Big, Hot, Cheap, and Right
In 'Big, Hot, Cheap, and Right', Erica Grieder explores the allure and challenges of Texas, a state that embodies a unique blend of opportunity and excess. Through captivating anecdotes, she reveals how the Texan spirit fuels innovation and economic growth, while also grappling with issues of inequality and environmental impact. Grieder invites readers to confront the complexities of a land where everything seems bigger, hotter, and more affordable. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Texas is not just a place, but a mindset that can offer lessons for the rest of America. Will the boldness of Texas inspire the nation to rethink what it means to thrive?
By Erica Grieder
Published: 2014
""In a world where everything is getting more expensive, it’s time to embrace the reality that what we truly need is often big, hot, cheap, and right.""
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
Erica Grieder’s Texas is a state that is not only an outlier but an exaggeration of some of America’s most striking virtues and flaws. Big, Hot, Cheap, and Right is a witty, enlightening inquiry into how Texas works, and why, in the future, the rest of America may look a lot like Texas.
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from Big, Hot, Cheap, and Right
About the Author
Erica Grieder
Erica Grieder is a distinguished author and journalist, known for her insightful explorations of American culture and politics. She is the author of 'Big, Hot, Cheap, and Right: What America Can Learn from the Strange Genius of Texas,' which examines the unique attributes that make Texas a model for the future of the United States. Grieder's writing style is characterized by her sharp wit, engaging narrative, and an ability to weave personal anecdotes with broader sociopolitical analysis. Her work has been featured in prominent publications such as The New York Times and The Atlantic, showcasing her talent for compelling storytelling and rigorous reporting.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Erica Grieder
- Published
- April 2014
- Publisher
- Public Affairs
- ISBN
- 1610393759
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 306
- Genres
- Social Justice MovementsBusiness and EconomicsEconomic Policy
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
A Farewell to Alms
Gregory Clark
Black Edge
Sheelah Kolhatkar
The Rise and Fall of American Growth
Robert J. Gordon
The Great Convergence
Richard Baldwin
Democracy at Work
Richard D. Wolff
Business as a System of Power
Robert A. Brady
Capital
Karl Marx
Breaking Rockefeller
Peter B. Doran
A History of Economic Theory
Jürg Niehans
Economics in One Lesson
Henry Hazlitt
Generating Inequality
Lester C. Thurow
An Empire of Wealth
John Steele Gordon
The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man
John Perkins
A Great Leap Forward
Alexander J. Field
Sacred Economics
Charles Eisenstein
Doughnut Economics
Kate Raworth
The Future of Capitalism
Paul Collier
The Third Pillar
Raghuram Rajan
Essays in Persuasion
John Maynard Keynes
The Tyranny of Experts
William Easterly
No Logo
Naomi Klein
Average is Over
Tyler Cowen
The Son Also Rises
Gregory Clark
A Splendid Exchange
William J. Bernstein
A Short History of Financial Euphoria
John Kenneth Galbraith
Dark Money
Jane Mayer
Small Is Beautiful
E. F. Schumacher
The Curse of Bigness
Tim Wu
Business Cycles
Joseph A. Schumpeter
In Defense of Global Capitalism
Johan Norberg
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Chris Dixon's Book Recommendations
Chris Dixon is a notable venture capitalist and technology entrepreneur, best known for his influential role as a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, where he leads investments in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Before joining the firm, Dixon co-founded two startups: SiteAdvisor, a web security company acquired by McAfee, and Hunch, a recommendation engine acquired by eBay. In addition to his investment career, Dixon is a prolific writer and thought leader on technology and innovation, contributing insightful essays and articles to various platforms such as his personal blog and Medium. His writings often explore the future of technology, the internet, and the impact of blockchain, making significant contributions to contemporary tech literature. Dixon's work has earned him recognition as a visionary in both the tech and literary worlds.
