Book Recommendations

The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy: An Economist Examines the Markets, Power, and Politics of World Trade
by Pietra Rivoli

“This book takes the reader inside the global economy by following the life cycle of a T-shirt from the cotton fields of Texas to the used clothing markets in Africa. An enjoyable read, it provides a nuanced view of the globalization debate and practical insights into difficult political issues such as agricultural subsidies.”
—David Platt, senior lecturer in the Department of Accounting

Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything
by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

“You’ve got to read this book. It’s a well-written, quick read that applies economics to everyday life.”
—Laura Starks, chair of the Department of Finance

The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America
by Warren E. Buffett, Edited by Lawrence A. Cunningham

“I often have students read ‘The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America,’ which summarizes the writings of Buffett in his annual letter to shareholders. Students often tell me it’s the best book they have read during b-school.”
—Sandy Leeds, senior lecturer in the Department of Finance

Coming to Concurrence: Addressable Attitudes and the New Model for Marketing Productivity
by J. Walker Smith

“The book explains that we’ve reached a breaking point where we need to rethink how we do marketing. People are tired of being bombarded by advertisements and are starting to resist with technology like TiVo. It says we’re in a new marketing environment and we have to start thinking about two-way relationships.”
—Wayne Hoyer, chair of the Department of Marketing

The United States of Europe: The New Superpower and the End of American Supremacy
by T.R. Reid

“T.R. Reid gives an informative and interesting view on why Europe is not as backwards as some might have us believe. The E.U. may not be the same as the U.S., but it’s a force to be reckoned with.”
—Eric Hirst, professor in the Department of Accounting

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Alpha Dogs: How Your Small Business Can Become a Leader of the Pack By Donna Fenn

Alpha Dogs: How Your Small Business Can Become a Leader of the Pack
By Donna Fenn
Wacky employees, funky store designs, entertaining service and prominent locations. These are the most obvious elements of Amy Simmons’ gradual growth model for her Austin-famous Amy’s Ice Cream stores. The local ice cream parlor owner and MBA ’94 divulges her story of small business success over ice cream giants Ben & Jerry’s and Cold Stone Creamery in Donna Fenn’s new book, “Alpha Dogs: How Your Small Business Can Become a Leader of the Pack.” In one chapter, Fenn, a contributing editor for Inc. magazine, profiles Simmons’ company from her first days in business to her emergence as a beloved establishment in the community. The author asserts that Amy’s Ice Creams has sustained itself by staking a hometown claim and nurturing its community connections—one of eight key growth strategies Fenn says small businesses should utilize to become an Alpha Dog company. The book also features chapters on seven other small business owners’ critical solutions for taking an ordinary company to the top. A good read for any budding or seasoned entrepreneur.