Octopus

Octopus, by Guy Lawson, is a real eye-opener for anyone that hasn't worked on Wall Street. It gives the real-life inside story of how the public markets are essentially gamed to benefit the large banks and other financial institutions while at the same time it tracks the amazing story of Sam Israel's hedge fund and how his life unravels while defrauding investors of millions of dollars.

Available from Amazon in English.

Four stars.

Spin, solid sci-fi

Spin, by Robert Charles Wilson, is the first of a science-fiction trilogy that explores the question of how humanity deals with the impending destruction of Earth's environment and the colonization of Mars. Winner of the Hugo award when first published. A good read for hard-core science-fiction fans. The second and third installments are weaker, but overall an enjoyable read overall.

Available from Amazon.

Five stars for sci-fi fans, three stars otherwise.

El Telar del Tiempo

El Telar del Tiempo, by José M. Hernández, is a good read that traces the story of María as she attempts to rise in the male-dominated textile industry, dealing with sexism and other challenges at every turn. In the latter part of the book, María takes a dramatic turn and there is essentially a second story to tell, but I won't give more details so as to not spoil the surprises in store for the reader.

Available from Amazon in Spanish.

Five stars.

Gone Girl, an unforgettable thriller

This is a highly enjoyable thriller, currently a big hit in the US and I believe there's even a movie in the works. This is one of those cases where talking about the book gives the plot away but basically it follows the steps of two thirty-somethings living in New York who then move to Missouri and what happens when a marriage goes seriously wrong. There are some great plot twists, a lot of psychology to follow and characters that are very "current" in their tastes- so it will be of particular interest to readers in their 30s or 40s.

Available via Amazon in English, presumably a version in Spanish will be along in not too long.

Five stars for thriller fans, four stars in general.