View Collection
Ray Dalio's Book Recommendations
Ray Dalio is the founder of Bridgewater Associates, one of the largest and most successful hedge funds in the world. He is also the author of the bestselling book Principles, where he outlines his philosophy on life, leadership, and investing. Ray is renowned for his unique approach to transparency, radical truth, and thoughtful disagreement within organizations. His insights into economics and investing have made him one of the most influential figures in the financial world. Dalio continues to be a thought leader in business, economics, and philanthropy.
View Collection
Alex Honnold's Book Recommendations
Alex Honnold is an American professional rock climber, best known for his free solo ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a feat that was documented in the Oscar-winning film Free Solo. Honnold is renowned for his mental toughness, technical skill, and ability to climb without ropes or safety equipment. His accomplishments have made him a legend in the climbing world, and he continues to push the boundaries of the sport. Outside of climbing, Honnold is a philanthropist, founding the Honnold Foundation, which supports environmental sustainability projects, particularly in solar energy.
View Collection
Ben Shapiro's Book Recommendations
Ben Shapiro is an American conservative political commentator, author, and lawyer, known for his sharp analytical skills and outspoken views. He graduated from UCLA at the age of 20 and Harvard Law School at 23, demonstrating his early intellectual prowess. Shapiro is the author of several best-selling books including "Bullies: How the Left's Culture of Fear and Intimidation Silences Americans" and "The Right Side of History: How Reason and Moral Purpose Made the West Great." He is the co-founder and editor emeritus of The Daily Wire, a popular conservative news and opinion website. Through his writing and media presence, Shapiro has significantly influenced contemporary political discourse in the United States.
View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations
Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.
View Collection
Jason Fung's Book Recommendations
Dr. Jason Fung is a renowned Canadian nephrologist and a leading expert in intermittent fasting and low carbohydrate diets. He is the author of several best-selling books, including "The Obesity Code" and "The Diabetes Code," which have significantly influenced the field of nutrition and metabolic health. Dr. Fung's work emphasizes the role of insulin in weight gain and metabolic diseases, advocating for dietary interventions as key solutions. His innovative approaches have helped countless individuals manage obesity and diabetes, earning him a global following. Beyond his writing, Dr. Fung frequently lectures and shares his expertise through various media platforms, contributing to a broader public understanding of health and wellness.
View Collection
Brad Feld's Book Recommendations
Brad Feld is a prominent American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author known for his influential work in the startup ecosystem. Co-founder of the Foundry Group, he has played a pivotal role in funding and mentoring early-stage technology companies. Feld is also a key figure behind the Techstars accelerator program, which has helped launch numerous successful startups. As an author, he has penned several essential books on entrepreneurship and venture capital, including "Venture Deals" and "Startup Communities," which provide invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. His writings and active blogging have cemented his reputation as a thought leader in the tech and startup communities.
View Collection
Nat Eliason's Book Recommendations
Nat Eliason is an influential writer, entrepreneur, and educator known for his insightful work on personal growth, productivity, and digital marketing. He founded Growth Machine, a successful SEO and content marketing agency that has helped numerous companies expand their online presence. Eliason's thought-provoking articles on his blog cover a wide range of topics, from philosophy to health, attracting a large and engaged audience. Additionally, he authored "Effortless Output with Roam," a comprehensive guide on using the Roam Research tool for knowledge management. Through his diverse contributions, Eliason has established himself as a significant voice in the realms of self-improvement and digital strategy.
View Collection
Elon Musk's Book Recommendations
Elon Musk is an influential entrepreneur and innovator known for founding and leading several groundbreaking companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. He has played a pivotal role in advancing electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy. Musk's vision extends to colonizing Mars and reducing the risk of human extinction through space travel. In addition to his technological contributions, he has co-authored the book "Spacex: Making Commercial Spaceflight a Reality," providing insights into his ambitious projects and vision for the future. Musk's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the trajectory of multiple industries.
View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.
View Collection
Noam Chomsky's Book Recommendations
Noam Chomsky, born December 7, 1928, is an influential American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, historian, and social critic. He revolutionized the field of linguistics with his theory of generative grammar, particularly through his seminal work, "Syntactic Structures" (1957). Chomsky's contributions extend beyond linguistics to political activism, where he is known for his critiques of U.S. foreign policy and media, encapsulated in works like "Manufacturing Consent" (1988). As a professor emeritus at MIT, his interdisciplinary approach has significantly impacted cognitive science, philosophy of language, and political thought. Chomsky remains a prolific author and speaker, continuing to shape academic and public discourses.
View Collection
Ellen DeGeneres's Book Recommendations
Ellen DeGeneres is an acclaimed American comedian, television host, actress, and writer. She gained immense popularity with her Emmy-winning daytime talk show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," which debuted in 2003 and ran for 19 successful seasons. In the literary world, DeGeneres has authored several bestselling books, including "My Point... And I Do Have One" and "Seriously... I'm Kidding," which showcase her signature humor and candid storytelling. Her work has significantly contributed to discussions on LGBTQ+ issues, especially following her historic coming out in 1997. DeGeneres is also known for her philanthropic efforts, frequently using her platform to support various charitable causes.
View Collection
Bernie Sanders's Book Recommendations
Bernie Sanders is an American politician and U.S. Senator from Vermont, known for his progressive policies and his advocacy for economic equality. Sanders ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016 and 2020, inspiring a movement with his calls for Medicare for All, free college tuition, and a $15 minimum wage. He identifies as a democratic socialist and has been a long-standing advocate for labor rights, environmental justice, and social welfare programs. Sanders’ candidacy energized a new generation of activists and has had a lasting influence on the direction of the Democratic Party. His focus on income inequality and social justice continues to shape political discourse in the U.S.
View Collection
Brian Tracy's Book Recommendations
Brian Tracy is a renowned Canadian-American motivational speaker, self-development author, and business consultant. He has written over 70 books, including bestsellers like "Eat That Frog!" and "The Psychology of Achievement," which have been translated into dozens of languages. Tracy's work primarily focuses on personal success, leadership, time management, and sales strategies. He has also delivered over 5,000 speeches and seminars around the world, inspiring millions to improve their lives and careers. His practical advice and actionable insights have cemented his reputation as a leading authority in personal and professional development.
View Collection
Benedict Evans's Book Recommendations
Benedict Evans is a renowned technology analyst and commentator, acclaimed for his insightful analyses on technology trends and their societal impacts. With a background in venture capital and strategic consulting, Evans has become a prominent voice in the tech community through his thought-provoking essays and presentations. His work often explores the intersection of mobile technology, media, and internet platforms, offering a nuanced understanding of complex tech ecosystems. Evans is widely respected for his ability to distill intricate technological developments into accessible and compelling narratives. His contributions have significantly influenced industry leaders and informed public discourse on the future of technology.
View Collection
Jordan Peterson's Book Recommendations
Jordan Peterson is a Canadian psychologist, author, and professor, best known for his work on psychology, political philosophy, and cultural criticism. His book 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos became a global bestseller, offering advice on personal responsibility, order, and meaning in life. Peterson’s lectures, which cover topics like mythology, religion, and self-improvement, have garnered millions of views online, making him a polarizing figure in both academic and popular circles. He is known for his critiques of political correctness and his emphasis on individual responsibility. Peterson’s influence has sparked widespread debate about free speech, identity politics, and mental health.
View Collection
Ben Horowitz's Book Recommendations
Ben Horowitz is a prominent American entrepreneur, investor, and author, best known for co-founding the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. He made significant contributions to the tech industry through his leadership roles at Netscape and as co-founder of the software company Opsware, which was later acquired by Hewlett-Packard. Horowitz is celebrated for his insightful business book, "The Hard Thing About Hard Things," which provides candid advice on the challenges of entrepreneurship. His follow-up book, "What You Do Is Who You Are," explores the importance of company culture in business success. Horowitz's works are highly regarded for their practical wisdom and have influenced countless leaders in the tech and business communities.
View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations
Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.
View Collection“"In a world where everything is getting more expensive, it’s time to embrace the reality that what we truly need is often big, hot, cheap, and right."”
Big, Hot, Cheap, and Right
By Erica Grieder
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.