Don't let my 3 star rating mislead you...this was a great book, well written and very well researched by an innovative mover and shaker...it was just a bit clunky, each chapter in the second half was focused for a different audience so I was wading through economic talk for global leaders and politicians when what I was looking for was individual talk. It was good for me though to get a good, clear, rounded picture and so I read it all. Very thoughtful discussion with plenty of resources. I'd suggest this as a read for business owners, local politicians and anyone looking for basis in creating sustainable LOIS business focus. ( )

I think I'm going to have to buy this one (currently checked out from the library). It has so much good information about topics I know nothing about, but should (business, finance, markets, and the policies and laws governing them). A little more academic than what I've been reading lately, which is making me go slowly. Hence, the need to buy. :)

Details the rise of locally owned businesses and how they can outperform multinational corporations both in consumer costs as well as community costs. The second half describes specific action that consumers, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, community builders and globalizers can take to encourage and strengthen local economies.

This is an important book, and one that really changed the way I think about my purchasing choices. Instead of simply comparing cost of goods, I now think about the community impact and environmental impact of importing goods from other localities. I especially liked his balanced approach: he occasionally shops at Wal-Mart and addresses specifically why it is not particularly a deal. The chapter-ending checklists with simple things each group (consumers, investors, etc.) can do were particularly heartening and eye-opening. While what he proposes is a significant life change for some, it need not be black-and-white, either/or and it need not create extra work or financial hardship on those who undertake the project of creating sustainable local economies. ( )

1/20/2010