Michael Lewis Reflects on His Career and New Book in Live Conversation
The bestselling author shares insights from 'Liar's Poker' to his latest work in a candid 90-minute talk.
1Live event highlights
Michael Lewis engaged in a 90-minute live conversation at the Landmark Theater in Port Washington, NY, covering his career from 'Liar's Poker' to his latest book. The event featured never-before-heard stories, including behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the 'Moneyball' film adaptation. Lewis's storytelling captivated the audience of 300, with the host intentionally minimizing interruptions to let the author shine.
2New book release
Lewis's latest work 'Who is Government?' releases on October 6, 2023. Unlike his previous books, this project involved collaboration with six other writers, with Lewis contributing about one-third of the content. The author humorously describes it as a 'book-like object' rather than a traditional solo work, marking a departure from his usual writing process.
3Book tour experiences
Lewis shared his mixed feelings about book tours, which he typically finds exhausting but necessary. The current tour differs as he shares responsibility for the content with co-authors. He recounted a memorable incident on 'Morning Joe' where co-author Kamau Bell's controversial sweatshirt caused production delays, illustrating the unpredictability of media appearances.
4Transition to government writing
Lewis explained how Trump's 2016 election and subsequent firing of the transition team inspired 'The Fifth Risk.' The book explores neglected government departments like Energy, Agriculture, and Commerce. Lewis gained unprecedented access to civil servants who were eager to share their expertise after being ignored by the incoming administration.
5Energy Department revelations
Lewis detailed his surprising discoveries in the Energy Department, including the $50 billion nuclear waste cleanup in eastern Washington. He highlighted the irony of Rick Perry becoming Energy Secretary after previously advocating for the department's elimination. The civil servants' enthusiasm for sharing their work with a willing listener became a recurring theme.
6Writing process evolution
The conversation traced Lewis's literary journey from financial journalism to government analysis. His approach has shifted from solo deep dives ('Moneyball') to collaborative projects ('Who is Government?'). This evolution reflects both changing interests and practical considerations about covering complex institutional topics.
7Unexpected government heroes
Lewis emphasized how his government books revealed dedicated civil servants working on critical but overlooked programs. These individuals contrasted sharply with his preconceptions about federal employees. Their stories formed the emotional core of 'The Fifth Risk' and influenced his subsequent work on government functionality.
8From finance to government
The discussion highlighted Lewis's career pivot from Wall Street exposés ('Liar's Poker') to examinations of public institutions. This shift began with 'The Big Short' and accelerated with his government-focused works. Lewis finds similar narrative potential in both worlds - the hidden systems that shape society's outcomes.
9Collaborative writing challenges
Lewis discussed the pros and cons of co-writing 'Who is Government?' While it distributes the workload, it also requires managing different writing styles and perspectives. The project represents an experiment in form for an author known for distinctive solo works, with Lewis contributing about a third of the content.
10Audience connection
The live format allowed Lewis to connect directly with readers, showcasing his renowned storytelling ability. The host noted how audience reactions guided the conversation's flow, with Lewis adapting anecdotes based on crowd response. This interaction demonstrated the author's skill beyond the written page.
11Media adaptation insights
Lewis shared behind-the-scenes stories about turning 'Moneyball' into a film, including memorable interactions with Brad Pitt. These experiences informed his understanding of how narratives transform across mediums. The discussion revealed how Hollywood's needs sometimes diverge from literary journalism's priorities.
12Civic importance
The conversation concluded with Lewis reflecting on his work's civic value. By illuminating obscure government functions and dedicated public servants, his books aim to combat public cynicism. This mission has become increasingly central to his writing as he explores how complex systems actually operate.