Monday, December 04, 2017

Boomerang: Travels in the New Third World

As part of my 12 books in 2017 reading goals I picked up this book by Michael Lewis. Why? Well...because Michael Lewis.

Michael Lewis -- you probably know his work even if you don't think you know his work.

His candid reporting style on complicated topics is unmatched, and has led to film adaptations about his common topics of sports and Wall Street (Money BallBlindsideThe Big Short).

In this book Boomerang: Travels in the New Third World, Michael Lewis explores the impact of the financial crisis on countries who following great (and sudden) prosperity found themselves in unfortunate (and equally sudden) despair.

The was written in 2011, so in some cases these stories have continued with new updates, but the narratives and lasting impact of these events haven't changed.

One of the compelling parts of this book is the presentation of different countries collective misconceptions, ambitions and sins that manifest themselves in different ways. Lewis, clearly presents that Iceland, Greece, Ireland and Germany found themselves in different places post financial crisis for different reasons -- and while these countries have vast histories.

In the final chapter regarding the United States, Lewis paints an interesting picture of the US, especially focusing on California -- which is particularly interesting because one of my favorite parts of this book is his interview with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Always find something special in a Michael Lewis book, and this is no exception.

No comments: