The Fifth Risk

by Michael Lewis
The Fifth Risk cover
Good Books rating 4.19
Investigative Journalism
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 5468
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780241373682
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2018-10-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The Fifth Risk by Michael Lewis delves into the critical yet often overlooked work of U.S. government agencies, highlighting their role in managing risks that underpin daily life. From predicting extreme weather to policing nuclear activities, these agencies operate behind the scenes to ensure public safety and innovation. Lewis reveals the dangerous consequences of political neglect and the potential for catastrophic failure when these essential functions are undermined. /n/n Lewis's investigative journalism exposes a combustible mix of ignorance and corruption that threatens the very fabric of American society. By focusing on the people and processes that typically go unnoticed, he illustrates the immense risks posed by a government under attack from within. This book is a stark reminder of the importance of competent governance and the dire consequences of its erosion.

Reviews
Reddit - r/books · u/bookslover42 · 2023-01-01
engaging 4.25

The book is a passionate and earnest exploration of the concerns of federal government employees. It is a compelling read that highlights the importance of their work.

In a Reddit discussion, user u/bookslover42 shares their thoughts on 'The Fifth Risk'. They appreciate the book's focus on the often-overlooked work of government employees and the critical issues they face. The user finds the book to be a passionate and earnest exploration of these topics, highlighting the importance of understanding the consequences of political decisions on public service. They also mention that the book is a great follow-up to Lewis's previous work, 'The Premonition', which delves into the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion emphasizes the book's ability to make complex issues accessible and engaging, praising its narrative style and the depth of its research.

Quick quotes

    The Fifth Risk is a passionate, even earnest, book about people who have worked as public servants for the federal government and the things they worry about.

    It's a great follow-up to 'The Premonition' and provides a lot of insight into the inner workings of government.

    The book is a reminder of the importance of competent leadership and the consequences of political decisions on the lives of ordinary people.

The Independent Institute · 2019-07-01
insightful 4.50

The book celebrates the dedicated government employees who work in obscurity to ensure public safety. It is a compelling read that highlights the importance of their work.

The review from The Independent Institute focuses on the often-overlooked contributions of government employees. It praises 'The Fifth Risk' for shedding light on the critical roles these individuals play in maintaining public safety and the functioning of government agencies. The review suggests that the book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the inner workings of government and the impact of political decisions on public service. It emphasizes the book's ability to make complex issues accessible and engaging, highlighting the importance of recognizing the value of public service.

Quick quotes

    The Fifth Risk can be thought of as a book to celebrate the dedicated government employees who labor in obscurity to make all of us safer.

    Michael Lewis’s narrative takes us into the engine rooms of a government under attack by its own leaders.

    The book is a reminder of the importance of competent leadership and the consequences of political decisions on the lives of ordinary people.

LSE Review of Books · 2019-01-03
informative 4.00

The book provides a unique perspective on the Trump administration's transition and the potential risks of mismanagement within federal agencies. It highlights the importance of the work done by public servants who often go unnoticed.

This review emphasizes the book's ability to shed light on the often-overlooked aspects of government operations. The reviewer appreciates the book's focus on the transition period and the potential dangers that arise from a lack of preparation and understanding within the new administration. They also highlight the book's celebration of public servants who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the safety and well-being of the public. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling read that offers valuable insights into the inner workings of the federal government.

Quick quotes

    Overall, The Fifth Risk is well worth a read.

    It sheds new light on Trump's chaotic transition and the mismanagement of several core federal agencies.

    The book can be thought of as a celebration of the dedicated government employees who labor in obscurity to make all of us safer.

The New York Times · Dwight Garner · 2018-10-02
intriguing 4.00

The book highlights the grave dangers resulting from the incompetent transition to a new White House administration. It is a compelling narrative that sheds light on the often-overlooked work of government employees.

Dwight Garner from The New York Times delves into the critical issues addressed in 'The Fifth Risk'. He emphasizes the book's exploration of the chaotic transition to the Trump administration, highlighting the incompetence and lack of preparation that led to significant risks. Garner appreciates Lewis's ability to make a story about government both engaging and accessible, praising the author's narrative skills. The review underscores the importance of understanding the consequences of political decisions on the functioning of government agencies and the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes.

Quick quotes

    In “The Fifth Risk,” Lewis enumerates grave dangers resulting from the incompetent transition to a new White House administration.

    Lewis’s book is a reminder that government is not a machine that can be turned on and off at will.

    The Fifth Risk is a passionate, even earnest, book about people who have worked as public servants for the federal government and the things they worry about.

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