I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Don Braby explores the connection between economic upheaval and historical events, and how it applies to today’s world, in the book “The Great Depression of the 2020s: History Does Repeat.”
The Synopsis

Our country’s history unequivocally shows that after every significant economic expansion, a meaningful correction and a total war follow. In the Roaring Twenties, an enormous stock market rise and economic boom led to the Great Depression. The middle of the 19th century also saw an expansion, followed by a depression and a civil war. And if we examine the totality of our history, dating back to our independence, we discover that a cycle repeats on average every 80 years. Every 80 years or so, the United States plunges into a crisis that lasts several years—sometimes as long as 20.
The first such crisis was the American Revolutionary War, which began in 1775. The second was the Civil War, which began in 1861. The third was the Great Depression, which began in 1930 and was followed by WWII.
Our country’s history unequivocally shows that after every significant economic expansion, a meaningful correction and a total war follow. In the Roaring Twenties, an enormous stock market rise and economic boom led to the Great Depression. The middle of the 19th century also saw an expansion, followed by a depression and a civil war. And if we examine the totality of our history, dating back to our independence, we discover that a cycle repeats on average every 80 years. Every 80 years or so, the United States plunges into a crisis that lasts several years—sometimes as long as 20.
The first such crisis was the American Revolutionary War, which began in 1775. The second was the Civil War, which began in 1861. The third was the Great Depression, which began in 1930 and was followed by WWII.
Currently, America is unraveling, and culture wars are ramping up. Citizens of this great nation are experiencing a psychological phenomenon that had its beginning on September 11, 2001. We feel different about ourselves, our culture, our nation, and our future. Spring will come, but not until there’s a winter that is unkind, unforgiving, and unpredictable.”
The Review
This was such an insightful and engaging read from the start. A powerful look at both economics and history, the author’s level of detail and education make this top-notch. The parallels the author draws between various historical moments, especially in the United States, and the events of our current day are astonishing as much as they are chilling.
Something that always stands out to me as a reader is how much a book, no matter its topic, will have readers clamoring to be able to pick it up again, a.k.a. its readability. While the book is detailed, it maintains a steady pace, and the author’s writing style keeps the reader feeling connected to both the Author and the subject matter. The insight and knowledge readers gain from this book show a depth of appreciation for the past, as well as a desire to see better choices made, or at least an understanding of them.
The Verdict
Compelling, detailed, and enthralling, Author Don Braby’s “The Great Depression of the 2020s is a must-read non-fiction book on history, economics, and world events. Readers can feel the attention as each historical fact is presented in a refreshing way, and they are compelled to connect events from the Great Depression and other economic highs and lows to some of our country’s most notorious battles and wars. If you haven’t yet, please grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Don Braby was raised on a dairy farm in Southern Iowa from 1957 through 1976. His parents, who lived during the Great Depression and World War II, were very conservative. What they experienced in the depression taught them to be smart with their money. No more debt. In addition, his parents were resilient and resourceful.
In 1976, Braby attended electronics school and achieved an associate’s degree. After working for a few years, he enrolled at York College in York, Nebraska. In 1984, Braby graduated from Oklahoma Christian College with a bachelor’s degree.
After graduating, he moved to Boston and lived there for 7 years. In 1991, he moved to Phoenix, AZ. Braby was married in 1994 in Palm Desert, CA., and is currently back in Phoenix with his wife and daughter.
Braby’s favorite school is the University of Iowa. Go Hawks!
As a student of history and economics, he believes there are clear economic and historical cycles that repeat every 80 to 90 years. History does repeat. Far too many people ignore history or have no interest in it. That’s why we repeat it.
Braby has written three books: The Great Depression of the 2020s. The Life of Jesus Christ, His Death, Burial, and Resurrection, and Undeniable Proofs of a Highly Intelligent Being, DNA Research, 300 Prophecies of Jesus Christ and the Cosmos
