“I really disagree with that last comment. This book, which I read in 2005 probably around when it came out, is an amazingly informative and strong account of the immense devastation that our modern global society (particularly in the 'industrialized' countries -- isn't everything industrialized now, can this term really even stand on its own anymore?). It really shines some strong views into the light, some alternate perspectives from the status quo media versions, and whether or not John Perkins is who he calls himself in this book, the story is all very aligned with the global power structure and to me generally makes intuitive sense. I saw John Perkins down at the World Social Forum in Porto Allegre, Brazil in 2005 and was extremely impressed by his integrity and vulnerable presentation. I had not heard of the book before, and picked it up immediately after that. I read it with my mother whose career was as an executive in several transnational corporations and nothing in that book surprised her for even a moment. I hold a perspective that believes that people *can* live in two (or more) realities, as my mother has done this as long as I have known her. She can blind herself to injustice when it is effective to another professional end. I've been witness to and felt this from my heart and I do recommend this book to anyone who might be curious about the potential intentional frameworks of the global empire structure that is faltering these days (at least from the US end).”
“This book opened my eyes to the power of money and influence. Great resource to be used in an economics or world history course.”
“This book is horrible. I like the concept: of exploring the mind of an Economist and how they participate in contemporary imperialism (i.e. debt). But I just couldn't keep myself interested in this one. The writing was very simple and didn't grab my attention. But the major issue was the character. Written in the first-person and supposedly "based on the life of the author", I can't imagine how a man can live in one reality while in his mind, totally hating what he does. It's like he knew he was going to write the book so his psychology and perspectives were all against his actions. Not believable and definitely not recommended.””
“I picked this up at an airport between flights and was pleasantly surprised. It's not very well written, but it's an eye opening account of the motives of institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF. I'm not sold on the author's conclusions, but it's certainly worth the read.”
“Here is the interview with John Perkins about his book.http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/02/15/1436221&mode=thread&tid=25”
“One of the most insightful books I have read.”
“A book which helps somebody who think that devoloped counties are populated with philanthropists..nothing new for a right minded political observer but a lot for a casual observer of intrnational politics ”
“Bone-chilling confession..I wish many people read this book...A must read!”
