In 'The Big Short,' Michael Lewis unveils the intricate web of deceit and risk that led to the 2008 financial crisis. Through a cast of eccentric and astute investors, he reveals how a handful of outsiders recognized the impending collapse of the housing market while most of Wall Street remained oblivious. As the narrative unfolds, readers are drawn into the thrilling world of finance, where fortunes are gained and lost in the blink of an eye. Lewis's sharp wit and keen insights slice through the complexities of the crisis, making it both accessible and compelling. This masterful tale challenges us to question the very foundations of the financial system and consider who truly holds the power.
By Michael Lewis
Published: 2010
""The truth is like poetry. And most people fucking hate poetry.""
The #1 New York Times bestseller: a brilliant account—character-rich and darkly humorous—of how the U.S. economy was driven over the cliff. When the crash of the U. S. stock market became public knowledge in the fall of 2008, it was already old news. The real crash, the silent crash, had taken place over the previous year, in bizarre feeder markets where the sun doesn’t shine, and the SEC doesn’t dare, or bother, to tread: the bond and real estate derivative markets where geeks invent impenetrable securities to profit from the misery of lower- and middle-class Americans who can’t pay their debts. The smart people who understood what was or might be happening were paralyzed by hope and fear; in any case, they weren’t talking. The crucial question is this: Who understood the risk inherent in the assumption of ever-rising real estate prices, a risk compounded daily by the creation of those arcane, artificial securities loosely based on piles of doubtful mortgages? Michael Lewis turns the inquiry on its head to create a fresh, character-driven narrative brimming with indignation and dark humor, a fitting sequel to his #1 best-selling Liar’s Poker. Who got it right? he asks. Who saw the real estate market for the black hole it would become, and eventually made billions of dollars from that perception? And what qualities of character made those few persist when their peers and colleagues dismissed them as Chicken Littles? Out of this handful of unlikely—really unlikely—heroes, Lewis fashions a story as compelling and unusual as any of his earlier bestsellers, proving yet again that he is the finest and funniest chronicler of our times.
Showing 8 of 26 similar books
Shane Parrish is a renowned author and the founder of Farnam Street, a popular blog dedicated to personal development and decision-making. His insightful writings delve into mental models, critical thinking, and learning strategies, earning him a significant following among intellectuals and professionals alike. Parrish's work emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and thinking differently to achieve success. He is also the host of "The Knowledge Project" podcast, where he interviews leading thinkers to uncover their wisdom. His contributions have made a substantial impact on how readers approach problem-solving and personal growth.
David Heinemeier Hansson, also known as DHH, is a Danish programmer, entrepreneur, and author, best known as the creator of Ruby on Rails, a popular web application framework. Heinemeier Hansson is also a partner at Basecamp, a project management and collaboration software company he co-founded. His contributions to software development have earned him widespread recognition, with Ruby on Rails being used by thousands of developers and companies worldwide. Heinemeier Hansson is also a vocal advocate for remote work, simplicity in business, and sustainable work practices, ideas he explores in his bestselling books Rework and It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. In addition to his work in tech, he is an accomplished race car driver, having competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Heinemeier Hansson’s approach to work-life balance and entrepreneurship has made him a thought leader in the tech community, where he continues to challenge traditional business practices and advocate for more human-centered approaches to work
Julian Shapiro is a renowned writer and entrepreneur, acclaimed for his insightful essays on personal growth and marketing strategies. He is the author of "The Julian Shapiro Collection," a compilation of his most impactful writings that have garnered a wide readership online. Shapiro co-founded the growth marketing agency Bell Curve, where he has helped numerous startups achieve exponential growth. His work often blends practical advice with deep philosophical inquiries, making complex subjects accessible to a broad audience. Through his prolific writing and entrepreneurial ventures, Julian has become a key figure in the intersection of business and self-improvement literature.
Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher, best known as the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors. Ravikant is a prolific thinker and writer on topics such as startups, investing, and personal well-being, sharing his wisdom through essays, podcasts, and social media. He has invested in over 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, and Yammer, making him one of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors. Ravikant is also known for his philosophical musings on wealth, happiness, and the meaning of life, which have garnered him a large and dedicated following.
Andrew Lokenauth is a distinguished author and financial expert known for his insightful contributions to personal finance and investment literature. With a career spanning over a decade, he has written extensively on topics such as wealth management, financial planning, and market analysis. Lokenauth's works are celebrated for their clarity and practical advice, making complex financial concepts accessible to a broad audience. He has been featured in numerous financial publications and has established himself as a trusted voice in the industry. Beyond his writing, Lokenauth is also a sought-after speaker, sharing his expertise at various seminars and workshops.
David Bach is a financial expert and bestselling author known for his Finish Rich book series, including The Automatic Millionaire. He has made a career out of teaching people how to build wealth through small, manageable financial habits like “paying yourself first” and automating savings. His approach to personal finance is accessible and focuses on helping everyday individuals achieve long-term financial security. David has appeared on numerous media platforms, advocating for financial literacy and encouraging people to take control of their financial futures.
Drew Houston is an accomplished American entrepreneur best known for co-founding Dropbox, a widely-used cloud storage service, in 2007. As the CEO, he has led the company to serve millions of users worldwide and become a key player in the tech industry. Although not primarily known for literature, Houston has shared his entrepreneurial insights and experiences through various interviews and public speaking engagements, offering valuable lessons to aspiring business leaders. His work has significantly influenced the way people and organizations manage and share digital content. Houston's innovative vision continues to shape the future of cloud computing and digital collaboration.
