53 pages • 1 hour read
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup
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Book Brief
339
Book • Nonfiction
Silicon Valley, California • 2000s-2010s
2018
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Bad Blood by John Carreyrou details the rise and fall of Theranos, a Silicon Valley startup founded by Elizabeth Holmes, who promised to revolutionize healthcare with blood-testing technology. Despite securing massive investments and partnerships, the company’s devices were unreliable, ultimately leading to a scandal revealed by Carreyrou's investigation, causing legal actions and the company's collapse. This book addresses themes of fraud, deception, and the high stakes of medical technology.
Informative
Mysterious
Unnerving
Dark
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
299,234 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
John Carreyrou's Bad Blood is a gripping investigation into the Theranos scandal, praised for its engaging and meticulous narrative. The book's strength lies in its detailed reportage and compelling storytelling. However, some critics note its dense technical sections. Overall, it's a well-researched exposé that reveals corporate malfeasance effectively.
Who Should Read Bad Blood?
A reader who would enjoy Bad Blood by John Carreyrou appreciates investigative journalism, corporate intrigue, and real-life scandals. Fans of Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow and Red Notice by Bill Browder will find the book's detailed examination of the Theranos fraud captivating. The book appeals to those interested in biotech, ethics, and legal drama.
299,234 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Elizabeth Holmes
Elizabeth Holmes
Founder of Theranos who began the company with a vision of revolutionizing healthcare technology but faced significant challenges and controversies.
Sunny Balwani
Sunny Balwani
A Pakistani entrepreneur who became a key executive and advisor at Theranos, deeply involved in the company's operations and decision-making.
David Shoemaker
David Shoemaker
A microbiology PhD and Lieutenant Colonel involved in scrutinizing Theranos' military healthcare proposals and raising concerns about their practices.
James Mattis
James Mattis
A retired four-star general known for his military service, who was initially supportive of Theranos' technology for battlefield use.
David Boies
David Boies
A prominent attorney involved in legal matters for Theranos, known for his aggressive litigation tactics.
Tyler Shultz
Tyler Shultz
An inspired young Theranos employee who discovered discrepancies within the company and attempted to address them, while also supporting investigative efforts.
Ian Gibbons
Ian Gibbons
A respected chemical engineer and inventor associated with Theranos, noted for his significant contributions to the company's technology.
Alan Beam
Alan Beam
Theranos' lab director who identified procedural irregularities and documented his concerns before his departure from the company.
Avie Tevanian
Avie Tevanian
A former Apple executive and Theranos board member who raised issues regarding the company's business practices and faced resistance from leadership.
339
Book • Nonfiction
Silicon Valley, California • 2000s-2010s
2018
Adult
18+ years
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