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Bitcoin Billionaires
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From Ben Mezrich, the New York Times bestselling author of The Accidental Billionaires and Bringing Down the House, comes Bitcoin Billionaires--the fascinating story of brothers Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss's big bet on crypto-currency and its dazzling pay-off.
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I had to stop reading this book half-way due to the overwhelming buttering up and ass-kissing of the Winklevoss twins. I am not sure how much the author received from the twins to write this book but it is so far from the truth you'd think Fox News has some competition in that space. The author makes it seem like the Winklevoss twins were responsible for the rise of bitcoin, that they are some type of geniuses, WTF man? What a waste! I did enjoy the "Accidental Billionaires" book Mezrich wrote b
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I thought this was a fascinating book.
Although I have heard quite a bit lately about 'bitcoins' and cryptocurrencies, I really didn't understand any of it and actually had little interest in learning about it. However, this story drew me in. Not only did it enlighten me about this financial world, its radical new technology and its unusual characters but it presented it in a way that read like griping fiction. It's a story that could impact us all and the end isn't in sight yet.
I won an advance ...more
Although I have heard quite a bit lately about 'bitcoins' and cryptocurrencies, I really didn't understand any of it and actually had little interest in learning about it. However, this story drew me in. Not only did it enlighten me about this financial world, its radical new technology and its unusual characters but it presented it in a way that read like griping fiction. It's a story that could impact us all and the end isn't in sight yet.
I won an advance ...more
Mezrich has clearly drunk the whole pitcher of Bitcoin koolaid. This book reads as an infomercial on bitcoin and the Vinklevii so it's interesting if you are a full on convert. I am not so I LOLed my way through many parts of the book. Also, though Mezrich paints the Vinklevii as super smart and hard working and moral all of that, there was literally no evidence in the book to back up that claim.
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I did not read Accidental Billionaires before I read this book. I honestly had no idea that these books had any relation to one another. I picked up the book because I thought that I would learn more about bitcoin and how it works.
This book felt like a love letter to the Winklevoss twins and a hate letter to Mark Zuckerberg. The first 20 percent of the book was about how Zuckerberg "f*cked them in the ear". I could have done without this whole section of the book. It could have simply been Zucke ...more
This book felt like a love letter to the Winklevoss twins and a hate letter to Mark Zuckerberg. The first 20 percent of the book was about how Zuckerberg "f*cked them in the ear". I could have done without this whole section of the book. It could have simply been Zucke ...more
From the New York Times, bestselling author of The Accidental Billionaires (the inspiration for The Social Network movie) comes the fascinating story of Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss.
I was aching to read Bitcoin Billionaires, even contacting the publisher directly for a review copy. I’ve not read Ben Mezrich’s previous book Accidental Billionaires, but I watched and loved The Social Network movie and even felt a tad sorry for the privileged, handsome, smart Winklevoss twins. I was definitely intr ...more
I was aching to read Bitcoin Billionaires, even contacting the publisher directly for a review copy. I’ve not read Ben Mezrich’s previous book Accidental Billionaires, but I watched and loved The Social Network movie and even felt a tad sorry for the privileged, handsome, smart Winklevoss twins. I was definitely intr ...more
I'm still not clear on what BitCoin is. I know it's still a bit controversial and I can't afford it. This book was well written. It made me feel like a fly on the wall for all the of the major events with the Winklevoss twins, and major players. I highly recommend as it has made me more curious about this. Also, if my mother is asking about it I should probably study up! Although, if mommy has enough money to want more information maybe I should ask her to buy me some.
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So, how many bitcoins did the “Winklevii” send to Mezrich in exchange for this kiss-ass redemption story? He did not paint the twins in this manner in The Accidental Billionaires. One wonders. 🤔 Anyway, that aside, the writing is good, the story is compelling, but I still can’t wrap my head around the purpose of cryptocurrency (Bitcoin in particular). It just seems like a complex and volatile game of skirting regulations.
Meh. Being non-fiction, I was hoping to learn something, but I didn't.
The "heroes" of this story are the Winklevoss twins (the rowers who sued Mark Zuckerburg for stealing their idea). This story has no like-able characters.
One part amazing, 35 parts filler.
It had one amazing chapter on the elaborate way they secured the crypto keys to their bitcoin wallet. They bought several laptops and a printer as disposable one-time-use items. One laptop to download the Bitcoin software and put the progr ...more
Jun 07, 2019
Liz
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2019-release,
non-fiction
I really enjoyed this book. In fact ALL of Ben Mezrich’s books I’ve read I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. I always learn so much after reading his books! With that said....Bitcoin Billionaires would have been so much better if I could really fully understand Bitcoin and cryptocurrency. This is in no way the authors fault. This book is not intended to get into the finer points of exactly how cryptocurrency works. I think my lack of knowledge in the inner workings of Bitcoin made some parts of this book a
...more
Mrrwwaaabbiud!&$###!! Okay I feel better getting that out. Ben Mezrich frustrates me. His writing reminds me of reading a Hardy Boys novel. In fact if you’re interested in reading this book go ahead and prepare for the dry cleaned adventures of swell chums Frank and Joe, I mean Tyler and Cameron, as in the infamous Winklevoss twins. That’s really what this book is about, because I would be kidding to tell you it’s actually about Bitcoin (whether in upper case Bitcoin or lower case bitcoin). The
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Bitcoin Billionaires is one of the few books that talks about Bitcoin from the perspective of known personalities (with a non libertarian background) - Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss aka Winklevii. It gives a perspective that is not as concentrated on economics, technicals, and hype that most crypto books have.
