Raiding the Minibar

Sarah Churchwell's "Careless People" delves into the creation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, "The Great Gatsby." The book explores the historical context surrounding the novel's writing, examining the social, political, and cultural forces that shaped its themes and characters. Churchwell sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding the Jazz Age and the novel itself, challenging conventional interpretations. She reveals the intricate details of Fitzgerald's creative process and the evolution of his ideas. The book offers a fresh perspective on "The Great Gatsby," enriching our understanding of its enduring relevance.

In 'Bad Blood', John Carreyrou chronicles the story of Theranos, a biotech startup founded by Elizabeth Holmes that claimed to have developed a revolutionary blood-testing technology. However, the technology did not work, and the company's success was built on deceit, intimidation, and manipulation. The book is based on extensive interviews with former employees and other individuals involved in the scandal, revealing the toxic company culture, the misuse of investor funds, and the risks posed to patients due to inaccurate blood test results. Carreyrou's investigation led to the exposure of Theranos's fraud, resulting in significant legal and financial consequences for the company and its leaders.