Liar's Poker by Michael Lewis

Absorbing book that goes into life on Wall Street as seen through the eyes of a new recruit into one of the most mean firms - Salomon Brothers. The book is set during the boom to bust time in the eighties. The author's rise from being just another fresh fish to the top of the ladder - Big Swinging Dick in their parlance, as well as the unethical, profit-mindedness and internal politics of people at high levels takes one right into the heart of America's financial empire.

Reading this book we come to realise how much we are shielded from the chaotic life in the ruthless pursuit of profits. History is also provided on how the mortgage bond as well as the junk bond markets came into existence because of the single-minded perseverance of motivated individuals.

The author takes us through the journey skillfully, the narrative interspersed with dry humour. However, this is not a continuous story of one event following another. It takes us back-and-forth, as the author narrates events surrounding a particular milestone in the story.

All in all, a good read for those interested in Investment Banking, Finance, and the lives of Big Swinging Dicks.....