Kevin Rose is a notable entrepreneur and technology investor, best known for founding Digg, a pioneering social news website that significantly influenced online content sharing. Although not primarily recognized for literary contributions, Rose has impacted digital media and online culture, which are recurring themes in contemporary literature on technology. His insights and experiences have been featured in various tech journals and books, enriching discussions on innovation and digital entrepreneurship. Rose also co-hosted the popular podcast "The Random Show" with Tim Ferriss, where he shares his thoughts on technology, health, and productivity. Through his ventures and public speaking, Rose continues to inspire narratives around the digital revolution and startup culture.
Showing 8 of 17 related collections
“"The truth is like poetry. And most people fucking hate poetry."”
The Big Short
By Michael Lewis
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Michael Lewis is an acclaimed American author and financial journalist known for his compelling narratives that explore the intricate worlds of finance and economics. He gained fame with his bestselling book "Liar's Poker," which offers a candid glimpse into the Wall Street culture of the 1980s. Lewis's other notable works, such as "Moneyball," "The Blind Side," and "The Big Short," have all been adapted into successful films, further cementing his influence on popular culture. His writing is characterized by its sharp wit, engaging storytelling, and deep insights into the human behavior behind economic phenomena. In addition to his books, Lewis is a contributing writer for publications like the New York Times and Vanity Fair, where he continues to analyze contemporary financial issues.
Key information about the book.
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
In "The Wealthy Gardener," author John Soforic reveals the transformative journey of a father teaching his son the intricate balance between wealth and wisdom. Through a series of poignant parables, readers explore the seeds of financial success that sprout from patience, dedication, and the right mindset. The book intertwines personal anecdotes with practical advice, challenging conventional notions of prosperity and fulfillment. As the characters navigate the gardens of their lives, they uncover profound truths about happiness, legacy, and the true meaning of wealth. Prepare to dig deep into a narrative that cultivates both inspiration and actionable insights for your own growth.
In "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind," Yuval Noah Harari takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the evolution of our species, from the dawn of Homo sapiens to the complexities of the modern world. He explores pivotal moments like the Cognitive Revolution that sparked human imagination, the Agricultural Revolution that reshaped societies, and the Scientific Revolution that propelled unprecedented advances. As Harari delves into the interplay of biology, culture, and history, he challenges our understanding of what it means to be human. This thought-provoking narrative raises crucial questions about our future in an age dominated by technology and artificial intelligence. Prepare to rethink humanity’s past and speculate about its fate—are we the architects of our destiny?
In "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," Stephen R. Covey unveils a transformative framework for personal and professional success that goes beyond mere productivity. Through powerful principles that encourage self-mastery and proactive living, Covey guides readers to shift their paradigms and cultivate meaningful relationships. Each habit builds upon the last, leading to a holistic approach to achieving goals and overcoming challenges. As you journey through the chapters, you'll discover practical strategies that foster resilience and interdependence. Are you ready to unlock the secrets of effectiveness and redefine what it means to thrive in a complex world?
Man’s Search for Meaning is a profound exploration of life’s purpose, drawn from Viktor Frankl's harrowing experiences as a Holocaust survivor. He delves into the depths of suffering, illustrating how finding meaning can empower individuals to endure even the most unimaginable hardships. With a blend of personal narrative and psychological insight, Frankl introduces his revolutionary concept of logotherapy—the pursuit of meaning as the cornerstone of human existence. This timeless work challenges readers to reflect on their own lives and the significance they ascribe to their experiences. Discover how hope and purpose can flourish in the darkest of circumstances, compelling you to rethink your own journey.
In "Fooled by Randomness," Nassim Nicholas Taleb explores the hidden influence of chance in our lives, challenging our perceptions of luck, skill, and success. He argues that many people attribute their achievements to talent rather than the randomness that often underpins them. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and sharp wit, Taleb reveals how cognitive biases distort our understanding of risk and probability. He reminds us that, in the grand theater of life, we are often unwitting actors in a play scripted by randomness. Prepare to rethink your beliefs about fortune and failure as you uncover the profound truths lurking beneath the surface of chance.
In "The Big Short," Michael Lewis unveils the hidden complexities of the 2008 financial crisis through the eyes of a few unconventional investors who saw disaster coming. As they bet against the housing market, these outsiders navigate Wall Street’s labyrinthine greed and negligence, exposing the flawed logic behind the crisis. With wit and suspense, Lewis reveals the shocking truth about the financial instruments that led to economic chaos. Readers will find themselves questioning the very foundations of finance while gripping the edge of their seats at the unfolding drama. Can a handful of mavericks really challenge the system, or are they just playing a dangerous game of chance?
Liar's Poker takes you deep into the high-stakes world of Wall Street during the 1980s, where the line between truth and deception blurs in the cutthroat arena of finance. Author Michael Lewis pulls back the curtain on the chaotic life of bond traders, showcasing a ruthless culture driven by greed and bravado. Through vivid anecdotes and sharp insights, readers are thrust into the thrilling, sometimes absurd realm of investment banking. As Lewis navigates the intricacies of "big swinging d***s," he unveils the strategies and psychological games that define success in this high-pressure environment. Will you emerge with a new understanding of the financial world and its enigmatic players?
In "Black Edge," investigative journalist Sheelah Kolhatkar delves into the high-stakes world of hedge funds and the enigmatic figure of Steven A. Cohen. As she unravels the saga of insider trading, greed, and Wall Street's murky ethics, the book pulls readers into a gripping tale of ambition that spans decades. With intellectual prowess and audacious risk-taking, Cohen's rise to power raises questions about the moral compass of finance. Kolhatkar's penetrating analysis unveils the dark side of wealth and the relentless pursuit of success, leaving readers questioning the true cost of ambition. Will you dare to uncover the secrets of a financial titan and the shadowy underworld they inhabit?
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
