Reading extracurricular books on economics topics is one of the best things students can do to have the knowledge necessary for career success. The new Economics Book Club provides a forum for discussion on stimulating business-related titles. Photo from Pixabay.

From monetary policy to stock market performance, economic forces play a pivotal role in our financial reality. The Department of Economics has started the Economics Book Club this semester to engage students with the knowledge they need to succeed.

Economics may be the lifeblood of the business world, yet deciphering the trends that are transforming the world can be daunting. Mihaylo’s Department of Economics has started the Economics Book Club this semester to provide a forum for students to explore and discuss the latest books on business-related topics.

“I select books that are both accessible and fun to read yet look at economics in a rigorous way,” says Nick Huntington-Klein, assistant professor of economics, who is leading the club. “If it’s not fun to read, nobody wants to study it on top of their coursework. But if it’s not rigorous, there won’t be enough to chew on that will be interesting to talk about with others.”

Assistant Professor of Economics Nick Huntington-Klein hopes the Economics Book Club will help students appreciate the economics behind every aspect of modern life.

The first meeting, which will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 1 p.m. in SGMH 3333, will discuss the first two chapters of The Supermodel and the Brillo Box, which explores the impact of the Great Recession on the art market and the financial forces transforming fine arts. Students may check out the book at the front desk of the Department of Economics at SGMH 3313 to be ready for the discussion. While focused on economics topics, the club is open to all majors.

Huntington-Klein says future book titles the club will read may include The New Geography of Jobs, Bad Paper, Phishing for Phools and The Cost Disease.

“I am hoping that students get a chance to engage with topics on a deeper level than they can in class,” he says. “Working through a complex argument, as presented in a book, is a great way to get more familiar with economic reasoning and is a good way to learn more about both economics and the various topics discussed.”

For more information or to RSVP for the first meeting, contact Huntington-Klein at [email protected].