The first time I read this book it was because I'd heard an interview with the author on NPR and felt compelled to get the whole story. It's a fast, entertaining and SCARY read. Don't skip any parts if you can help it - it's not just about corporate and political corruption, it details (with evidence) how this world of ours works and what we need to keep our eyes open for when the bad guys get into our neighborhoods. The sections on what US corporations do in other countries is APPALLING. The sections on the country-destroying terms of IMF and World Bank loans is HORRIFYING. And, if you've ever wondered what the heck public utility privatization is all about, this explains it - AND IT'S UGLY!