Books Like...
'Bombardiers' by Po Bronson is a satirical novel set in the world of Wall Street and bond trading. The story follows Sidney Geeder, a bond salesman at Atlantic Pacific, who despises the bonds he sells but excels at his job. When a new salesman named Eggs Igino joins the company, his unconventional approach disrupts the status quo. The book explores the absurdities of the financial industry, the relationships between characters, and the frenetic pace of life on a trading floor.
The writing style of 'Bombardiers' is described as humorous, witty, and fast-paced. The author, Po Bronson, uses clever dialogue and subtle humor to paint a vivid picture of life in the financial markets. The plot is driven by the characters and their interactions, with a focus on satire and social commentary on corporate culture and greed.
If you liked Bombardiers, here are the top 5 books to read next:
- #1
Liar's Poker by Michael Lewis is an entertaining and informative memoir that provides an inside look at the wild world of mid-80s bond trading on Wall Street. The book covers the short career of Michael Lewis as a Salomon Brothers trader during the 80s, offering excellent insight into the financial workings of Wall Street. Through a mix of humor and real-life experiences, the author portrays the greed and gluttony of 1980s Wall Street while also shedding light on the dangers of excess in the financial industry. Lewis skillfully turns numbers into human drama, making complex financial concepts engaging and accessible to readers.
The narrative in Liar's Poker captures the essence of the 80s ethos of "greed is good" while also providing a critical look at the financial structures of the world. Michael Lewis presents a vivid and witty account of his time at Salomon Brothers, highlighting the dynamics of the bond market and the culture at the firm. The book not only serves as a historical critique of banking in the 80s but also offers relevant insights for today's professionals, showcasing how much of Wall Street's past behaviors still resonate in the present financial landscape.
IT WAS sometime early in 1986, the first year of the decline of my firm, Salomon Brothers. Our chairman, John Gutfreund, left his desk at the head of the trading floor and went for a walk. At any give... - #2
'The Bonfire of the Vanities' by Tom Wolfe is a novel set in New York City during the 1980s, portraying the lives of wealthy individuals, legal professionals, and journalists intertwined by a hit-and-run incident. The story delves into themes of privilege, justice, morality, and the societal issues prevalent in the era, offering a satirical and critical perspective on the materialism and betrayals within investment banking. Through a cast of flawed and multi-faceted characters, the book explores the downfall of a Wall Street elite, Sherman McCoy, and the repercussions that follow in a racially tense environment.
The writing style of Tom Wolfe in 'The Bonfire of the Vanities' is characterized by sharp humor, detailed insights, and a keen observation of societal practices. Wolfe's ability to capture the essence of 1980s New York City, with its excesses, ego, and crassness, is praised by readers. The novel's portrayal of the legal system, press, and various societal strata as depicted through unsympathetic characters and satirical elements adds depth to the story, making it a compelling and insightful read.
At that very moment, in the very sort of Park Avenue co-op apartment that so obsessed the Mayor…twelve-foot ceilings…two wings, one for the white Anglo-Saxon Protestants who own the place and one for ... The Big Short by Michael Lewis delves into the intricate world of finance leading up to the 2008 financial crisis. Through compelling storytelling and rich character development, Lewis uncovers the individuals who foresaw the collapse of the subprime mortgage market and bet against the system. The book offers a detailed account of the events that unfolded, shedding light on the complexities of financial instruments like credit default swaps and collateralized debt obligations, all while maintaining a gripping narrative akin to a detective novel.
Eisman entered finance about the time I exited it. He’d grown up in New York City, gone to yeshiva schools, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania magna cum laude, and then with honors from Har...- #4
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is a unique and thought-provoking novel that follows the life of Billy Pilgrim, a man who becomes unstuck in time. The story is told in a non-linear fashion, jumping between events such as the bombing of Dresden during World War II, Billy's childhood, hospitalization, and abduction by aliens. Vonnegut's writing style is a blend of dark humor, satire, and science fiction elements, creating a narrative that challenges the reader to question reality and the nature of war.
All this happened, more or less. The war parts, anyway, are pretty much true. One guy I knew really was shot in Dresden for taking a teapot that wasn’t his. Another guy I knew really did threaten to h... - #5
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a humorous science fiction novel by Douglas Adams that follows the adventures of Arthur Dent, a mild-mannered Earthling who is saved from the destruction of Earth by his alien friend Ford Prefect. Together, they embark on a journey through space and time, encountering eccentric characters like Zaphod Beeblebrox and Marvin the Paranoid Android. The book is known for its quirky, whimsical writing style, filled with absurdity, satire, and philosophical musings on the meaning of life.
The plot revolves around Arthur and Ford's escapades as they hitchhike across the galaxy, facing bizarre situations and navigating through the absurdities of the universe. Adams' narrative style is conversational and comically bizarre, blending elements of science fiction with absurdist humor to create a unique and entertaining reading experience that challenges traditional storytelling conventions.
At eight o’clock on Thursday morning Arthur didn’t feel very good. He woke up blearily, got up, wandered blearily round his room, opened a window, saw a bulldozer, found his slippers, and stomped off ...