Liar’s Poker is a book by Michael Lewis that tells the story of how he got his start on Wall Street and eventually became a successful bond trader. The book also provides insight into the world of high finance during the 1980s, when everything was booming and almost anyone could make money gambling with stocks and bonds. However, as Lewis soon learned, this period was also ripe with corruption and financial scams. Ultimately, Liar’s Poker demonstrates how even some of the most experienced traders can fall victim to bad decisions – and sometimes lose it all.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for people who are interested in learning about the inner workings of Wall Street, and how things can go wrong when gambling with high-stakes investments. It is also a great read for those who want to know what it’s like to work in the financial world, from someone who has firsthand experience.
Pros :
- It provides an interesting perspective on the world of high finance.
- It is a well-written and enjoyable read.
- It offers insights into why the financial crisis occurred in 2008.
Cons :
- It is slow-paced and can be difficult to follow
- It only focuses on the negative aspects of Wall Street trading
- There is little information on what happened after Lewis quit his job
Learn more about the author
Michael Lewis is a journalist and financial writer. He has worked for several publications, including The New York Times, Vanity Fair and Bloomberg Markets. His books include Liar’s Poker (1989), The Blind Side (2006) and Flash Boys (2014).
Reader Reviews
“Michael Lewis is a genius.”
“If you’re interested in how Wall Street works, and want to get a glimpse of the greed, excesses and outrageous behavior that goes on behind closed doors . . .”
“Liar’s Poker is an absolutely terrific book – by far the best inside account I’ve ever read of Wall Street and its games. The plot, characters, and writing are all first-rate.”
“If you want to understand the origins of the current financial crisis, read this book. Lewis is a superb storyteller, and he knows Wall Street inside out.”