Setting the Stage: Michael Lewis and Sam Bankman-Fried
Michael Lewis, the acclaimed author known for his narrative flair, decided to weave the tale of a modern financial titan turned pariah. His new book, titled Going Infinite: the Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon, aims to shed light on the tumultuous story of Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) and the implosion of the FTX crypto exchange. Talk about a plot twist!
Where It All Began
The initial encounter between Lewis and SBF took place in late 2021—talk about perfect timing! A friend nudged Lewis to meet the enigmatic FTX founder, which sparked a relationship that would soon become the epicenter of a financial drama. Spoiler alert: it involves a lot of money and not-so-friends.
Why the Delay? Publishing Insights!
During an appearance at the Bitcoin 2023 conference in Miami, Lewis rambled on about the complexities of timing a book release with real-world events. While he didn’t spill the beans on an exact release date, there’s buzz on Amazon hinting at an October 3 drop. Interestingly, that timing coincides neatly with SBF’s trial, giving readers a real-life canvas on which to paint their thoughts.
The Silver Lining: FTX’s Dramatic Collapse
Lewis humorously noted how FTX’s spectacular crash saved his storyline from oblivion. He recalls a moment of despair, saying he felt he ‘didn’t have a book’ until his sounding board pointed out the glaring missing ‘third act.’ Cue the dramatic music: a week later, FTX fell apart like a Jenga tower in an earthquake. The author rejoiced—who knew catastrophe could be so beneficial?
A Glimpse into the Writing Process
Lewis’s writing style is a blend of facts and fiction, making complex financial narratives accessible and engaging. He aims for the story to read like an unravelling script, enticing even those who couldn’t care less about crypto. Imagine: “Once upon a time, there was a billionaire who… oh wait, he’s not a billionaire anymore!” That’s the kind of twist Lewis is going for.
The People Behind the Curtain
With two years of access to SBF under his belt, Lewis has conducted interviews with a plethora of key players—employees from FTX, confidants of SBF, and even government officials. The insight from these discussions promises to bring an electrifying depth to the narrative. With such direct access, it’s as if Lewis rented a front-row seat to the greatest financial debacle of his time.
Final Thoughts: Anticipation Builds
As the literary world waits with bated breath, Lewis’s new book is poised to be another hit. With a colorful cast of characters and a storyline full of ups and downs, readers are in for a ride. If his previous works are anything to go by, expect some profound, comedic, yet serious insights into human folly and capitalism gone rogue.
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