Boomerang: Travels in the New Third World

Boomerang: Travels in the New Third World cover
Good Books rating 4.03
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  • ID: 10696
  • Added: 2026-02-02
  • Updated: 2026-02-02
  • ISBN: 9780393081817
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2011-10-04
  • Reviews: 3

In 'Boomerang,' Michael Lewis explores the global financial crisis through a series of captivating and often humorous vignettes. He delves into the unique ways different countries and cultures responded to the tsunami of cheap credit that swept the world between 2002 and 2008. From Icelanders dreaming of becoming investment bankers to Greeks treating their country like a piñata, Lewis exposes the character flaws and national idiosyncrasies that were magnified by the financial boom. /n/n Lewis's sharp wit and keen observational skills make for a highly entertaining read, but beneath the humor lies a serious examination of the reckless behavior that led to the crisis. As he turns his gaze towards the United States, the narrative takes a darker turn, revealing the complacency and greed that awaited the greatest debtor nation of all.

Reviews
Inverarity's LiveJournal · Inverarity · 2016-12-31
compelling 4.00

The book provides a gripping account of economic trainwrecks around the world, offering a mix of humor and serious analysis. It's a compelling read that sheds light on the global financial crisis.

Inverarity's review highlights the book's ability to blend humor with serious economic analysis. The author's travels take us through various countries experiencing economic turmoil, providing a unique perspective on the global financial crisis. The narrative is engaging and informative, making complex economic concepts accessible to the average reader. Inverarity appreciates the book's ability to balance humor with serious subject matter, making it a compelling read. The insights into different economic systems and their failures are particularly noteworthy.

Quick quotes

    Economic trainwrecks, worldwide.

    The book provides a gripping account of economic trainwrecks around the world.

    It's a compelling read that sheds light on the global financial crisis.

Bukkhead · 2016-08-18
fascinating 4.20

The book is a fascinating exploration of economic crises, offering a mix of humor and insight. It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the global economy.

Bukkhead's review emphasizes the book's ability to make economic crises accessible and entertaining. The author's travels take us through various countries experiencing economic turmoil, providing a unique perspective on the global financial crisis. The narrative is engaging and informative, making complex economic concepts accessible to the average reader. Bukkhead appreciates the book's ability to balance humor with serious subject matter, making it a compelling read. The insights into different economic systems and their failures are particularly noteworthy.

Quick quotes

    The book is a fascinating exploration of economic crises.

    It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the global economy.

    The author's travels take us through various countries experiencing economic turmoil.

Goodreads · 2011-10-03
brilliant 3.90

The book is a brilliant and hilarious investigation of economic bubbles, but it might make American readers too complacent. The humor and insight make it a compelling read.

This book is a rollercoaster of economic insights and dark humor. The author's ability to make complex financial concepts accessible and entertaining is commendable. However, there's a cautionary note about the complacency it might induce in American readers, who might find comfort in the misfortunes of others. The book is a sharp critique of global economic policies, wrapped in a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the interconnectedness of the global economy and the potential pitfalls that lie ahead.

Quick quotes

    Michael Lewis's investigation of bubbles beyond our shores is so brilliantly, sadly hilarious that it leads the American reader to a comfortable complacency.

    The book is a sharp critique of global economic policies.

    It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the interconnectedness of the global economy.

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