Anyone who's looking at the current economic situation and wondering why it seems like things are falling apart, or just wants to know more about the economy and the Federal Reserve, should read What Has the Government Done To Our Money? by Murray Rothbard. It's a clear, concise explanation of (macro) economics from first principles right up through the inner workings of central banking. It's a quick read, and Rothbard was brilliant at explaining economics.
You can read the entire thing online, or download the PDF,
here.