When I started reading The Commanding Heights: The Battle for the World Economy, I said that it was well written and that from the very beginning the reader has a sense of where the book is going. Unfortunately, the book became a little bit too predictable for my liking. Almost every chapter followed the same formula; only the country or continent in question changes. In each chapter, the failings of the mixed economy or communism as it was implemented in a particular region of the world were brought to light, and then the region’s turbulent swing to the free market was examined. The answer to the "where to from here" type question posed in the final chapter could have been dealt with a little more comprehensively. Nevertheless, it remains an excellent book, and one that I am very glad I read.
Yesterday, I bought myself The Filmmaker’s Handbook using the Dymocks voucher Nigel gave me for my birthday. It’s something just a little bit different to read, and a little bit more formal than the "10 Minute Film School" at the back of Rebel Without a Crew (a book I purchased some time ago). Unfortunately, it’s a little bit too big to take to France.
I think I shall turn back to Hardy for reading material in the form of The Hand of Ethelberta. It ought to make good reading for the upcoming trip.
