The New New Thing: A Silicon Valley Story

by Michael Lewis, W. W. Norton & Company
The New New Thing: A Silicon Valley Story cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Business and Economics
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Paperback • £13.99
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Technical
  • ID: 9811
  • Added: 2026-01-03
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9781444765373
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2012-09-13
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

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
Amazon · 2026-02-02
engaging 4.25

The book is praised for its engaging narrative and fun read, capturing the essence of Silicon Valley's entrepreneurial spirit. It is noted for its witty and insightful look into the tech industry.

An Amazon review highlights how Michael Lewis's book is a fun and engaging read that captures the entrepreneurial spirit of Silicon Valley. The review notes that Lewis's narrative style makes the complex world of technology accessible and thrilling. The book is praised for its witty and insightful look into the tech industry, offering a unique perspective on the culture and ethos of Silicon Valley. The review suggests that the book is not just about one man's journey but a broader commentary on the entrepreneurial spirit that defines the region.

Quick quotes

    This book is just a fun read.

    Lewis captures better than any other the essence of Silicon Valley.

    The narrative style makes the complex world of technology accessible and thrilling.

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.

Tikkun · Art Kleiner · 2000-01-01
fascinating 3.75

The book offers a fascinating exploration of Silicon Valley's culture and the high-stakes world of technology entrepreneurship. It is noted for its engaging narrative and deep insights into the industry.

Art Kleiner's review in Tikkun emphasizes the book's ability to delve into the high-stakes world of Silicon Valley entrepreneurship. Kleiner appreciates Lewis's narrative style, which makes the complex world of technology accessible and engaging. The review highlights how the book provides a unique perspective on the culture and ethos of Silicon Valley, offering deep insights into the personalities and events that shaped the tech industry. Kleiner notes that the book is not just a story about one man but a broader commentary on the entrepreneurial spirit that defines the region.

Quick quotes

    The New New Thing is a fascinating exploration of Silicon Valley's culture.

    Lewis captures the high-stakes world of technology entrepreneurship.

    The book offers deep insights into the industry and its key players.

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.

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