44 pages • 1 hour read
The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine
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Book Brief
320
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 2000s
2010
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Big Short by Michael Lewis reveals the causes behind the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on subprime mortgage bonds, risky financial instruments promoted as safe investments. Independent investors like Steve Eisman, Michael Burry, and Greg Lippman uncover the imminent disaster and bet against the market, profiting as major banks collapse and the government intervenes to prevent economic ruin.
Informative
Suspenseful
Challenging
Mysterious
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
179,363 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Big Short by Michael Lewis receives praise for its engaging storytelling and detailed explanation of the 2008 financial crisis. Reviewers admire Lewis's ability to clarify complex financial concepts and maintain reader interest. Some critique the book for its strong character focus, potentially overshadowing broader economic analyses. Overall, it's informative and gripping.
Who Should Read The Big Short?
A reader who enjoys The Big Short by Michael Lewis is typically interested in finance, economics, and real-world narratives about risk. Fans of Too Big to Fail by Andrew Ross Sorkin and Flash Boys by Michael Lewis would find this book appealing due to its insightful, engaging exploration of the 2008 financial crisis and the individuals who predicted it.
179,363 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Michael Burry
Michael Burry
A former doctor who founds the Scion fund to make substantial investments against the subprime mortgage market. Characterized as a tough-minded loner, he faces challenges from investors before ultimately seeing his strategies pay off.
Jamie Mai and Charlie Ledley
Jamie Mai and Charlie Ledley
Founders of Cornwall Capital Management, they invest in underpriced options and credit default swaps related to the subprime market. Their strategic investments lead to significant financial gains as their predictions about market volatility come true.
Greg Lippmann
Greg Lippmann
A bond trader known for his fast-paced delivery, he draws attention to the risks of subprime bonds. He successfully convinces the FrontPoint group to bet against the bonds, resulting in favorable outcomes.
Vinny Daniel
Vinny Daniel
An integral part of the team at FrontPoint Partners, he is instrumental in uncovering the realities of subprime bonds and CDOs. He supports Steve Eisman in navigating the complex financial landscape.
Danny Moses
Danny Moses
Serving as the head trader at FrontPoint Partners, he has a history with Eisman from their time at Oppenheimer. He plays a key role in betting against the bond market, albeit unprepared for the full extent of the downturn.
Howie Hubler
Howie Hubler
Runs the bond desk at Morgan Stanley and engages in betting against the same bonds he sells. He becomes associated with a significant financial loss during the subprime mortgage crisis.
320
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 2000s
2010
Adult
18+ years
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