickards talks through a military financial war game around a financial war scenario. This is a rare insight into the inner working of the military and the difficulty getting all of the right people in the game (government military and civilian). He then discusses likely outcomes of currency \ financial war (e.g. countries looking to destroy the Dollar) and what the US could do to re-set the system in its favor.
A timely look at the history of money and debt. Easy to read and relate to as this very well researched book goes through the key reasons why "money" has evolved from a real item such as shells or gold to the modern electronic accounting system.
Paper Money Collapse - The Folly of Elastic Money and the Coming Monetary Breakdown (2011)
Detlev S. Schlichters in depth analysis of money, what is its purpose and how its impact on the economy is an intellectual challenge. Essential reading to help understand what is money and the real problems we have with today's paper system. Peter Schiff's latest book espousing the benefits of hands off
government and free market capitalism. Be liberal and let people decide
how to run their own lives?The Fourth Turning (1998)
A look at how history repetes itself over generational / seasonal cycles. Click here for an interview of Neil Howe.
EDUCATION BOOKS
HEALTH BOOKS
Excellent resource to have in the house compiled from the work of 300 health experts. Covers health issues from childhood to old age, first aid, prevention and treatments.
The Baby Book: Everything you need to know about your baby from birth to age twoMr and Mrs MUFF's favorite no nonsense and very comprehensive baby book. Like most parents we wanted to read up on our new arrival. We ended up purchasing SEVERAL books. This was by far the best one in our opinion.
LIVING THE GOOD LIFE BOOKS
A Guide to the Good Life - the ancient art of stoic joy (2009)
Think positive and be proactive to achieve success. Simple really?
Ever wonder where the hard work culture came from? This book goes over the industrialization of the workplace. Covers how this has changed over time into our "always on call" work culture and the detrimental effects this is causing to some parts of society. Work life balance is being changed, for the worse, and in MUFF's opinion he could not agree more with the section on raising the kids and the importance of parental attention. A good reflective book that challenges the way we should look at work.
