In the realm of non-fiction, few books capture the imagination and intrigue of readers quite like Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou, which unravels the scandalous rise and fall of Theranos. If you’re fascinated by true stories of deception, ambition, and the darker side of innovation, here are 13 gripping books that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Books Similar to Theranos
1. The Smartest Guys in the Room by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind
The Smartest Guys in the Room delves into the rise and fall of Enron, one of the most infamous corporate scandals in history. McLean and Elkind meticulously document the company’s fraudulent activities and the personalities behind them. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in corporate malfeasance and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
2. Bad Blood by John Carreyrou
John Carreyrou’s Bad Blood is the definitive account of the Theranos scandal, detailing how Elizabeth Holmes deceived investors and patients with her faulty blood-testing technology. Carreyrou’s investigative journalism provides a riveting look at how ambition can lead to ethical lapses and public deception. It’s an essential read for those fascinated by the intersection of technology and fraud.
3. Billion Dollar Whale by Tom Wright and Bradley Hope
Billion Dollar Whale chronicles the astonishing story of Jho Low and the 1MDB scandal, where billions of dollars were siphoned off from a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund. Wright and Hope’s narrative is as thrilling as it is alarming, exposing the global scale of financial corruption. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy tales of high-stakes fraud and international intrigue.
4. Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow
Ronan Farrow’s Catch and Kill reveals the lengths to which powerful men will go to hide their misdeeds. Focusing on the Harvey Weinstein scandal, Farrow’s investigative work uncovers a web of intimidation and cover-ups. This book is highly recommended for those interested in journalism’s role in exposing the truth.
5. The Big Short by Michael Lewis
The Big Short by Michael Lewis offers an insider’s view of the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the few who saw it coming and bet against the housing market. Lewis’s engaging storytelling makes complex financial concepts accessible and fascinating. It’s a compelling read for anyone interested in financial markets and economic disasters.
6. Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe
Empire of Pain explores the Sackler family’s role in the opioid crisis, detailing how their pharmaceutical empire contributed to widespread addiction and suffering. Keefe’s thorough research and gripping narrative make this book a powerful indictment of corporate greed and its human toll. It’s essential reading for those interested in public health and corporate ethics.
7. Black Edge by Sheelah Kolhatkar
Black Edge delves into the world of hedge funds and insider trading, focusing on the rise and fall of Steven A. Cohen’s SAC Capital. Kolhatkar’s investigative prowess brings to light the murky dealings of Wall Street’s elite. This book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by finance and the thin line between legal and illegal market practices.
8. American Kingpin by Nick Bilton
American Kingpin tells the story of Ross Ulbricht, the mastermind behind the Silk Road, an online black market. Bilton’s narrative captures the audacity and eventual downfall of Ulbricht, offering a gripping tale of crime in the digital age. It’s perfect for readers intrigued by cybercrime and the dark web.
9. No Filter by Sarah Frier
No Filter provides an inside look at the rise of Instagram, detailing how the app transformed from a simple photo-sharing platform to a global social media powerhouse. Frier’s account highlights the cultural and business impacts of Instagram, making it a fascinating read for those interested in tech startups and social media dynamics.
10. The Everything Store by Brad Stone
The Everything Store chronicles the rise of Amazon and its founder, Jeff Bezos. Stone’s comprehensive account provides insights into Bezos’s relentless drive and the innovative strategies that turned Amazon into a global retail giant. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and the evolution of e-commerce.
11. Red Notice by Bill Browder
Red Notice is Bill Browder’s memoir of his time as a hedge fund manager in Russia and his crusade against corruption after his lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, was murdered. Browder’s story is both a financial thriller and a human rights drama, making it an engaging read for those interested in international finance and justice.
12. The Wolf of Wall Street by Jordan Belfort
The Wolf of Wall Street is Jordan Belfort’s outrageous account of his rise and fall as a stockbroker who engaged in rampant fraud and corruption. Belfort’s memoir is both entertaining and cautionary, offering a wild ride through the excesses of Wall Street. It’s a compelling read for those fascinated by financial excess and moral ambiguity.
13. Disrupted by Dan Lyons
Disrupted is Dan Lyons’s humorous and critical look at his time working at the tech startup HubSpot. Lyons’s account exposes the absurdities and challenges of the startup culture, making it an insightful read for those interested in the realities behind Silicon Valley’s glamorous facade.