Rating: Summary: A very disappointing book from a great writer Review: A very dissappointing, chaotically written book by someone who can write much better. Liars' Poker remains the best, funniest, and most readable book about Wall Street in the 80s. Lewis misses the mark with this book. The plot weaves from the launching of Jim Clark's yacht, to an altogether unsatisfying description of Jim Clark's persona, to more yachting stories, to the creation of Healtheon. The book is really not much more than a collection of ancedotes. It was a quick write I am sure and a quick read as well......maybe Michael should go back to covering politics for The New Republic.
Rating: Summary: Quick read, strange times Review: This is a very fast read. And if the "new new economy" crashes soon, this book will become a valuable historical record of the hysteria that could be found in the late 1990's Silicon Valley. The author does not provide any value judgements on the actions of Jim Clark; he leaves the reader with a few recent firsthand observations. Clark does not come across as any kind of visionary - he simply is portrayed as the person best equipped to capitalize on these odd economic times. Although Jim Clark claims to be creating the future though gathering engineering talent, he really does not seem care about the long-term viability of any of his creations. In the past 20 years Jim Clark has gone from brilliant engineering professor, to computer hardware pioneer (Silicon Graphics), to software rainmaker (Netscape), to manic Internet IPO machine. Today he stands as a living self-fulfilling prophecy - the new new thing will be wildly successful, because Jim Clark is involved - period - no other rational is required. As someone who has read many recent books on business success stories, this one leaves me empty. I wish the author had dug deeper into Clark's past - or chosen a more inspiring subject.
Rating: Summary: Excellent and interesting Review: Michael Lewis provides a very insightful look into the psyche of Silicon Valley through the eyes of Jim Clark. At times, the details were a bit dry, but Clark's personality combined with Lewis' humor provided for a single sitting read.
Rating: Summary: Yes, I can change the world! Review: The book confirms my theory and what I wanted in life. (I am an engineer, just like the actors mentioned in the book. I could relate.) I want to change the world (for a better place to live). If along the way we make money, it's even better. Great book. It keeps up my spirit high! Recommended.
Rating: Summary: Great learning experience Review: I read the book in two days i couldn't put it down. It was enjoyable to read, being able to learn and have fun at he same time understading the business world of Silicon Valley.
Rating: Summary: fun read Review: Lewis writes an interesting and easy to read story. It may have been more interesting to people who are involved in the industry, but in any case, Clark's eccentric character and amazing biography make a great story that could be appreciated by anyone.
Rating: Summary: Entertaining But Thin Review: Lewis is fast, fun and entertaining (kind of like Jim Clark). Because there is so much money to be made in internet ipos these days, the big investment bankers follow mavericks like Clark around like a bunch of crazed sheep. He hasn't screwed up yet so he has critical mass. There isn't much about Clark in this book that you couldn't get from the business press, and at least there, you'd get some pictures of him and maybe even his big boats. I got the feeling that Lewis got too enamoured with his subject, preventing him from reporting, in any depth as what kind of a person he really is. If you're looking for a deep thought provoking biography, go elsewhere. If you're looking for business writing by way of the Rolling Stone, buy this one!
Rating: Summary: Better than LIAR'S POKER? Review: Michael Lewis has a fascination with wealth and greed, evidenced by both his immensely popular LIAR'S POKER and the new THE NEW NEW THING. In LIAR'S POKER, greed, arrogance, and hubris take center stage in a funny, wicked, and entertaining tale. In THE NEW NEW THING, greed, arrogance, and hubris become supporting actors on a bigger stage. An older and more mature Mr. Lewis has captured a story that pits technogeeks against venture capitalists and, well, it would spoil the story to tell you who prevails. This book has it all: cult of personality, fortunes made and lost, suicide, luck, timing, largesse, personal failure, professional success, sailing off into the sunset and then returning, billion-dollar business plans scribbled on cocktail napkins with "a--hole" as the plan's centerpiece--all told superbly by Mr. Lewis. It is neither as funny nor as wicked as LIAR'S POKER, but it is not intended to be. It is, ultimately, inspiring. If you want a book that leaves you less concerned about wicked greedy selfish bastards than LIAR'S POKER, you may find this book better than LIAR'S POKER. Or at least more satisfying.
Rating: Summary: The New New Thing Review: Great book! fascinating, and FUNNY, too. The writing of M.Lewis is always good - I got started on his political candidate reviews in TNR awhile back. Hope he does THAT again for the up-coming political season. Anyway, you cant go wrong with this latest Lewis - give it to anyone on your Cmas list. Thankyou, M.L.!
Rating: Summary: The New New Thing Review: The willing suspension of disbelief needed in this new economy cannot be achieved without uderstanding its start. This book is a liberating key !
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