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Basic Economics: A Citizen's Guide To The Economy

Ryder Bates is an incurable player. Ever since his childhood sweetheart broke his heart over and over again and left him for an Arab billionaire, he had sworn off committing to any woman. Holly Grace Michaels is forced to help her best friend Kim Evans after player Ryder humiliates and uses her. The girls decide it's time that he gets a taste of his own medicine and Holly Grace Michaels is their secret weapon.But falling for the player is not in the plan. Holly is torn between falling in love with the player and revenge for her best friend.

9.6

54 Chapters

My Tour Guide

Alejandro, the son of the Mexican biggest gangster hid in Istanbul from his rivals where he met Ceyda, a teenage Turkish girl who was his tour guide. They fell in love with each other but his father threatened Ceyda and ordered her to disappear from Alejandro's life because he wanted Alejandro to marry the daughter of his business partner. His father created scenarios that made Alejandro violent and after his father's death, Alejandro took over his father's position and found out Ceyda eventually and started torturing her for his revenge until the truth was revealed.

30 Chapters

Guide Me, Claim Me

WARNING: THIS BOOK CONTAINS MATURE & EXPLICIT SCENES. READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION. Seojin, an SS-rank Esper, is the golden retriever type—kind, powerful, and fiercely independent. But there's one thing he's sure of: he doesn't need a Guide, especially not a male one. Haunted by a traumatic childhood experience, Seojin has spent his life pushing away anything that might tie him down, particularly 'Guides'. He’s convinced he’s straight, and the mere idea of bonding with a male Guide is something he refuses to consider. Minseok, a mischievous and dominant S-rank Guide, notorious for his ability to tame even the strongest Espers. He has always been desired, pursued relentlessly by Espers who craves his touch. But none of them interest him—until he meets Seojin, the one Esper who dares to reject him outright. To Minseok, this isn't just about power anymore—Seojin’s resistance becomes an irresistible challenge. For the first time, an Esper he sees as different has the audacity to turn him away, and Minseok is determined to claim him by any means necessary. What starts as a battle of wills soon turns into something far more dangerous: a burning desire, undeniable attraction that neither can ignore. Enemies on the surface, Seojin and Minseok find themselves drawn together by a bond stronger than either expected. As their disdain/obsession towards each other turns into passion, they must confront their deepest fears and desires—because in the end, they might just be exactly what the other needs.

132 Chapters

How to transmigrate in a proper way: A guide

How much of a chance is there for someone napping on a plane, woking up finding himself lying on a giant bird nest? Lei was on his way home from visiting his mom when the plane he was in, out of nowhere encountered a giant black hole. What's a black hole doing on Earth? The pilot himself wants to know. It swallowed the entire plane in an instant- crushing and obliterating everything inside. The passengers were not even given the time to react. Lei, who was sound asleep during the entirety of event, was completely oblivious to all of this. He was sleeping so soundly it made one's tooth ache. However, even among the hundreds of passengers and crews on the plane, he was actually the only person who survive. Was this the will of heaven at work? Or was it just him taking all the luck in the world? Either way, the most immediate matter for Lei who was finally awake at this moment to resolve was.. "Ah-why the hell does this bird keep on following me?!" The adorable 'little' bird was looking at Lei with its adorable, big, round eyes, following him on his track. "Also, where did that book I brought with me go?! I haven't finished reading it yet!" The pitiful book on the void with not even a speck of its dust left was sad: ..Master, I'm sorry! I already went ahead huhu

Not enough ratings

13 Chapters

Guide Me to Your Heart, Mr. Dom!

Blurb: Meeting her ex-lover is something that is never on Dhea's wish list. If she could hope, her ex lived in another world. However, who would have thought that one day she accidentally met Radit, her ex-lover, and that meeting made her trapped in a fake relationship with Hannan, who pretended to be her lover in front of Radit. Dhea was initially grateful that Hannan had helped her but soon understood when that man sent a signal that led to the one hot night they had afterward. Until one day they accidentally meet and Hannan offers a relationship that Dhea agrees to which turns out to make her a girl who must follow all of Hannan's dominant wishes. Will they be able to feel the seeds of true love from this relationship, when Dhea doesn't realize it? Can Hannan wait patiently for the submissive until finally his love is met?

Not enough ratings

23 Chapters

SASSY THE DAUGHTER OF BILLIONAIRE, HER GUIDE

As I gazed into his eyes, I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity, as if I had known him for years. "There's something about you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Something that draws me to you." He smiled, revealing a set of perfect teeth. "I feel it too," he said, his voice low and melodic. "It's like we were meant to meet." I couldn't deny the electricity that coursed through me as he spoke, and I found myself leaning closer to him, wanting to feel his warmth. "Who are you?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me. He chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "I'm just a guy," he said. "But I've been told that I have a certain charm." I couldn't help but laugh at his modesty, knowing full well that he was more than just a guy. He had an aura about him, a sense of confidence and self-assurance that was both intimidating and alluring. As we continued to talk, I found myself opening up to him, sharing things that I had never told anyone before. It was like he was a confidant, someone that I could trust with my deepest secrets. And as we parted ways, I knew that I had met someone special. He was more than just a guy, he was a kindred spirit, a soulmate that I had been searching for all my life.

