The New New Thing: A Silicon Valley Story

by Michael Lewis
The New New Thing: A Silicon Valley Story cover
Good Books rating 3.0
Business and Economics
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Paperback • £12.99
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  • ID: 9811
  • Added: 2026-01-03
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9781444765373
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2012-09-13
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In 'The New New Thing,' Michael Lewis embarks on a journey to find the most influential technology entrepreneur of the late 20th century, ultimately discovering Jim Clark, the billionaire behind Netscape and Silicon Graphics. Lewis accompanies Clark on the maiden voyage of his luxurious yacht, providing an intimate look at the lives of the ultra-wealthy and the cutting-edge world of Silicon Valley. Through vivid anecdotes and sharp character sketches, Lewis paints a thrilling picture of free enterprise in the digital age, making the complex world of technology and finance accessible and engaging. /n/nThis book is not just a story about one man's rise to the top; it's a map of the new economic landscape that emerged in the late 1990s. Lewis's sharp observations and witty prose make 'The New New Thing' a compelling read for anyone interested in business, technology, or the human stories behind the headlines. From the boardroom to the yacht, Lewis takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of the tech world, offering a unique perspective on the forces shaping our modern world.

Reviews
The StoryGraph · 2026-01-03
okay 2.50

The writing is good, but the protagonist, Jim Clark, comes across as entitled and out-of-touch. The book is an okay read but not one of Lewis's best.

This reviewer from The StoryGraph appreciates the quality of Michael Lewis's writing but finds the protagonist, Jim Clark, to be deeply unlikable. The book is described as an okay read, but not one of Lewis's strongest works. The reviewer highlights the engaging writing style but notes that the focus on Jim Clark's character flaws detracts from the overall enjoyment. The book provides interesting insights into Silicon Valley but is marred by its portrayal of a somewhat unsympathetic main figure. The reviewer suggests that readers might find the book enjoyable but not particularly memorable.

Quick quotes

    The writing was good, but I hated Jim Clarke towards the end.

    He just seemed like a typical entitled, money driven, full of himself, out-of-touch-with reality.

    Even a bad Michael Lewis book is good by most other standards, and I wouldn't say this was a bad book, just an okay one.

The New York Times · Kurt Andersen · 1999-10-31
intriguing 3.50

The book provides a captivating look at the tech boom through the lens of Jim Clark's career. It's a mix of engaging storytelling and insightful analysis.

Kurt Andersen dives into Michael Lewis's exploration of Silicon Valley's tech boom, focusing on the enigmatic figure of Jim Clark. The book is a blend of engaging storytelling and insightful analysis, offering a captivating look at the era. Andersen highlights Lewis's ability to make complex topics accessible and thrilling. The narrative is both informative and entertaining, providing a unique perspective on the tech industry's rapid evolution. However, Andersen notes that while the book is engaging, it sometimes glosses over the darker aspects of the tech boom, presenting a somewhat idealized view of the industry.

Quick quotes

    Lewis makes Silicon Valley as thrilling and intelligible as he makes Wall Street.

    The book is a blend of engaging storytelling and insightful analysis.

    A captivating look at the tech boom through the lens of Jim Clark's career.

BookBrowse · 1999-10-01
good 3.00

The book succeeds in peeling back the layers of Silicon Valley's glamour to reveal the true drivers of its success. It's a compelling read for anyone interested in the tech world.

This review from BookBrowse praises Michael Lewis's ability to cut through the glitter of Silicon Valley to identify the real keys to its success. The book is described as incisive and entertaining, offering a compelling look at the tech industry. The reviewer appreciates Lewis's straightforward approach, which makes complex topics accessible to a wide audience. The narrative is engaging and provides valuable insights into the mindset of entrepreneurs and innovators. However, the review notes that while the book is informative, it sometimes feels like a love letter to the tech industry, overlooking some of its more problematic aspects.

Quick quotes

    Lewis's incisive and entertaining volume largely succeeds in getting past the glitter of money to identify the real key to the Valley's success.

    A compelling read for anyone interested in the tech world.

    The book offers valuable insights into the mindset of entrepreneurs and innovators.

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