The True Story of a Made-Up Thing

Date: 2024-10-12

Book Author: Jacob Goldstein

You’ll never look at a $50 note the same way again. This book traces the wild, weird history of money — from cowry shells to crypto — and asks a fundamental question: What actually gives it value? Written by an NPR journalist, it’s breezy but surprisingly deep.

💡 Eye Openers: • Central banks used to be private ventures. Wild. • Money has always been a story backed by shared belief. • Crypto isn't as new as we think — it’s the latest chapter in centuries of evolution.

❤️ What I Liked: • Great mix of history, humor, and economic storytelling. • Helped me explain inflation, fiat currency, and digital money better. • No jargon — just clarity.

🤔 What's It's Not: • Doesn’t go deep on current DeFi or technical finance. • More narrative than tactical.

📈 Verdict: If you like money but don’t love economics textbooks, this is your gateway drug. A sharp, fun look at how this whole “money” thing works.

Rating: 4.4/5