9 Chapters

Does 'Basic Economics' Cover The Role Of Government In The Economy?

4 answers2025-06-18 02:16:32

Absolutely, 'Basic Economics' dives deep into the government's economic role, but with a twist—it frames it through the lens of unintended consequences. The book argues that while interventions like price controls or subsidies aim to help, they often distort markets, creating shortages or surpluses. It contrasts centralized planning with decentralized markets, showing how the latter adapts dynamically to scarcity and demand. Government’s role in enforcing contracts and property rights gets praise, but heavy-handed regulation? Not so much. The tone is skeptical yet grounded, using real-world examples like rent control’s failure in New York or the inefficiencies of public monopolies. It’s a compelling case for limited but strategic governance.

What stands out is its critique of political incentives—how policies cater to vocal interest groups rather than collective good. The chapter on public choice theory reveals why governments frequently overspend or misallocate resources. It doesn’t dismiss government entirely but insists its power should be a scalpel, not a sledgehammer. The book’s strength lies in its clarity: complex ideas like externalities or trade-offs are broken down without jargon. Whether you agree or not, it forces you to rethink assumptions about policy ‘solutions.’

How Does 'Basic Economics' Define Opportunity Cost?

4 answers2025-06-18 12:55:58

In 'Basic Economics', opportunity cost is framed as the cornerstone of decision-making. It's not just about the money you spend, but what you give up by choosing one option over another. Every choice has a hidden price tag—time, resources, or missed experiences. If I binge-watch a series tonight, the cost isn’t just electricity; it’s the chapter I didn’t write or the sleep I sacrificed. The book emphasizes that even ‘free’ choices aren’t truly free—they’re trades with invisible consequences.

The text digs deeper, comparing opportunity costs across scenarios. A billionaire’s hour spent gardening might cost a business deal, while a student’s hour studying could mean lost wages from a part-time job. It strips economics down to its human core: life is a series of trade-offs, and recognizing opportunity costs helps us navigate them smarter. The concept applies beyond finance—relationships, careers, even hobbies all operate on this principle of unseen alternatives.

What Are The Key Takeaways From 'Basic Economics' For Beginners?

4 answers2025-06-18 14:41:56

'Basic Economics' by Thomas Sowell is a masterclass in breaking down complex economic principles into digestible insights for beginners. The biggest takeaway is understanding how scarcity forces choices—resources are limited, but human wants are infinite. Sowell emphasizes how prices act as signals, coordinating supply and demand without central control. Markets aren’t perfect, but they’re far more efficient at allocating resources than bureaucracies. Trade-offs are everywhere: lower taxes might boost growth but reduce public services.

The book debunks myths like price gouging being purely exploitative; during crises, higher prices prevent shortages by encouraging conservation and increased supply. Sowell also highlights unintended consequences—rent control, meant to help tenants, often reduces housing quality and availability. For beginners, the book’s strength lies in its real-world examples, from Soviet failures to Silicon Valley’s innovation, proving economics isn’t abstract theory but the backbone of everyday life.

How Does 'Basic Economics' Explain Inflation In Simple Terms?

4 answers2025-06-18 13:35:12

'Basic Economics' breaks down inflation like a slow leak in a balloon—prices creep up when too much money chases too few goods. Imagine everyone suddenly gets double the cash but the number of TVs, pizzas, and haircuts stays the same. Sellers jack up prices because demand outpaces supply. The book blames two culprits: governments printing excess money (like adding water to juice until it tastes weak) or supply shocks (e.g., oil shortages making gas pricier).

It also nails how expectations fuel the fire. If folks think prices will rise, they rush to buy now, pushing costs higher. Wages then spiral as workers demand pay hikes to keep up. The text stresses that stable currencies and balanced production are key—like a thermostat keeping the economy’s temperature just right. Real-world examples, like Zimbabwe’s hyperinflation, show how ignoring these rules turns money into confetti.

Does 'Basic Economics' Discuss The Impact Of Taxes On Economic Growth?

4 answers2025-06-18 08:22:07

In 'Basic Economics', the impact of taxes on economic growth is dissected with a keen eye for real-world consequences. The book argues that high taxes can stifle growth by reducing incentives for investment and labor. When businesses face hefty tax burdens, they often cut back on expansion or hiring, slowing economic momentum. Similarly, individuals may work less or seek tax loopholes if marginal rates climb too high. The text highlights historical examples where excessive taxation led to capital flight or reduced productivity, like the 1970s stagflation era.

Yet, the discussion isn’t one-sided. It acknowledges that some taxes fund critical infrastructure or education, which can indirectly boost growth. The balance lies in designing tax systems that minimize distortions—think flat taxes or consumption-based models. The book emphasizes how Sweden reformed its welfare state by lowering corporate taxes, spurring innovation without sacrificing social services. It’s a pragmatic take, blending theory with observable outcomes, making it essential reading for anyone grappling with fiscal policy dilemmas.

