News In America

While some people will take issue with the first chapter; I think Taibbi hits on something I've suspected for some time now. The fact that our mainstream news and debates are more or less meaningless or nonsense. Many people like to focus on Fox News as being so biased, but really they are just the logical progression of what most of the news has become.

To this point, I found the chapters about the commodity bubble the most interesting and revealing of how much we are all suckers. I don't remember any debate from Obama or McCain about the issue of speculation in regard to the price of gas during their campaigns.

24 people found this helpful

Excellent!

This book added to my understanding of what is happening to America, like Todo pulling back the curtain in the Wizard of Oz, but it also organized and expressed many of the thoughts that have been dancing around at the back of my head about our political system in a irreverent, witty, and coherent fashion. Thank you, Mr. Taibbi for saying f***k you, when I can not.

12 people found this helpful

Razor-sharp wit cuts through the clutter

I've enjoyed Matt Taibbi's appearances on television and some of his Rolling Stone writing, but had not had the chance to read his books. I looked forward to the release of this one, and wasn't disappointed, ordering it the day it was released and listening to it in long installments thanks to the Washington traffic.

Taibbi skewers both political parties and the entire media establishment for the mindlessness of what passes for discussion of what's happened to our economy since September, 2008, and before.

We're treated to a hysterical Taibbi review of the maiden voyage of USS Sarah Palin at the GOP National Convention (her hair in a bumpup that looked like a Flight Attendant for Piedmont, in a dress that screamed Wal-Mart Halloween Costume for angry white middle-aged female), then introduced to the events that were even then unfolding, without our knowledge, as our economic system was forever changed.

He actually got me to understand what a credit default swap is! It's a simple, easy-to-understand guide through the impenetrable gobbledeegook of Wall Street, and an indictment of all the media who haven't told us much of anything -- and of the politicians in both T-Shirts who want to keep it that way.

Read it. I enjoyed it very much. Congratulations, Matt Taibbi, and thank you for helping us understand.

32 people found this helpful

Amazing

I can't say anough about this honest portrait of the our recent economic crisis. Brilliant. And he swears a lot which I like.

8 people found this helpful

Lots of fun

I love this audio book. The things you will learn about the world, the economy, politics and business are amazing. There are twists and turns, humor, and good explanations that will leave you shocked and surprised. Narration is very good. Could not put it down. Excellent.

7 people found this helpful

Eye-Opening Financial Expose, Poorly Read

Would you try another book from Matt Taibbi and/or Patrick Egan?

Yes--Taibbi's reporting is always informative and often funny, if a little dense. You have to have some grasp of financial industry jargon to understand everything in the book.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The methodical revelation of the financial sector's vice grip on the U.S. political system.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Patrick Egan?

Bill Maher. Egan's tone and inflection make for a bland, "aw shucks" style that is completely wrong for this book. Taibbi's searingly sardonic writing requires a dray, sarcastic delivery to convey its underlying cynicism and humor. Egan consistently skips over chances to deliver Taibbi's intense, often vulgar punchlines to maximum effect,

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Probably. Could be an upsetting but also head-shakingly funny documentary.

6 people found this helpful

Funny and Depressing

I've read many books on the financial crisis and so far, this one has been the most interesting.

11 people found this helpful

Could cause an aneurism or even stroke

This is classic Matt Taibbi. He is not afraid to use blunt, honest, language. Such as calling the individuals who nearly caused another Great Depression a variety of terms never heard from journalists or the pundit class except when attempting to smear members of the other political party.

Having read other books on the recent financial crisis (e.g., "The Big Short") I thought I had a good understanding of the underlying causes and perpetrators. But listening to Matt's account I found myself occasionally sounding like a sufferer of Tourette syndrome as I learned new details about how the amoral, greedy, stupid "masters of the universe" at AIG, GoldmanSachs, et. al. nearly destroyed the world.

Buy a copy for yourself and another for your Tea Bagger family member or friend.

10 people found this helpful

Matt is Angry

I've read some Taibbi - and he's a frustrating read. For example, the reviews above this are *both* correct The best thing about Griftopia is also the worst: Matt is now so entrenched among the "common person," he has lost perspective of where we are as readers. Taibbi does a great job of decoding some bank "definitions" and moves. And at the same time, Matt is close to Lewis Black inasmuch as his opinions come through in ways where I ask: MATT, next book, just write from the gut, and make the issue your OWN. In other words, Taibbi has strong and ultimately interesting - but he is slippery where fact meets opinion. What a relief from the glut if taking the banking establishment too seriously. Is he right about Ayn Rand and objectivism? He made me think - which is what one gets in only the best of books. MOST EXCELLENT: he reads it.

12 people found this helpful

Excellent book, a must read/listen!

The book provides insight into the inner working and corruption at the heart of our financial and political institutions. The facts in some chapters might make your skin crawl at times but it is better to know.

1 person found this helpful