'The Fifth Risk' by Michael Lewis

The Fifth Risk, Michael Lewis (3.5)

I’m going to have to say ‘too soon’ with regards to reading this book. While much of it is important, I’ve spent the better part of two years trying not to think too much about some of the topics. Particularly the chapter on the DOE and the idea of our current administration ignoring (and defunding) some of the most important protections of our country, made me sick to my stomach. Of course, Mr. Lewis does his usual admirable job when tackling a subject. He uses good information and writes an engaging narrative. The book looks at a couple of key, often misunderstood, government departments and describes the transition from the Obama administration to the current one. He interviews lifelong employees and asks them about their assessment of the possible risks of a poor transition. Given the antipathy the current administration has had for any others, it’s not surprising the transitions were mostly nonexistent. I do think the particular departments were cherry picked (though not sure I could have taken any more). In addition this particular book was short and felt rather rushed.