What Real-Life Examples Does 'Basic Economics' Use For Supply And Demand?

4 answers2025-06-18 00:07:32

In 'Basic Economics', Thomas Sowell brilliantly illustrates supply and demand with vivid real-world scenarios. The housing market crash of 2008 serves as a grim lesson—when demand plummeted due to risky loans, supply glutted, and prices collapsed. Conversely, Sowell contrasts this with the sudden surge in mask demand during COVID-19, where prices spiked until production ramped up. He dissects how ticket scalpers exploit scarcity at concerts, charging premiums when fixed supply meets rabid demand.

Another striking example is the oil crisis of the 1970s: price controls led to shortages as demand outstripped artificially capped supply. Sowell also explores agricultural subsidies, showing how government interference distorts natural market equilibrium, creating surpluses of unneeded crops. These cases aren’t dry theory—they’re lived history, proving how supply and demand shape everything from your grocery bill to global crises.

How Does The Book Of Economics Compare To Other Economics Books?

5 answers2025-06-02 16:52:54

As someone who's spent years diving into economics literature, I find 'The Book of Economics' stands out for its balance between theory and real-world application. Unlike dry textbooks that drown you in equations, it weaves narratives around economic principles, making concepts like supply-demand or game theory feel alive. It’s closer in spirit to 'Freakonomics' but with more academic rigor, avoiding the oversimplification some pop-economics books fall into.

What I adore is its interdisciplinary approach—it pulls from psychology, history, and even sociology, much like 'Nudge' by Thaler but without being overly prescriptive. It doesn’t shy away from debates, contrasting Keynesian and Austrian schools in a way that’s accessible yet nuanced. If you’ve struggled with 'Capital in the Twenty-First Century' dense prose, this book distills similar ideas with clarity. It’s not as technical as 'Principles of Economics' by Mankiw, but that’s its strength—it invites curiosity without intimidation.

How Does 'Citizen Vince' End?

5 answers2025-06-17 05:52:52

The ending of 'Citizen Vince' is a masterful blend of redemption and gritty realism. After a chaotic journey through the criminal underworld, Vince—a former mobster in witness protection—finally confronts his past. The climax revolves around a tense confrontation with his old associates, where Vince chooses to protect his new life rather than revert to old habits. His decision to stand up against the mob, despite the risks, shows his growth from a selfish criminal to someone valuing integrity.

Vince’s arc culminates in a quiet yet powerful moment where he votes in the election, symbolizing his embrace of a legitimate life. The novel doesn’t offer a fairy-tale ending; instead, it leaves Vince with scars but also hope. The last scenes hint at his uncertain future, balancing the weight of his choices with the possibility of starting anew. It’s a satisfying conclusion that stays true to the book’s themes of identity and second chances.

Where Is 'Citizen Vince' Set?

5 answers2025-06-17 07:41:23

'Citizen Vince' is set in two distinct locations that contrast sharply, adding depth to the story. The primary setting is Spokane, Washington, a seemingly ordinary American city where Vince, the protagonist, is trying to build a new life under witness protection. Spokane’s mundane streets and small-time criminal underworld create a gritty, realistic backdrop that highlights Vince’s struggle to escape his past.

The other key location is New York City, specifically its underworld. Vince’s flashbacks and connections to his former life as a low-level mobster are tied to NYC’s darker corners—dimly lit bars, back alleys, and the constant tension of being watched. The juxtaposition of Spokane’s quiet unease and New York’s chaotic danger underscores the novel’s themes of reinvention and the inescapability of one’s history. Jess Walter’s vivid descriptions make both settings feel alive, almost like characters themselves.

Who Is The Protagonist In 'Citizen Vince'?

5 answers2025-06-17 08:28:07

The protagonist of 'Citizen Vince' is Vince Camden, a small-time crook who’s trying to reinvent himself in the late 1970s. Vince is a former criminal with a knack for credit card fraud, but after getting relocated to Spokane, Washington, under the Witness Protection Program, he’s attempting to live a quieter life. The story kicks off when his past catches up with him, forcing him to navigate a dangerous intersection of crime, politics, and personal redemption. Vince isn’t your typical hero—he’s flawed, pragmatic, and often driven by self-preservation, but that’s what makes him compelling. The novel digs into his struggle to escape his old identity while being pulled back into the underworld, all against the backdrop of the 1980 presidential election. It’s a gritty, character-driven tale where Vince’s survival instincts clash with his desire for something better.

What I love about Vince is how human he feels. He’s not some mastermind or action hero; he’s just a guy trying to stay alive and maybe do one decent thing along the way. The way the story blends his personal journey with larger themes of civic duty and reinvention is brilliant. Vince’s dry humor and sharp observations add depth, making him a protagonist who sticks with you long after the book ends.