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annalisenak97's review
3.0
3.5 stars. Super educational and entertaining read. Makes a strong case for open borders, really destigmatized them and took the fear out of them. I learned a lot! The econ/philosophy side of things were still hard for me to follow, but the format of the book made everything easier. Comic books are the best way to learn anything.
cmorrisclark's review
5.0
I'm not an expert on open borders, and I've only read Caplan's arguments and not arguments to the opposite. But he convinced me! Open Borders was a fun, easy to read persuasive piece about why the US should open our immigration borders. I wish that this wasn't such a divisive, fear-driven conversation in this country. I think the US would benefit greatly from some significant policy change in this area.
rkiladitis's review
4.0
It's no secret that immigration is a hot-button - one of the hottest button - topics in current events. One one side, we have those who would welcome new immigrants, for cultural and humanitarian reasons; on the other, those who want to restrict the flow of people into the country, whether to protect the current citizenry, the culture, or the economic status quo. Economist Bryan Caplan has written Open Borders: The Science and Ethics of Immigration as a proposal to both sides. He argues in favor of open borders, noting that doing so could eliminate poverty worldwide, not spiral us deeper into it; raise the global education and skill level, and lead us - as a whole - into a new age of prosperity for all.
The book, masterfully illustrated by Zach Weinersmith, presents Caplan's argument using comprehensive research, communicated with a plain-English tone and artwork that's colorful, multicultural, and translatable to audiences who don't have a background in economics. The book is conversational and never preachy, and Caplan takes on reasons detractors have fallen back on time and again to argue against open borders, showing, using hard numbers, why open borders may be the next best way for us to advance.
This should be used in high schools and colleges: there are lists of resources and further reading; copious notes and references, and the straight-talk explanations, with clear illustrations, will really assist students, especially those who may stumble with pages of numbers, charts, and data. Once presented in the frame of a story, with a real-life, current events situation to anchor it, the numbers take on a life and meaning.
Open Borders has a starred review from Booklist. Author Bryan Caplan's webpage is a treasure trove of articles and information, including cartoons and role-playing resources(!).
The book, masterfully illustrated by Zach Weinersmith, presents Caplan's argument using comprehensive research, communicated with a plain-English tone and artwork that's colorful, multicultural, and translatable to audiences who don't have a background in economics. The book is conversational and never preachy, and Caplan takes on reasons detractors have fallen back on time and again to argue against open borders, showing, using hard numbers, why open borders may be the next best way for us to advance.
This should be used in high schools and colleges: there are lists of resources and further reading; copious notes and references, and the straight-talk explanations, with clear illustrations, will really assist students, especially those who may stumble with pages of numbers, charts, and data. Once presented in the frame of a story, with a real-life, current events situation to anchor it, the numbers take on a life and meaning.
Open Borders has a starred review from Booklist. Author Bryan Caplan's webpage is a treasure trove of articles and information, including cartoons and role-playing resources(!).
thenextgenlibrarian's review
5.0
Great graphic novel to teach kids about immigration and beautiful artwork.
amoland's review
4.0
The topic and graphic novel approach drew me to this book. It is very clear the content is gathered by an economist, especially in some of the incremental policy changes to achieve open borders proposed. Useful primer to understand pro/anti immigration arguments, but ultimately I think the format falls a little flat.
kkrato's review
5.0
4.5 This is an easy to read argument on immigration. While it is well argued, it is easy to digest and follow. It has some light humor. The graphic novel style is a good format for nonfiction!
posthumusly's review
4.0
Very informative delve into the concept of open borders. However, I don't agree with Caplan's argument for keyhole solutions.
nick_latanick's review
5.0
Bryan Caplan is perhaps my favorite economist (what, dosen't everyone have one?). In person he's able to explain complex topics with humor and wit, without skimping on facts and logic. I was therefore quite disappointed by his previous books, as they were dry, academic tomes, devoid of the life and joy Caplan brought to many a podcast interview even about those very books. In Open Boarders, this error is more than corrected at last. Zach is able to bring Bryan's playfulness and passion to the page through engrossing, elucidating, and often moving imagery without losing the on-point logic that grounds Caplan's arguments.
I know open boarders is a contentious issue, but I hope that doesn't deter this team from perusing more graphic-textbooks together, this book is a gem.
I know open boarders is a contentious issue, but I hope that doesn't deter this team from perusing more graphic-textbooks together, this book is a gem.
rachelwalexander's review
3.0
The libertarian/economist arguments on immigration almost never address push factors or consider any ethical implications there. I realise that's a slightly different issue but it seems so odd to me to talk about the moral imperative to welcome immigrants without ever discussing why they leave home and the role U.S. policy can play in that.