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This book was not at all what I expected but, I don't mean that to sound negative in the least. Let me start by saying that I bought 2 copies of it so I could read 1 & give the other to my nephew for Christmas. I'd seen the trailer for Rise of the Guardians & when I heard it was based on this book I had to read it.
It is written as a legend of how Santa Claus came to be well, Santa Claus! If you think though that you can read this novel & finish with an answer you are wrong. It is just the beginning to the tale of St. Nick.
It starts when a wayward moonbeam accidentally wakes up Pitch, the Nightmare King. Pitch's job was to go around the world feeding off the good dreams of people & replacing them with nightmares. He seems to be succeeding until a wise old wizard tricks a wily thief into coming to his town's aide. That swashbuckler happens to be Nicholas St. North, the man who is presumably going to end up as jolly ole St. Nick.
This is a great story & a quick read. I am looking forward to seeing the movie though I doubt it will be much like the book so be warned!!
  
Capital in the Twenty-First Century
Capital in the Twenty-First Century
Thomas Piketty | 2014 | Business & Finance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I kind of knew what I was getting myself into when I started this one, but perhaps I didn't realize just to what extent. Sure, it's long, but that's not a problem for me. Sure, the subject matter is pretty dry, but it seemed like it would be an important enough work to make up for it. And it is a very important book. The history of the distribution of wealth in the civilized world, based on the most complete and accurate information available, is a matter that should concern us all, especially if we want to make sure it is handled fairly going forward. And the last 50% or so of the book (at which point it really dives into all that) is fascinating, raises some provocative points, and has some sensible solutions for the future. A star has been taken off however, because everything preceding that is largely spent explaining how the information was obtained and repeatedly explaining mathematical formulas, both of which are kind of a slog to get through, and contributed greatly to just how long it took me to get through this book. I am glad I read it though, and if nothing else, I do feel a bit smarter for having done so.