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yoteach87's review against another edition
3.0
Great insight into two important factors regarding politics: first, how several government agencies work and what kinds of work they do; and second, how President Trump has mismanaged both the people leading these agencies and the programs within them. For example, did you know that the Department of Energy gives small interest loans to innovators looking to find solutions to everyday crises? Did you also know that this program has turned a profit each year? Finally, does it surprise you that President Trump immediately tried to put the kibosh on this program as soon as he took office? If the answer to all three questions was 'no' then I invite you to take a nonpartisan look into the gross mismanagement of the government since 2016. Arm yourself with the knowledge to not be a government consumer but an active, informed citizen.
christopherwilson13's review against another edition
4.0
A magazine article blown out to book form but still plenty of good anecdotes and interesting characters to remind you to be nicer to government employees.
moseslh's review against another edition
3.0
An enjoyable but sloppy book. The Fifth Risk starts off with a seemingly clear thesis about the Trump administration's contempt for governing and the risks that poses to the nation. However, it quickly deteriorates into a compendium of important things the federal government does. Ominous references to the Trump administration continue, but for a book published in 2018 these warnings are shockingly vague. Lewis's writing is great on the paragraph level, and the book is easy and enjoyable to read. However, it fails to form a cohesive whole and ultimately feels somewhat pointless.
yeahhails's review against another edition
5.0
Over the past couple of years I have found myself picking up large volumes of informational non-fiction, but being unable to finish them. They look like good reads (ha), but I tend to lose interest halfway through. This book changed that for me.
Michael is such a captivating author. Not only is his writing style great, but the reporting that he did really brings some little known facts to light with intense clarity. I would recommend this book to anyone high-school aged and up, but it would be especially fascinating for people interested in learning more about ways the government functions, including niche, but extremely important and often overlooked departments.
It's also the perfect size.
Honestly, I also should have read this book a little slower and will likely pick it up again sometime early next year.
Michael is such a captivating author. Not only is his writing style great, but the reporting that he did really brings some little known facts to light with intense clarity. I would recommend this book to anyone high-school aged and up, but it would be especially fascinating for people interested in learning more about ways the government functions, including niche, but extremely important and often overlooked departments.
It's also the perfect size.
Honestly, I also should have read this book a little slower and will likely pick it up again sometime early next year.
tornado_ali's review against another edition
4.0
Very compelling book, particularly for someone who works in the public service. I always enjoy Michael Lewis and his ability to turn dense topics into material that is easy to understand and incredibly enjoyable to read. Unfortunately, I felt like this book ended before he really had a chance to drive his point home, though that may be because of the timeframe he is writing about. I’d be interested in a follow up in a few years.
sillypunk's review against another edition
5.0
We’re all still going to die: https://blogendorff.com/2019/01/14/book-review-the-fifth-risk/
sfletcher26's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this but think in some ways it isn't the book I thought it would be.
Describing itself as a view of the 'botched transition of Trump administration' this is only a jumping off point. Its main focus is an examination of how the Trump administration are evicerating science, big data and the work of the American government in the name of ideology and money.
A disturbing read.
Describing itself as a view of the 'botched transition of Trump administration' this is only a jumping off point. Its main focus is an examination of how the Trump administration are evicerating science, big data and the work of the American government in the name of ideology and money.
A disturbing read.
accidentalfolklore's review against another edition
4.5
Amazing book that I read in 4 days flat. I found myself sad that it wasn’t longer. What I especially liked was the focus on what different aspects of the government do and the people it employees. I already had an appreciation for government due to working at the state level but this definitely expanded that appreciation