As a short description - it builds a compelling set of arguments/stories based on examples, and extensive research around many topics - Growth around the world, Trade, Migration, Labor, Inequality, Climate change, etc.

The hook? For me, the focus of the description felt very fresh and in a way contrarian.

In short:

• Unobvious downsides of Trade globalisation
• Political polarisation and contrast of top-economists thinking vs. actual policies vs. public perception.
• Some mentions of energy-savings like ‘Cold efficient buildings’
• Unequivocal support for migration
• Support of larger competent government.
• Discussions on UBI, tech, effectiveness of tax policies, and many more.

It might look like the topics and policies might be more European-style left-leaning and my impression is indeed quite that.

For the most part, the narrative is incredibly engaging and feels like an honest, substantive, well-supported, and very smart discussion.

On the other hand, from the point of view of people with views closer to US-style free-market tradition, it’d be a reading that one would mentally disagree on, at least instinctively, on a lot of things.

However - exactly that feeling in my opinion is the biggest value-add of the book: very clear articulation of the author’s policy views, with a massive reference list for each chapter which inspires the mental map update for things.

As for the downsides, I want to mention two:

• even one not being a professional economist, could occasionally spot examples where stories turn quite ideological and where the references for opposing arguments might’ve been left unanswered here and there.
• it’s still more of a macro-book, which sometimes talks about macro things, like (slightly exaggerating here) ‘would be cool to have a competent and empathetic big government - to do a lot of wonderful things’. While probably true, does not leave for such things any practical recommendations as far as macro things could be applied anywhere.