(Bloomberg View) -- The global economy is not just unusuallyfluid, it also is being jolted: from above, by economicuncertainties, domestic political polarization and geopoliticalthreats; and from below by disruptive technologies in anever-expanding number of industries.

1. "The Only Game in Town: CentralBanks, Instability and Avoiding the Next Collapse"

That is the theme of my latest book, "The Only Game in Town:Central Banks, Instability and Avoiding the Next Collapse," whichis scheduled to be published Jan. 26.

It assesses, from the perspective of central banks, where we areand where we are going, as well as the outlook for the globaleconomy and markets.

These unusual bottom-up and top-down forces, some quitecontroversial, also have been explored in several works thatcaptured my interest in 2015.

2. "The Courage to Act: A Memoir of a Crisis and ItsAftermath"

On economics and policy, former Federal Reserve Chairman BenBernanke’s "The Courage to Act: A Memoir of a Crisis and ItsAftermath" is instructive in detailing the traumatic globalfinancial crisis and its effects. It also reminds us why theeconomic and financial path ahead is so “unusually uncertain.” Mostcritically, Bernanke’s book reflects the elusive quest for higherand more inclusive growth in the global economy.

The implications go well beyond over-reliance and unhealthydependence on central banks' experimental monetary policies, whosebenefits increasingly carry the risk of collateral damage andunintended consequences. In addition, domestic political systemsare finding it difficult to respond to the mounting list ofchallenges, and the related evidence of popular discontent, theemergence of protest and anti-establishment movements and pressureson social cohesion.

3. "Rise of the Robots"

These concerns--and the need for an appropriate, morecomprehensive policy response--run through Martin Ford’s analysisin “Rise of the Robots.” Many won't agree with his policyprescriptions, but it is hard to ignore his arguments about theconsequential structural shifts to the things we do and the way wedo them brought about by automation.

4. "How Music Got Free"

Should you have any doubt about the potential power ofdisruptors, especially during this phase of great technologicaladvancement and individual empowerment, Stephen Witt’s “How MusicGot Free” is a must-read. It flows like a captivating novel, takingthe reader through the historic upending of the music industry viaa grass-roots revolution triggered in a most unlikely manner.

5. "Other People’s Money: The Real Business ofFinance"

Having worked in finance, I feel compelled to list a book thattakes a refreshing, and far from comforting, look at the industry.In “Other People’s Money: The Real Business of Finance,” John Kaypushes us to question how the industry has approached and performedits basic function of intermediating savings and other loanablefunds to productive activities.

6. "Phishing for Phools"

7. "Misbehaving"

The combined message of these books is a pervasive fluidity thatmakes the path ahead unusually uncertain. This state of affairswill challenge decision-making in companies, governments andhouseholds. Our understanding of this shifting terrain iscomplemented by two books on behavioral economics written by thegiants in the field: “Phishing for Phools,” by George Akerlof andRobert J. Shiller, and “Misbehaving” by Richard Thaler.

Both remind us of the challenges to the “rational” responsesthat are modeled in many conventional theories and still dominatethe mind-set of too many leaders in both the public and privatesectors. And they highlight why we should work harder to reduce therisk of inadequate decision-making, especially in this highly fluidcontext.

8. "Losing the Signal"

Poor decisions, and by people who should have known better,played an important role in undermining Blackberry. "Losing theSignal," by Jacquie McNish and Sean Silcoff, tells the story of thecompany's fall from a dominant position that also provided avirtual definition and naming of the sector. This once high- flyingcompany fell victim to a series of internal corporate conflicts andstunningly poor individual and collective responses.

9. "Unfinished Business: Women Men WorkFamily"

My final recommendation is "Unfinished Business: Women Men WorkFamily," by Anne-Marie Slaughter.

Research and personal experience have made me a huge believer inthe power of cognitive diversity. Yet, as a society and asindividuals, we continue to undermine the type of inclusiveness--ofgender, race and culture--that is needed and attainable.

Slaughter provides a compelling narrative of the what, why andso what of foregone opportunities. She also supplies possiblesolutions that are relevant not just to policy makers and businessleaders, but also to parents looking to level the playing field forthe next generations.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of theeditorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

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