72 pages • 2 hours read
Too Big To Fail
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Book Brief
617
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 2000s
2009
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Too Big to Fail by Andrew Ross Sorkin offers a detailed, moment-by-moment account of the intricate financial and political maneuvers that took place during the financial crisis of 2008, focusing on key figures like Lehman Brothers CEO Richard Fuld and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, as they navigate congressional hearings, earnings calls, and failed negotiations to stave off economic collapse.
Informative
Suspenseful
Dark
Challenging
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
43,399 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Andrew Ross Sorkin's Too Big To Fail offers a compelling and detailed account of the 2008 financial crisis, praised for its thorough research and narrative style. Readers find it informative and engaging, although some critique its complexity and dense financial jargon. Nevertheless, it remains a definitive and insightful resource on the subject.
Who Should Read Too Big To Fail?
Readers who would enjoy Too Big to Fail by Andrew Ross Sorkin are likely interested in financial crises, economic history, and corporate drama. Comparable to Michael Lewis's The Big Short, this book appeals to those fascinated by intricate details of Wall Street machinations, high-stakes negotiations, and real-world implications of financial upheaval.
43,399 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Richard S. Fuld, Jr.
Richard S. Fuld, Jr.
CEO of Lehman Brothers during the financial crisis, who rose through the ranks from a part-time position to become the public face of the firm.
Joe Gregory
Joe Gregory
Close associate of Richard Fuld and COO of Lehman Brothers, known for his heavy-handed tactics and unorthodox hiring decisions.
Hank Paulson
Hank Paulson
Treasury Secretary during the financial crisis and former CEO of Goldman Sachs, recognized for his bulldog tenacity and pivotal role in taking Goldman public.
Timothy F. Geithner
Timothy F. Geithner
President of the New York Federal Reserve during the financial crisis, noted for his experience as a thoughtful consensus builder and his previous work at the Treasury and IMF.
Ben Bernanke
Ben Bernanke
Chairman of the Federal Reserve during the financial crisis, with a background in economics from Harvard College and MIT and teaching experience at Stanford and Princeton.
John Thain
John Thain
CEO of Merrill Lynch during the financial crisis, previously worked at Goldman Sachs, known for his ultra-straightlaced and technocratic persona.
Greg Fleming
Greg Fleming
President of Merrill Lynch during the financial crisis.
Robert Willumstad
Robert Willumstad
Chairman of the board and then CEO of AIG during the financial crisis, who has a background of working-class origins and Norwegian descent.
Lloyd Blankfein
Lloyd Blankfein
Head of Goldman Sachs during the financial crisis, who grew up in Brooklyn and attended Harvard, ultimately shifting from law to commodities trading.
Rodgin Cohen
Rodgin Cohen
Chairman of Sullivan & Cromwell, an influential but low-profile figure on Wall Street involved in major banking transactions for decades.
617
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 2000s
2009
Adult
18+ years
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