Michael Lewis is an extremely extraordinary individual.

He has a comprehensive understanding of finance and remarkable writing abilities.

His works are always vivid and humorous, while also being highly informative.

If you are seeking the latest news, this book is clearly not it.

However, if you are in search of exciting tales of adventures within the financial realm, then this is precisely the book for you.

In this book, I relished the (still valuable) lessons in finance and history, as well as the author's more personal experiences, which were brilliantly narrated in the audiobook.

It is a wonderful combination.

A prime example is cruising along the Amazon river together with Louis Rukeyeser.

This unique experience adds an extra layer of charm and interest to the book.

Overall, it offers a captivating and engaging read for those interested in finance and personal stories.

**The Money Culture**

by Michael Lewis

**Thumbs Up**

This book offers a truly fascinating and humorous perspective on how the markets have functioned and, at times, not functioned. It's important to note that things may have changed since the chapters were written, and unfortunately, the book doesn't cover those potential changes. However, what it does offer is a comprehensive look not just at Wall Street but also at markets in Europe, Japan, and Australia.

One of the most interesting aspects is the exploration of the surprising and curious differences in the markets that are due to the culture of each country, especially in the case of Japan. It's a complex web of interactions and influences that Lewis manages to untangle in an engaging way.

When it comes to what I learned, it's a bit difficult to put into words. It's similar to asking what one learned in a foreign language class that is run by immersion rather than traditional dialogue lessons. With each Michael Lewis book I read, I simply feel that I'm becoming more and more familiar with the unique milieu of the financial world. And the best part is that he makes it both fun to read and enjoyable to learn.

Overall, "The Money Culture" is a great read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the markets and the forces that shape them.

The book is a compilation of publications for various magazines that the author produced around 1989/1990.

These publications cover different topics related to the economy and bond/stocks trading.

It serves to complete the overall picture that is presented by the rest of his books.

By bringing together these diverse writings, the book offers a comprehensive view of the author's insights and expertise in the field.

Readers can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the economic and financial landscape during that particular time period.

The book not only provides valuable information but also showcases the author's ability to analyze and present complex topics in an accessible manner.

Whether you are a finance professional or simply interested in learning more about the economy and trading, this book is a must-read.

It offers a unique perspective and is sure to enhance your knowledge and understanding of these important subjects.

These essays from the early stage of Lewis's writing career, in my opinion, are much closer to his more recent work than his debut novel that brought him fame.

And I guess I find that a bit surprising. Understandably, he is firmly in the same financial realm as "Liar's Poker", but the stylistic nuances that I love in his later works are present and correct here. The rougher aspects of his storytelling that were evident in his first novel don't seem as prominent in these essays.

The first dozen or so essays are the most powerful. Although, by the end, I had definitely had enough of hearing about markets, debt, buyouts, and crashes, I am still eager to return to Lewis's writing as soon as possible.

His unique writing style and ability to present complex financial topics in an engaging way make his work truly captivating. I look forward to seeing what else he has in store for us in the future.

This book presents an uneven compilation of essays.

Primarily, it delves into the author's experiences working at Soloman Brothers as an investment banker and explores the culture of money within the elite Wall Street power class.

Many of these essays give the impression of being outdated. Some are rather dull, while others are highly amusing.

The most captivating one was about the Tokyo financial world, which is intricately connected to everything and how a mere earthquake could potentially bring disaster to the global financials.

The essay regarding Trump was indeed hilarious. However, overall, the book held only a moderate level of interest for me.

Primarily, it seemed like a rehash of how greedy the financial world was during the 1980s.

It provided some insights, but it didn't offer anything truly groundbreaking or revolutionary.

Nonetheless, it can still serve as a reminder of the excesses and flaws that existed within the financial sector during that particular era.

Perhaps for those with a keen interest in the history of Wall Street and the financial industry, this book might hold more appeal.

But for the average reader, it may not be a must-read.

The story had a very abrupt ending. It just stopped suddenly, leaving the reader with a sense of surprise and perhaps a bit of confusion. However, despite the unexpected conclusion, the overall narrative was quite interesting.

