Octopus: Sam Israel, The Secret Market, And Wall Street's Wildest Con (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
I won this book through a good reads giveaway.I wasn't sure what to make of this book as it had mixed reviews. The story follows Sam Israel, a man from a successful and powerful family, trying to prove himself in the shark invested water of the stock market. With a new, struggling, hedge fund Sam needs to increase investment. Sam's CFO, Dan Mario, discovers how easy it is to fix the books. The story continues on a weird journey through Secret underground financial markets. A massive $100 Million scam, with CIA, Chinese Gold and Italian Princes follows as Sam tries to dig himself out of a hole. Well written with plenty of twists and unbelievable turns. One of the best books I’ve read all year. Extreme rock star-like lifestyles, rich and educated people being taken in by Illuminati-like conspiracy theories, and a protagonist who is experienced in carrying out fraud yet oblivious to the ridiculous and blatant nature of the fraud being carried out against him. The comment "the truth is sometimes stranger than fiction" from the back of the book certainly applies. A fascinating insight into a bizarre world.
What do You think about Octopus: Sam Israel, The Secret Market, And Wall Street's Wildest Con (2012)?
Reads like a spy novel while explaini9g the hubris of the "masters of the universe".
—Faye
Ok book. First half was interesting. The second half didn't seem very realistic
—ash
Hard to believe, well written, with undue sympathy for a reckless criminal.
—domi
Good story but poor delivery. Read the whole book, but disappointed
—sheets
Fascinating. Difficult to believe it is true
—kirsten96
