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librarian_of_trantor 's review for:
Kate Raworth's concept of donut economics is a powerful tool for figuring out a way forward for humanity. The inside of the donut represents basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare. The economy has to be big enough to fulfil those needs for all. But the outside of the donut represents the damage that the economy can do- air pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, etc. The donut is the sweet spot where needs are met without destroying the planet. As Raworth says repeatedly in the book, graphics can illustrate some concepts much better than words. To see the donut visit https://www.kateraworth.com/doughnut/.
So everyone should know about the donut. But this book may not be best way to do it. Raworth is obviously very knowledgeable about economics, theory and history. She writes beautifully and narrated the audiobook very well. So why the three star review? Too much economic history. I understand her purpose in including the history to illustrate how economists went astray in their purpose of growth and other mistakes (in Raworth's view) in the 20th century. And how some economists had a different approach but were ignored by the academic and political powers. All that would be very interesting and useful for economic students and practicing economists. But for a general reader, like me, it was kind of a waste. So it might be better to search for a short article, with illustrations, or Raworth's TED talk to understand donut economic well enough for it to inform your decisions about economics and politics.
If you do want to read the book, read it, don't listen to the audiobook. In her narration Raworth keeps referring to downloadable illustrations. Maybe if you buy the audio book they give you a web address where you can get all the illustrations, but I borrowed the audiobook from the library and had no idea where to find the illustrations.
So everyone should know about the donut. But this book may not be best way to do it. Raworth is obviously very knowledgeable about economics, theory and history. She writes beautifully and narrated the audiobook very well. So why the three star review? Too much economic history. I understand her purpose in including the history to illustrate how economists went astray in their purpose of growth and other mistakes (in Raworth's view) in the 20th century. And how some economists had a different approach but were ignored by the academic and political powers. All that would be very interesting and useful for economic students and practicing economists. But for a general reader, like me, it was kind of a waste. So it might be better to search for a short article, with illustrations, or Raworth's TED talk to understand donut economic well enough for it to inform your decisions about economics and politics.
If you do want to read the book, read it, don't listen to the audiobook. In her narration Raworth keeps referring to downloadable illustrations. Maybe if you buy the audio book they give you a web address where you can get all the illustrations, but I borrowed the audiobook from the library and had no idea where to find the illustrations.