Michael Lewis on His Journey to Wall Street

The book tells the story of Jim Clark, the founder of several billion-dollar companies including Silicon Graphics, Netscape, and Healtheon. It explores Clark's relentless pursuit of the 'new new thing' and his impact on the tech industry. Lewis provides a detailed look at the roles of venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and programmers in Silicon Valley, highlighting the unique culture and financial dynamics of the region during the late 1990s. The book also critiques the traditional business models and the inflated value of tech companies during that period.

The Premonition by Michael Lewis is a gripping account of the individuals who foresaw the impending COVID-19 pandemic and the failures in the American public health system. The book focuses on characters such as Charity Dean, a public health officer, and the 'Gang of Seven,' a group of doctors and scientists who created their own pandemic plan. It highlights their tireless work, the use of computer models to predict viral spread, and the challenges they faced amidst political pressure, financial constraints, and public criticism. The narrative underscores the courage and dedication of these unsung heroes and the need for more proactive approaches to public health preparedness.

The Yellow House is a memoir by Sarah M. Broom that tells the story of her family's life in a shotgun house in New Orleans East. The book begins with her mother, Ivory Mae, purchasing the house in 1961 and building a life there with her family. After her father's death, the house becomes a central figure in the family's struggles and triumphs. The memoir spans a hundred years of family history, including the impact of Hurricane Katrina, which destroyed the Yellow House. It delves into themes of home, family, class, race, and the enduring drives of clan and familial love in the face of inequality and adversity.

Horse is a sweeping narrative that weaves together multiple timelines, from the 1850s to the present day. The story centers around Lexington, the greatest racehorse in American history, and his bond with an enslaved groom named Jarret. As the nation faces the Civil War, the story intertwines with an itinerant artist, a gallery owner in 1950s New York, and modern-day researchers from the Smithsonian. The novel delves into themes of spirit, obsession, and injustice, highlighting the legacy of enslavement and racism in America. Brooks' meticulous research and vivid descriptions bring to life the world of 19th-century horse racing, the impact of the Civil War, and the enduring connections between humans and horses.

The Big Short tells the story of the 2007-08 financial crisis through the lens of several key players who predicted and profited from the collapse of the housing market. The book focuses on characters such as Steve Eisman, Mike Burry, Greg Lippmann, and the founders of Cornwall Capital, who saw the impending disaster and made significant gains by shorting the market. Lewis explains the complex financial instruments and the systemic failures that led to the crisis, making the narrative both accessible and engaging.

In 'Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt', Michael Lewis delves into the world of high-frequency trading (HFT) and its corrupting influence on the U.S. stock market. The book follows a group of Wall Street iconoclasts, including Brad Katsuyama and Sergey Aleynikov, as they uncover and challenge the unethical practices of HFT firms. Lewis explains how these firms use advanced technology to front-run orders, creating a rigged market that benefits insiders at the expense of ordinary investors. The narrative is engaging and accessible, making complex financial concepts understandable for a broad audience. The book highlights the efforts of these individuals to reform the market and restore fairness, and it has had significant impact, including prompting investigations and public discussions about market structure and fairness.

Liar's Poker is a non-fiction, semi-autobiographical book that details Michael Lewis's three-year tenure at Salomon Brothers, one of Wall Street's premier investment firms in the 1980s. The book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the culture of bond traders, highlighting the frat-boy camaraderie, killer instincts, and high-stakes games of bluffing and deception. Lewis describes the creation and use of mortgage bonds, the excessive bonuses, and the ruthless competition among traders. The narrative also touches on the author's disillusionment with the industry, leading to his resignation and transition into financial journalism.