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kpierce94010's review
5.0
I learned so much from this book (not just about the Trump administration) about what different departments of the US Government do and how they operate. This was a very quick read that was so interesting!
auroraboringallofus's review
5.0
Fascinating look at government services/institutions and the people who run them. A quick & interesting read that could have been twice as long and still engaging. You don't even have to hate Trump as much as I do to enjoy this.
agnesita's review against another edition
4.0
I hadn't picked up this book earlier, despite being a Michael Lewis junkie, because I thought it'd focus on Trump. Instead, it's really a love letter to the government. I learned a few interesting facts on the government's inner departments & budget and also came away with a greater appreciation for it. As Michael Lewis mentioned in his afterword, the Fifth Risk grew organically from a collection of profiles and short investigative pieces--and the book reflects this--ironically, I think he was right, maybe these stories would've been better as an amazing podcast. I do wish it had dived more systematically into the entire org structure of the government (more than the Commerce, DOE departments).
lahowitt's review against another edition
5.0
This book made me want to work for the federal government. It should be required reading for all Americans. Michael Lewis should run PR for the government. Though, as he said in the book, many agencies are expressly banned from promoting themselves.
cck13's review
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Kelly brings his usual Moneyball verve to a vitally important topic — the role of expertise in our government. A must for anyone who cares about good government.
bcupcake's review against another edition
5.0
Lewis is a new author for me, and I cannot stop reading his books. This is the second one I have finished in less than a month, which is a record for me when it comes to nonfiction. He has a way of turning nonfiction into stories, making real testimonials into characters and real life into plot. He’s already become an insta-buy for me, cannot recommend him enough.
anitaashland's review against another edition
3.0
Yes, this book has details about the transition (or, rather, non-transition) from Obama to Trump. But the most informative aspect of the book is its descriptions of the various departments, such as Dept of Energy, Dept of Commerce, USDA, etc because they are responsible for areas you would never guess, such as National Weather Service falling under Dept of Commerce