82. (Ch. 7.4) eBay Wins the Auction Wars

The book tells the story of the Beanie Baby phenomenon, which became one of the most extraordinary consumer crazes of the 1990s. Without any advertising or big-box distribution, Ty Warner, an eccentric college dropout, created a billion-dollar industry. The book delves into the rise and fall of the Beanie Baby market, highlighting the role of eBay and the obsessive behavior of collectors. It also explores the enigmatic life of Ty Warner, including his personal relationships and business strategies. The author draws on numerous interviews with former Ty Inc. employees, Warner's family members, and collectors to paint a comprehensive picture of this speculative mania and its consequences.

The book recounts the story of the Andrea Gail, a fishing boat from Gloucester, Massachusetts, that was lost at sea during the severe 1991 Perfect Storm. Junger details the lives of the crew members, their families, and the rescue efforts during the storm. The narrative combines technical information about fishing and storms with a compassionate and vivid portrayal of the men's experiences. It also includes accounts of other vessels caught in the storm and the rescue operations by the U.S. Coast Guard.