The best book I've read lately is the non-fiction book, Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup. Taking place in our own backyard here in Palo Alto, it’s about the biotech company Theranos and its overly confident and ambitious founder, Elizabeth Holmes. Extremely well written and researched by investigative reporter John Carreyrou from the Wall Street Journal. I couldn't put it down!
Holmes, a 19-year old Stanford dropout supposedly had developed a new diagnostic device based on using blood from a finger prick instead of venous blood, from which one could generate hundreds of test results. Holmes continually lied to investors and partners, pretending her technology was ready to be safely used on patients, while her employees were horrified by her unethical actions. Rather than be involved in such a reckless operation, many decided to resign. Apparently all Holmes cared about was getting rich and famous and becoming the next Steve Jobs. She was able to con heads of state such as George Schultz, opens a new window and Henry Kissinger, opens a new window into serving on her Board of Directors. Wealthy investors like Rupert Murdoch, opens a new window poured millions into her scam of a company. What was most shocking was how she was able to raise one billion dollars from investors who never did the due diligence standard in the industry.
Over several years, Carreyrou interviewed former employees, most of whom were afraid to give their real names due to the threat of lawsuits by Holmes’ high priced legal team. Carreyrou also dug deep, going to regulatory agencies and actual patients, to verify everything he was told. Thanks to his work and those brave enough to talk to him, this fraud was revealed, saving people’s lives in the process.
As of the writing of this post, there are 405 holds on this book in our catalog. I got lucky-- a copy of the "in luck" book collection was available. The "in luck" collection does not allow holds on the titles and is for walk-ins only at all county libraries.
A movie is also in the process of being made with Jennifer Lawrence, opens a new window in the main role. I can't wait to see it!
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup (Downloadable Audiobook)
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup (Large Print)
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