Michael Lewis' The Fifth Risk is celebrated for its insightful examination of the U.S. government's inner workings, highlighting essential but often overlooked departments. Critics commend Lewis' engaging narrative style and his ability to make complex topics accessible. However, some readers feel the book lacks depth in exploring solutions to the highlighted issues.

Fans of The Big Short and Moneyball seeking an incisive exploration of governmental complexities will relish Michael Lewis's The Fifth Risk. Ideal for readers intrigued by the inner workings of bureaucratic systems, it offers a gripping narrative akin to the journalistic depth found in Bob Woodward's works.

The Fifth Risk by Michael Lewis discusses the transition of the Trump administration in managing the federal government, focusing on the Departments of Energy, Agriculture, and Commerce. By interviewing experts and exploring government operations, Lewis highlights the administration's lack of preparedness and potential risks involved. Examples from various departments illustrate the potential consequences of poor project management and underqualified appointments.

Informative / Suspenseful / Challenging / Unnerving

- The Fifth Risk by Michael Lewis provides a deep dive into how the federal government operates, often highlighting unsung heroes whose work is crucial for public welfare.
- Michael Lewis uses The Fifth Risk to explore how bureaucratic expertise is essential in managing unforeseen and often catastrophic risks faced by the government.
- The book delves into the transition period between presidential administrations, showcasing the often overlooked but vital work carried out to ensure the continuity of government functions.

**Michael Lewis**  
An American author and financial journalist who serves as a narrator, exploring government departments' risks during the Trump administration transition.

**Donald J. Trump**  
The 45th president of the United States, whose controversial approach to the presidential transition casts a significant shadow over the narrative, despite not being a central figure in the book itself.

**John MacWilliams**  
Former Chief Risk Officer for the Department of Energy, who discusses with Lewis the department's top five risks, providing critical insights into the functioning of government agencies.

**Brian Klippenstein**  
A member of Trump's transition team who joined the Department of Agriculture and whose views on climate change sparked tensions within the department.

**Cathie Woteki**  
A former USDA Undersecretary for Food Safety and chief scientist, instrumental in highlighting departmental projects related to climate change.

**Kathy Sullivan**  
Former director of NOAA with a background in NASA, known for her focus on project management and creating a "weather-ready nation."

**Barry Myers**  
Trump's nominee to lead NOAA, previously the CEO of AccuWeather, whose potential conflicts with NOAA's public service mission are noted.

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