Panic: The Story of Modern Financial Insanity

by W. W. Norton & Company
Panic: The Story of Modern Financial Insanity cover
Good Books rating 4.03
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  • ID: 10697
  • Added: 2026-02-02
  • Updated: 2026-02-02
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
15 Minute Business Books · 2009-12-29
entertaining 4.50

The book is praised for its humorous and insightful chapters, particularly one by Dave Barry on buying a house. It is considered a standout among business books for its engaging narrative.

The reviewer highlights the book's unique blend of humor and insight, particularly in the chapter by Dave Barry on buying a house, which they find absolutely laugh-out-loud funny. They appreciate how the book makes complex financial topics accessible and engaging, making it a standout among business books. The reviewer also notes that the book's narrative style makes it enjoyable to read, even for those who may not typically be interested in financial topics. Overall, the book is seen as a valuable and entertaining read.

Quick quotes

    The chapter by Dave Barry on buying a house is absolutely laugh-out-loud funny.

    Panic is a standout among business books for its engaging narrative.

    The book makes complex financial topics accessible and enjoyable.

Goodreads · Goodreads User · 2009-11-02
informative 3.60

The book is highly rated for its masterful account of modern financial culture and its analysis of risk underpricing. Readers appreciate its engaging and informative content.

The reviewer praises the book for its masterful account of modern financial culture, highlighting how it effectively shows how the underpricing of risk leads to financial catastrophes. They appreciate the book's engaging narrative style, which makes complex financial concepts accessible to a broader audience. The reviewer also notes that the book's analysis of major financial crises is both informative and thought-provoking, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding the financial world. Overall, the book is seen as a highly informative and engaging resource.

Quick quotes

    A masterful account of today's money culture, showing how the underpricing of risk leads to catastrophe.

    The book's narrative is engaging and makes complex financial concepts accessible.

    Highly rated for its informative and thought-provoking analysis of financial crises.

The New York Times · Gross · 2008-12-25
insightful 4.00

The book provides a detailed analysis of financial crises, highlighting the recurring patterns of underpricing risk. It offers a critical look at the economic decisions that lead to financial disasters.

The reviewer appreciates the book's thorough examination of major financial crises, including the 1987 stock market crash and the 1997-98 emerging-market busts. They highlight how the book effectively illustrates the underpricing of risk as a common factor in these events. The reviewer also notes the book's engaging narrative style, which makes complex financial concepts accessible to a broader audience. Overall, the book is seen as a valuable resource for understanding the recurring patterns of financial insanity.

Quick quotes

    "Panic" covers four major episodes: the 1987 United States stock market crash, the 1997-98 emerging-market bust-ups (called “Foreigners Gone Wild”), the 1998 Russian default, and the 2007-08 subprime mortgage crisis.

    The book shows how the underpricing of risk leads to catastrophe.

    Lewis's narrative is engaging and makes complex financial concepts accessible.

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