Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon

I was surprised to finish this book less sure that SBF clearly did something criminal, vs being a jerk adjacent to a poorly-run business in a scammy industry. I'm not sure why, but I didn't expect to run into so many other characters that felt equally responsible for the issues. Caroline Ellison seems like an obvious candidate.

Michael Lewis continues to impress, with his ability to write a narrative that feels like it respects all the people it describes, without shying away from discussing their failings objectively. This applies to his descriptions of the characters, movements, businesses.. makes it an interesting read where you have to come to your own conclusions.

Might be interesting to have an afterword added now that the trial has been resolved.

Written fantastically, reads/listens like a charm. If you enjoy books like Billion Dollar Loser, you're gonna love this one.

Also don't read 1 star reviews - they're written by people who were burned by either FTX or SBF himself. Or they are effective altruist and thus delusional

I found all but a few of the people in this book completely horrible. That makes it a weird ride, to hate people who you are spending many hours learning about, but also to still be interested in the story.

Also, I felt like the author was quite the apologist for Sam. He never says it explicitly, but the vibe is very "Sam is an asshole and treats people like shit but it's okay because he's smart!" This made me lose faith in the author and in his perspective on the story.

Glad I read the book, but even more glad that it's over.

“Going Infinite” by Michael Lewis is a compelling deep dive into the high-stakes world of finance and trading. Michael Lewis, known for his knack for making complex financial systems understandable, does it again in this book.

From the first page, you're hooked into the whirlwind lives of characters who live on the edge of market chaos. Lewis's storytelling shines as he blends intricate details with relatable human elements, making you feel both the tension and excitement of the trading floor.

For someone like me, who enjoys clear and accessible explanations, this book is a goldmine. Lewis breaks down the sophisticated jargon and strategies of high-frequency trading into digestible, almost thrilling narratives. It's like he's having a conversation with you, ensuring you're never lost in the technicalities.

The characters are well-drawn, each with their quirks and motivations, adding depth to the narrative. Lewis doesn't just give you a look at the systems; he shows you the people behind them, making the stakes feel real and immediate.

“Going Infinite” is more than just a book about finance; it's a story about ambition, risk, and the relentless pursuit of success. Whether you're a finance novice or a seasoned trader, Lewis's ability to weave complex topics into engaging stories makes this book a must-read. It's informative, entertaining, and above all, a fascinating look at a world where fortunes are made and lost in milliseconds.