Spencer Jakab on the Death of Meme Stocks

Finding Ultra recounts Rich Roll’s remarkable journey from an out-of-shape, mid-life couch potato to one of the world’s top ultrarunners. The book chronicles his battle with alcoholism, his transformation into an elite endurance athlete, and his adoption of a plant-based lifestyle. It includes his experiences in the elite Ultraman competition and the EPIC5, five Ironman-distance triathlons completed in less than a week on different Hawaiian islands. The revised and updated edition provides practical tools, practices, and strategies for optimal performance, longevity, and wellness, making it a guide for anyone seeking to transform their life through self-discovery and a healthier lifestyle.

In 'Bad Blood', John Carreyrou chronicles the story of Theranos, a biotech startup founded by Elizabeth Holmes that claimed to have developed a revolutionary blood-testing technology. However, the technology did not work, and the company's success was built on deceit, intimidation, and manipulation. The book is based on extensive interviews with former employees and other individuals involved in the scandal, revealing the toxic company culture, the misuse of investor funds, and the risks posed to patients due to inaccurate blood test results. Carreyrou's investigation led to the exposure of Theranos's fraud, resulting in significant legal and financial consequences for the company and its leaders.

The Go-Go Years is a harrowing and humorous account of the growth stocks of the 1960s and their meteoric rise, followed by the devastating market crashes of the 1970s. The book includes stories of high-profile personalities such as H. Ross Perot, who lost $450 million in one day, Saul Steinberg's attempt to take over Chemical Bank, and the fall of America's 'Last Gatsby,' Eddie Gilbert. Brooks blends humor and astute analysis to provide a vivid description of the financial landscape of the time, making it a classic of business history.

In 'The Contrarian,' Max Chafkin provides a meticulous biography of Peter Thiel, one of Silicon Valley's most influential and controversial figures. The book explores Thiel's singular life and worldview, from his conservative roots at Stanford to his founding of PayPal and Palantir, and his early investments in Facebook and SpaceX. Chafkin also delves into Thiel's political activities, including his support for Donald Trump and his role in the lawsuit that destroyed the blog Gawker. The biography is both a portrait of Thiel and an examination of the broader tech industry, highlighting its explosive growth, power, and the controversies surrounding it.

The Revolution That Wasn't explores the GameStop short squeeze, revealing how what appeared to be a victory for retail investors actually benefited Wall Street. Spencer Jakab delves into the technological and financial factors that enabled this event, highlighting the role of platforms like Robinhood in gamifying trading and profiting from novice investors' mistakes.