The Big Short

by Michael Lewis

Just finished this latest book by Michael Lewis. It is a study of financial market through the 2007-2008 Global Financial Crisis. It focuses on the players behind the creation of this problem, those profiting from it and the resolution (albeit unsatisfactorily) of this period in time.

This again is a great book to read. Again, some of the financial jargon is over my head but Lewis' approach to the subject matter is very well-presented. I realise now this is because he tells it like a story from inception to conclusion, through the view of the various players in this problem. Being Wall Street though, none of these characters are particularly saints, nor are there evil (though some do come close). They are just human beings driven mostly by money. It goes to show if one removes government regulation that is effective and strict what can happen, the GFC.

Moneyball

by Michael Lewis

Just finished this book several days ago. It is a wonderful book about the Oakland A's baseball team and the changes under their manager Billy Beane. Through the use of mathematics and teh scientific approach they were able to change the team from a struggling one into one that was successful and challenging the best in the league. Short synopsis here.

I actually don't know much about baseball except the few movies I've watched on it or around it. But it does seem like a pretty interesting game. Plus, there is a movie based on Moneyball out in a few weeks here. So I am looking forward to that. On the book itself, it is insightful, though baseball terminology is over my head at times. But overall, the way Lewis writes it is engaing and entertaining, so very enjoyable.

Liar's Poker

by Michael Lewis

This is a wonderful book on Wall Street bonds trading, the majority of which from Michael Lewis' time in that profession, from late 1970s to late 1980s. Short synopsis here.

It is wonderfully written. Though I do admit, some of the financial concepts were quite over my head. Though the narrative used by Michael itself did not make the story too tedious for those inept in financial matters. So it was a very witty and interesting read. It does show how much disparity of how money is valued by Wall Street and how it is valued by the rest of the world.