If you click on this link, thank you for contributing to us. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. Learn more ›
Immerse in reading with the All-new Kindle Paperwhite and enjoy 3 free months of Kindle Unlimited. Discover the best sellers in Audible Books & Originals through Audible. $0.00 - Get 30 Days Free and $14.95/month after 30 days. .
“Bad Blood” by John Carreyrou exposes the fraud and deception of Theranos. This Silicon Valley biotech startup claimed to revolutionize blood testing with a device that could perform hundreds of tests with a single drop of blood. The book is based on Carreyrou’s extensive investigative reporting for The Wall Street Journal, which revealed that Theranos’s technology was unreliable, inaccurate, and potentially dangerous.
- Genre: Non-Fiction, True Crime, Business
- Themes: Corporate Fraud, Ethics, Silicon Valley Culture, Entrepreneurship
What is this book about?
“Bad Blood” by John Carreyrou is a gripping and meticulously researched exposé that unveils the shocking story of Theranos, a Silicon Valley startup founded by Elizabeth Holmes. Carreyrou, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, takes readers deep into the heart of the tech world to reveal the fraudulent practices, deception, and corporate misconduct that led to the downfall of this once-celebrated company.
The book begins by introducing Elizabeth Holmes, a charismatic and ambitious entrepreneur who claimed to have revolutionized the healthcare industry with Theranos. Holmes promised that her technology could perform many medical tests with just a few drops of blood, making diagnostic testing faster, cheaper, and more accessible.
Carreyrou delves into the early days of Theranos, chronicling its meteoric rise and the awe and admiration it garnered from investors, the media, and high-profile figures. However, as the company’s success continued to grow, cracks began to appear in the facade. Carreyrou highlights the courageous whistleblowers who risked their careers to expose the truth about Theranos’s faulty technology and unethical practices.
Elevate your shopping experience with the Amazon Mobile App – enjoy real-time tracking, 360° views, and 24/7 live chat. Unlock 6 months of Amazon Prime Student for free!
The book uncovers the alarming extent of deception within Theranos, from falsified test results to a culture of secrecy and fear. Carreyrou meticulously examines the legal battles, regulatory investigations, and the media storm that ensued as the truth about the company’s fraudulent claims became public.
“Bad Blood” offers a detailed account of how Holmes and her former partner, Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani, misled investors, patients, and the public, ultimately leading to criminal charges and the dissolution of Theranos.
Carreyrou’s storytelling is gripping, and his investigative reporting provides a chilling look into corporate fraud and the consequences of prioritizing ambition over ethics. The book warns against uncontrolled ambition and the necessity of company honesty and openness.
Takeaways
- The dangers of hype and overpromising. Theranos raised billions of dollars based on the promise of a revolutionary new blood testing technology that could revolutionize the healthcare industry. However, the company’s technology was not as accurate as it claimed to be, and it was never able to live up to its hype. This is a cautionary tale about the dangers of believing everything you read and hear, especially regarding startups and new technologies.
- The importance of due diligence. Theranos’ board of directors failed to do their due diligence before investing in the company. They did not properly investigate the company’s claims and allowed Holmes to operate with impunity. This is a reminder that investors need to do their own research before investing in any company, no matter how promising it may seem.
- The power of charisma and persuasion. Holmes was a charismatic and persuasive leader who convinced investors, partners, and employees to believe in her vision for Theranos. However, her charisma and persuasion skills were also used to deceive people and cover up the company’s flaws. This is a reminder that we should not be easily swayed by charisma and persuasion and should always be critical of the information we are presented with.
- The importance of ethics and integrity. Holmes and her partner, Sunny Balwani, engaged in several unethical and illegal activities to promote Theranos. This is a reminder that ethics and integrity are essential for any successful business.
- The need for accountability. Holmes and Balwani have both been convicted of fraud but are unlikely to face significant jail time. This is a reminder that the justice system often fails to hold those in power accountable for their actions.
Quotes
- She had a reality distortion field that forced people to momentarily suspend disbelief.”
- “She was so laser focused on achieving her goals that she seemed oblivious to the practical implications of her decisions.”
- “Theranos was a fraud, but it was also a story about the power of persuasion, the dangers of secrecy, and the limits of ambition.”
Best for
The book is best for readers fascinated by true crime stories and the inner workings of the tech industry. John Carreyrou’s book details Theranos’ growth and demise, a once-promising Silicon Valley startup. It’s particularly well-suited for those interested in corporate ethics, fraud, and the consequences of unethical behavior in the business world. Whether you’re intrigued by the world of startups, the healthcare industry, or the importance of transparency and integrity in entrepreneurship, this book provides a chilling and cautionary tale that will leave you questioning the boundaries of ambition and deception in Silicon Valley.
Best-recommended books besides “Bad Blood”
These books offer a mix of investigative journalism, true-crime narratives, and explorations of deception and fraud in various contexts. Reading them can give you a deeper understanding of the psychology and consequences of deceit and the pursuit of truth.
“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot
It tells the true story of Henrietta Lacks. Her cells were taken without her consent and became instrumental in numerous medical breakthroughs. It explores issues of medical ethics, consent, and the impact of scientific discoveries on individuals. If you’re interested in the ethical dimensions of medical research and innovation, this book offers a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant narrative.
“Empire of Deception” by Dean Jobb
This book delves into the life of Leo Koretz, a charismatic swindler who ran a Ponzi scheme in the early 20th century. It explores the psychology of deception and the impact of financial fraud on society. If you enjoyed the investigative aspects of “Bad Blood,” this book offers a gripping true-crime story focusing on financial fraud and deception.
“The Smartest Guys in the Room” by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind
This book unravels the story of Enron, one of the most infamous corporate scandals in history. It explores the culture of deception and financial misconduct that led to the company’s downfall. This book details Enron’s growth and demise if you like corporate scandals and investigative journalism.
“Ghost in the Wires” by Kevin D. Mitnick and William L. Simon
Kevin Mitnick, a former hacker, shares his life story, including his experiences as a fugitive on the run from the FBI. It offers a firsthand account of the world of cybercrime and hacking. For a gripping narrative about the world of hacking and cybersecurity, this book provides a unique perspective on the cat-and-mouse game between hackers and law enforcement.
“The Billionaire’s Vinegar” by Benjamin Wallace
This book investigates the authenticity of a bottle of wine purportedly owned by Thomas Jefferson and sold for a record-breaking price. It delves into the world of rare wine collecting and the lengths people will go to uncover the truth. If you appreciate investigative journalism and the pursuit of truth in the face of high-stakes controversies, this book offers a compelling and surprising story.
“Catch Me If You Can” by Frank W. Abagnale and Stan Redding
Frank Abagnale, a master con artist, shares his extraordinary life story, including his impersonations of a Pan Am pilot, doctor, and lawyer. It’s a thrilling account of his criminal exploits and eventual redemption. For an engaging true story of deception, intrigue, and redemption, this book provides a firsthand look at the mind of a con artist and the law enforcement efforts to catch him.