The characters were well-developed, and their actions and interactions kept the reader engaged throughout. The plot had several twists and turns that added to the excitement.

It was a story that made you think and wonder about what might have happened next. Even though the ending was abrupt, it also left room for the reader's imagination to run wild.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read that managed to capture the reader's attention and leave a lasting impression, despite its somewhat unconventional ending.

A worthy book, though perhaps a bit dated.

Nevertheless, when it comes to providing an in-depth look into the financial history of the late 80s, it clearly reveals the potential disaster that our absence of effective regulation is leading us towards.

The book not only serves as a historical account but also poses a crucial question - why haven't those tax returns been made public yet?

This query lingers in the minds of readers, making them wonder about the possible implications and the reasons behind the secrecy.

It makes one reflect on the importance of transparency in financial matters and how it can impact the overall stability and well-being of the economy.

Despite its age, the book continues to be relevant and thought-provoking, challenging us to learn from the past and take steps to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

I have a great affection for most of Micheal Lewis's books. However, this particular one turned out to be an utter disappointment.

It seems as if Lewis penned this book merely for the sake of having another book under his name.

The stories within it are very tenuously connected by the common theme of being related to money. There are various elements such as Lewis's cruise trip to Brazil, the earthquake in Japan, a Wall Street swindler, and American Express, just to name a few. They are like the random recollections of Kanye West when he is in a manic state of mind.

It lacks the coherence and depth that one would expect from a Micheal Lewis work. The disjointed nature of the stories makes it difficult for the reader to engage fully and leaves a sense of dissatisfaction.

Overall, this book fails to live up to the high standards set by Lewis's previous works.

The book is a compilation of concise (merely 3 - 4 page) vignettes that center around the financial industry during the 1980's.

It is divided into three distinct sections, namely, one about America, another about Europe, and the last one about Japan.

The stories presented within the book were, at times, quite interesting. However, due to my lack of in-depth familiarity with the 1980's, most of them failed to truly strike a chord with me.

Nonetheless, I did manage to glean some knowledge about leveraged buyouts from it, I suppose.

All in all, the book was okay enough. It provided a somewhat cursory look into the financial happenings of that era, but perhaps it could have been more engaging and impactful had I had a better understanding of the context.

Still, it served as a decent introduction to some of the key aspects of the financial industry in the 1980's.

Lewis' collection of articles and stories is a captivating exploration of Wall Street during and about the 80s.

Each piece seems to have been plucked directly from the pages of yesterday's newspaper, offering a vivid and immediate look at the events, personalities, and trends of that era.

The collection is not only a historical record but also a highly engaging read.

Lewis' writing style is quick and accessible, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the world of Wall Street during this exciting and tumultuous time.

Whether you're interested in finance, history, or simply a good story, this collection is sure to provide hours of entertainment and enlightenment.

It's a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the inner workings of Wall Street and the forces that shaped the financial world in the 80s.

This piece seems a bit dated for me as it primarily focuses on the 1980's. However, it still makes for good reading.

The 1980's was a decade filled with unique cultural, social, and technological changes. From the rise of new wave music and the popularity of arcade games to the advancements in personal computing and the beginning of the digital age, it was a time of great transformation.

Although some of the references and topics in the article may be specific to that era, there are still many valuable insights and lessons that can be gained from it. It offers a glimpse into the past and allows us to reflect on how far we have come since then.

Overall, while it may not be the most contemporary piece, it is still worth reading for those who are interested in history, culture, or simply enjoy a good story set in a bygone era.

This book is divided into three major sections.

Each section represents articles about different regions.

My advice is to skip the first two sections and directly go to the last section which is mainly about Japan.

I found the basic demographic information quite interesting.

The part about earthquake scenarios was truly fascinating. (Since I am from California myself and have grown up with earthquakes.)

Just like all societies, Japan also has its mavericks.

Michael Lewis manages to find just the right number of them to gain some real insights into the culture.

He delves deep into the unique aspects of Japanese society and presents a vivid picture.

The book offers a comprehensive look at Japan, covering various aspects such as its people, culture, and history.

It is a great read for those who are interested in learning more about this fascinating country.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to explore the world of Japan.