The Big Short - Michael Lewis

The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine

Michael Lewis's #1 New York Times bestseller tells the story of the 2008 financial crisis from the perspective of the few investors who saw it coming.

The Players

The book introduces us to a cast of characters who are all outsiders in the world of finance. There's Michael Burry, a hedge fund manager with Asperger's syndrome who is convinced that the housing market is about to collapse. There's Steve Eisman, a money manager who is shorting subprime mortgages. And there's Greg Lippmann, a bond trader who is betting against the big banks.

The Trade

These investors are all betting against the conventional wisdom on Wall Street. They believe that the housing market is a bubble and that the big banks are taking on too much risk. They are right, of course, and their bets pay off handsomely when the financial crisis hits.

The Aftermath

The financial crisis has a devastating impact on the global economy. Millions of people lose their jobs, their homes, and their savings. The big banks are bailed out by the government, and the taxpayers are left holding the bag.

The Lessons

The Big Short is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and hubris. It is a reminder that the financial system is not always as safe as we think it is. And it is a call for reform to prevent another financial crisis from happening.

Why You Should Read This Book

The Big Short is a fascinating and important book. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the financial crisis and its aftermath. It is also a great story, full of suspense, drama, and humor.

Praise for The Big Short

"The Big Short is a masterpiece of financial journalism. Michael Lewis has written a book that is both entertaining and informative, and that will change the way you think about the financial system." —The New York Times

"The Big Short is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the financial crisis. Lewis's storytelling is superb, and he brings the characters and events to life in a way that is both gripping and thought-provoking." —The Wall Street Journal

"The Big Short is a brilliant book. Lewis has written a financial thriller that is as exciting as it is important. This is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it." —The Washington Post