41 pages • 1 hour read
The Fifth Risk
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Book Brief
256
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 2010s
2018
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Fifth Risk by Michael Lewis discusses the transition of the Trump administration in managing the federal government, focusing on the Departments of Energy, Agriculture, and Commerce. By interviewing experts and exploring government operations, Lewis highlights the administration's lack of preparedness and potential risks involved. Examples from various departments illustrate the potential consequences of poor project management and underqualified appointments.
Informative
Suspenseful
Challenging
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
60,778 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Michael Lewis' The Fifth Risk is celebrated for its insightful examination of the U.S. government's inner workings, highlighting essential but often overlooked departments. Critics commend Lewis' engaging narrative style and his ability to make complex topics accessible. However, some readers feel the book lacks depth in exploring solutions to the highlighted issues.
Who Should Read The Fifth Risk?
Fans of The Big Short and Moneyball seeking an incisive exploration of governmental complexities will relish Michael Lewis's The Fifth Risk. Ideal for readers intrigued by the inner workings of bureaucratic systems, it offers a gripping narrative akin to the journalistic depth found in Bob Woodward's works.
60,778 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Donald J. Trump
Donald J. Trump
The 45th president of the United States, whose controversial approach to the presidential transition casts a significant shadow over the narrative, despite not being a central figure in the book itself.
John MacWilliams
John MacWilliams
Former Chief Risk Officer for the Department of Energy, who discusses with Lewis the department's top five risks, providing critical insights into the functioning of government agencies.
Brian Klippenstein
Brian Klippenstein
A member of Trump's transition team who joined the Department of Agriculture and whose views on climate change sparked tensions within the department.
Cathie Woteki
Cathie Woteki
A former USDA Undersecretary for Food Safety and chief scientist, instrumental in highlighting departmental projects related to climate change.
Kathy Sullivan
Kathy Sullivan
Former director of NOAA with a background in NASA, known for her focus on project management and creating a "weather-ready nation."
Barry Myers
Barry Myers
Trump's nominee to lead NOAA, previously the CEO of AccuWeather, whose potential conflicts with NOAA's public service mission are noted.
256
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 2010s
2018
Adult
18+ years
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