Books Like...
'Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty' by Patrick Radden Keefe delves into the unflinching examination of the Sackler family and their role in the opioid crisis in the United States. It uncovers the harsh reality of a family without compassion, the devastating impact of their pharmaceutical empire, and the systemic failure to hold them accountable. The author skillfully weaves together a narrative that reads like a thriller, providing an eye-opening and informative account of the greed, corruption, and lack of empathy that fueled the opioid epidemic.
If you liked Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty, here are the top 100 books to read next:
"Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland" by Patrick Radden Keefe delves into the complexities of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, focusing on the abduction and murder of Jean McConville, a mother of ten, by the IRA. Through personal histories and oral accounts, the book weaves a narrative of violence, betrayal, and trauma, shedding light on the impact of the conflict on both victims and perpetrators. Keefe's writing style is described as engaging, immersive, and well-researched, providing a comprehensive overview of the Troubles and the key figures involved, such as Gerry Adams, Dolours Price, and Brendan Hughes.
Jean McConville was thirty-eight when she disappeared, and she had spent nearly half her life either pregnant or recovering from childbirth. She brought fourteen children to term and lost four of them...'Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup' by John Carreyrou is a gripping narrative that exposes the shocking levels of deceit behind the scenes at Theranos, a health startup. Through first-hand accounts, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride, uncovering how a woman scammed numerous individuals by pushing forward a product that simply wasn't working. details the rise of Theranos in Silicon Valley and its eventual downfall when the FDA conducted a surprise inspection, revealing the company's fraudulent practices.
Carreyrou's writing style reads like a thriller, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they delve into the intricate web of lies, manipulation, and unethical practices within Theranos. The narrative provides a fascinating insight into the Silicon Valley culture, showcasing how individuals were misled by charismatic leaders and the allure of groundbreaking technology, ultimately leading to a colossal failure.
The former IBM executive was in charge of bioinformatics at Theranos, a startup with a cutting-edge blood-testing system. The company had just completed its first big live demonstration for a pharmace...'Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America' by Beth Macy is a meticulously researched non-fiction book that delves into the opioid epidemic gripping America. Macy provides a detailed account of the origins of the crisis, the role of Big Pharma in fueling addiction, and the devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities, particularly in Appalachia. Through personal stories and factual analysis, Macy sheds light on the complexities of addiction, the failures of the healthcare system, and the urgent need for effective solutions to combat this epidemic.
Though the opioid epidemic would go on to spare no segment of America, nowhere has it settled in and extracted as steep a toll as in the depressed former mill and mining communities of central Appalac..."Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators" by Ronan Farrow is a gripping account of the investigative reporting journey into the sexual misconduct scandals involving powerful men like Harvey Weinstein, Matt Lauer, and others. Farrow's writing style is described as a mix of thriller and non-fiction, unveiling the dark realities of abuse and complicity within Hollywood and beyond. sheds light on the struggles faced by victims, the challenges of reporting on such cases, and the systemic cover-ups orchestrated by those in positions of power.
For Weinstein, the months before the 2016 presidential election looked like business as usual. There he was, at a cocktail party for William J. Bratton, the former New York City police commissioner. T...'Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI' by David Grann delves into the disturbing history of the Osage tribe in Oklahoma, who were targeted for their wealth derived from oil reserves on their land. As mysterious deaths plague the tribe, the narrative uncovers a vast conspiracy orchestrated by local whites to steal the tribal wealth. The involvement of the newly formed FBI, led by ex Texas rangers, sheds light on the depths of corruption and greed that characterized this dark period in American history. intricately weaves together the detailed accounts of murders, investigations, and the systematic exploitation of the Osage people, leaving readers shocked by the extent of institutional evil and racial injustice.
Grann's storytelling skillfully intertwines the historical events with a gripping narrative, highlighting the horrors faced by the Osage tribe and the relentless pursuit of justice by the FBI agents. The detailed research and investigative reporting provide a comprehensive understanding of the crimes committed against the Osage people, while also shedding light on the limitations of the rule of law during that era. not only uncovers a forgotten chapter of American history but also serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring presence of greed, corruption, and racial discrimination in society.
In April, millions of tiny flowers spread over the blackjack hills and vast prairies in the Osage territory of Oklahoma. There are Johnny-jump-ups and spring beauties and little bluets. The Osage writ...During WWI and WWII, young women worked in factories painting clock dials with radium, unaware of the dangers. As they fell ill, facing bone deterioration and tumors, they fought for justice against the corporations that denied blame. The book outlines their struggles, the development of worker protection laws, and the lasting impact on medical knowledge.
Katherine Schaub had a jaunty spring in her step as she walked the brief four blocks to work. It was 1 February 1917, but the cold didn’t bother her one bit; she had always loved the winter snows of h..."Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family" by Robert Kolker delves into the heartbreaking story of the Galvin family, consisting of twelve children, six of whom were diagnosed with schizophrenia. Through the eyes of the family members, readers are taken on a journey of trauma, resilience, and the impact of severe mental illness on each individual. Kolker skillfully intertwines the family's personal struggles with the evolution of schizophrenia treatment from the 1950s to the present, providing a poignant exploration of how the Galvin family coped with the challenges they faced.
The narrative of "Hidden Valley Road" is a compassionate and informative look at the Galvin family's experiences with mental illness, shedding light on the complexities of schizophrenia and the family's contributions to research in the field. weaves together personal accounts of the family members with scientific explanations of schizophrenia, offering a moving portrayal of resilience, struggle, and the quest for understanding in the face of devastating circumstances.
Every so often, in the middle of doing yet another thing she’d never imagined doing, Mimi Galvin would pause and take a breath and consider what, exactly, had brought her to that moment. Was it the ca...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...- #9
Save:American Kingpin: The Epic Hunt for the Criminal Mastermind Behind the Silk Road by Nick Bilton is a true crime narrative that delves into the rise and fall of Ross Ulbricht, the mastermind behind the Silk Road, an online marketplace for illegal goods. The book portrays Ulbricht's journey from establishing the lucrative criminal enterprise on the dark web to his eventual downfall due to a series of mistakes that led the federal government to track him down. The writing style of the book is described as fast-paced, gripping, and reads like a thriller, with insights into the psychology of the characters involved in the saga.
He stood in a windowless mail room, the Department of Homeland Security badge hanging from his neck illuminated by pulsing halogen lights above. Every thirty seconds, the sound of airplanes rumbled th... - #10
Save:'The Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron' by Bethany McLean is a detailed account of the rise and fall of the Enron corporation. It delves into the collapse of Enron, exploring key themes such as the tech bubble and the corporate crimes that led to the company's downfall. The writing style of the book is described as outstanding, methodically researched, and providing a blow-by-blow account of Enron's glory days and eventual collapse. Readers found the book to be well-researched, well-written, and informative about the Enron scandal.
Houston was the epicenter of that world, home to giants like Exxon, Conoco, and Pennzoil. Spindletop, the legendary field that triggered the first Texas oil boom, back in 1901, is just up the road. To...
