As I finish this critical book of bitcoins' history, the block chain, ethereum, and smart contracts I am coming out of it quite optimistic about cryptocurrencies. To me it showed what bitcoin and the cryptocurrency realm needs to work on and what pitfalls to avoid. The author, David Gerard seems to have some type of agenda against cryptocurrencies at the book's surface; although his criticisms are well cited and quite logical. Having this perspective has only strengthened my view on the blockchain and allowed me to focus on how I can integrate cryptocurrencies in my financial life by learning from all the negative aspects of it.
I highly recommend it to everyone interested in and using cryptocurrencies as a valuable tool.