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.