Nonfiction Book Club

This group is for nonfiction readers who enjoy thought-provoking discussions.  We vote on a book every month across a wide variety of genres from among recommendations from our group. For more information or to get monthly emails with details about upcoming meetings, contact DianeCosner@gmail.com or 352-259-9168

The book for August 17 will be Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History -- and How It Shattered a Nation by Andrew Ross Sorkin, recommended by Ken Knetsch.

Description from the book:

From the bestselling author of Too Big to Fail, “the definitive history of the 2008 banking crisis,” comes a riveting narrative of the most infamous stock market crash in history—one with ripple effects that still shape our society today.

In 1929, the world watched in shock as the unstoppable Wall Street bull market went into a freefall, wiping out fortunes and igniting a depression that would reshape a generation. But behind the flashing ticker tapes and panicked traders, another drama unfolded—one of visionaries and fraudsters, titans and dreamers, euphoria and ruin.

With unparalleled access to historical records and newly uncovered documents, New York Times bestselling author Andrew Ross Sorkin takes readers inside the chaos of the crash, behind the scenes of a raging battle between Wall Street and Washington and the larger-than-life characters whose ambition and naïveté in an endless boom led to disaster. The dizzying highs and brutal lows of this era eerily mirror today’s world—where markets soar, political tensions mount, and the fight over financial influence plays out once again.

This is not just a story about money. 1929 is a tale of power, psychology, and the seductive illusion that this time is different. It’s about disregarded alarm bells, financiers who fell from grace, and skeptics who saw the crash coming—only to be dismissed until it was too late. 

A conversation with David Remnick for The New Yorker Radio Hour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiAVis5GMVY  

A conversation with Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnIo7DbZw9A

Upcoming titles:

Sept 21 Organizing Genius: The Secrets of Creative Collaboration by Warren Bennis and Patricia Ward Biederman

Oct  19 The Next Renaissance: AI and the Expansion of Human Potential by Zack Kass 

Have you read a great nonfiction book that would be a good choice to discuss among friends who will take the time and consideration to read it thoroughly?  Hope to see you at the next meeting!