A Dark Horizon | Chapter 9

This book provides a meticulously researched and character-driven narrative of the Enron scandal. It follows Enron's journey from obscurity to the top of the business world and its subsequent disastrous demise. The authors, Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind, draw on unique sources to reveal the roles of key figures such as Ken Lay, Jeff Skilling, and Andy Fastow. The book is a story of human weakness, hubris, and greed, and it serves as a microcosm of the flaws in American business. The tenth-anniversary edition includes a new chapter revisiting the fall of Enron and its aftermath[1][2][4].

Bethany McLean's "Saudi America" delves into the complexities of the fracking boom and its impact on the global oil market. The book reveals the financial instability within the industry, despite its massive growth and technological advancements. McLean exposes the unsustainable practices and the high costs associated with fracking, questioning the long-term viability of the industry. She also explores the geopolitical implications of America's newfound energy dominance and its relationship with Saudi Arabia. The book challenges the narrative of American energy independence, highlighting the interconnectedness of the global energy market.