by 3 people |
Top 5 Business Thrillers
The Informant: A True Story
One of my favorite books of all time, this was such a compelling read that I powered through it in just three days. It chronicles the incredible story of Mark Whitaker, a top executive at Archer-Daniels Midland and his price-fixing scheme with other companies, as he turns informant, bringing the company (and himself) down.
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/09/2009) 
Barbarians at the Gate: The Fall of RJR Nabisco
Probably one of the most important business books I've ever read, Barbarians at the Gate provides an incredibly deep look at the greatest leveraged buyout of all time: when RJR Nabisco attempted to take itself private for $25 billion, and ultimately ended up losing the entire company.
Amazon Price: $13.22 (as of 07/09/2009)
Den of Thieves
I'm actually re-reading this book right now, and am incredibly impressed by the level of detail, meticulous breakdown, and easy-to-follow narrative of the book. The bravado and recklessness of Levine, the control-freak Milken, and the mysterious Boesky make for a very enjoyable read.
Amazon Price: $11.56 (as of 07/09/2009)
Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron
After Enron went down in flames, I knew I had to get to the bottom of the scandal - rumors were flying around like crazy, and I just had to know the truth. This book gets at it in a gripping, fast-paced narrative that shows the big picture: how so many mistakes, cover-ups, lies, and plain irresponsible behavior brought the company down.
Amazon Price: $10.78 (as of 07/09/2009)
Liar's Poker: Rising Through the Wreckage on Wall Street
The best book I've encountered that provided a first-hand look at what life is like on the trading floor. I've never considered a career in the securities business, and seeing some of the trials the author goes through, I believe I made the right choice!
Amazon Price: $10.40 (as of 07/09/2009)
Other Notable Books
When Genius Failed: The Rise and Fall of Long-Term Capital Management
Just finished reading this, and found it fascinating. It stars John Merriweather (who makes an appearance in Liar's Poker) as he founds a new investment partnership (Long-Term Capital Management) and the meteoric rise and the staggering loss (and subsequent cleanup work by the Fed and top investment bankers). Very interesting, but not quite enough to crack the Top 5.
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/09/2009)
Conspiracy of Fools: A True Story
I've been a fan of Eichenwald's (especially after The Informant, which is my Numer 1), and certainly enjoyed this book immensely. However, maybe I was just put off by of the whole Enron debacle that this one just couldn't displace The Smartest Guys in the Room (which is my Number 4). I'll probably re-read both and make a decision then.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/09/2009)
Your Thoughts
Like the list? Think I'm missing something? Let me know! I'm especially interested in titles I haven't read yet, so let me know what you're reading.
pianochik1009
lylegray - you might enjoy BurnRate - very interesting - particularly as a character study of the some of the people involved in these types of "transactions"
Posted October 25, 2006
lylegray
Having read books 2-5, would have to agree there are all very good.
Posted July 26, 2006
by rtwomey
(more)