From the very beginning, it tells a well-known story (with surprising insights) about the Zuckerberk-Winklevii Facebook battle. The book thus intertwines their battle with their discovery o ...more
From the very beginning, it tells a well-known story (with surprising insights) about the Zuckerberk-Winklevii Facebook battle. The book thus intertwines their battle with their discovery o ...more
The ingredients that form this book:
* 25% Puff piece for the Winklevoss twins
* 40% Drama surrounding the development of Bitcoin
* 10% Information about the development of Bitcoin
* 20% Descriptions of parties
* 5% Analysis of anything
Also, this is unfair, but the author photo has double popped collars and mirror sunglasses.
* 25% Puff piece for the Winklevoss twins
* 40% Drama surrounding the development of Bitcoin
* 10% Information about the development of Bitcoin
* 20% Descriptions of parties
* 5% Analysis of anything
Also, this is unfair, but the author photo has double popped collars and mirror sunglasses.
The grumpus23 (23-word commentary)
Twins en route to billions. Could not get past the feeling this was written to be adapted to another movie. Long live Bitcoin.
Bonus Commentary: "The technology behind Bitcoin isn’t a fad, or a bubble, or a scheme; it’s a fundamental paradigm shift, and it will eventually change everything." ...more
Twins en route to billions. Could not get past the feeling this was written to be adapted to another movie. Long live Bitcoin.
Bonus Commentary: "The technology behind Bitcoin isn’t a fad, or a bubble, or a scheme; it’s a fundamental paradigm shift, and it will eventually change everything." ...more
Jan 08, 2020
Jamele (BookswithJams)
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
botm
Working in the Financial Services industry, I have been looking for something that could explain bitcoin to me in terms that I can understand, AND make sure I didn’t fall asleep halfway through. When I saw this as a BOTM pick a couple of months ago, I was intrigued. I added it to my list, and then saw it was available via audio at my library so I thought I would start it and see what it was about. Turns out, I finished in two settings.
I had not read the detailed synopsis, and therefore had no id ...more
I had not read the detailed synopsis, and therefore had no id ...more
I cannot believe this book is reviewing at average 4 stars.
Bitcoin Billionaires paints the Winklevoss twins as automomous robots, with no flaws, no motives, and no personal interests. We are to imagine two Calvin Klein mannequins that can do no wrong vs. the world (everyone else is portrayed negatively; ranging from hot-mess to evil manipulative world-dominators).
What should have been a character story, underlying an immense drama playing out on a world stage, was an overarching story arc of the ...more
Bitcoin Billionaires paints the Winklevoss twins as automomous robots, with no flaws, no motives, and no personal interests. We are to imagine two Calvin Klein mannequins that can do no wrong vs. the world (everyone else is portrayed negatively; ranging from hot-mess to evil manipulative world-dominators).
What should have been a character story, underlying an immense drama playing out on a world stage, was an overarching story arc of the ...more
Amazingly written, Ben Mezrich has the gift of writing reality like it is fiction. It's a very interesting story and this book reads like a movie.
I can't wait for the Netflix adaptation! ...more
I can't wait for the Netflix adaptation! ...more
I honestly can’t tell you what Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are even after reading “Bitcoin Billionaires” by Ben Mezrich. That has far more to do with my ignorance of anything financial and less to do with the author’s work. However, I do know a bit about Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss and some other crypto fanatics, including a Syrian-Jewish guy in his mid-20’s named Charlie.
The Winklevoss Twins, also referred to as the Winklevii to those in the know, are known to those in the know because ...more
The Winklevoss Twins, also referred to as the Winklevii to those in the know, are known to those in the know because ...more
Apr 05, 2020
Zak
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
non-fiction,
tech-related
How the Winklevoss twins got into Bitcoin. They were technically co-founders of FB, got duped out of their stake and sued Zuckerberg. After a hefty settlement, the twins decided Bitcoin was the next new frontier and went all in. Some interesting details here, such as the extreme measures they take to keep their BTC's from getting stolen. Because of the title, I thought the book would talk about how they made billions from Bitcoin. In fact, it doesn't make clear at all whether they actually made
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Entertaining quick read if you are interested in early days of crypto.
3.5/5
Not much value if you're looking to expand your knowledge on cryptocurrencies, but definitely a great introduction for people who want to jump on the train. Just be wary of how Mezrich paints the whole story. Seems like he's exaggerating the drama for the sake of the narrative and at the cost of accuracy. Despite this, there's one thing I'm sure Mezrich got right: the Bitcoin revolution is real. Whether you're a libertarian who sees Bitcoin as a weapon against regulated governments or an en ...more
Not much value if you're looking to expand your knowledge on cryptocurrencies, but definitely a great introduction for people who want to jump on the train. Just be wary of how Mezrich paints the whole story. Seems like he's exaggerating the drama for the sake of the narrative and at the cost of accuracy. Despite this, there's one thing I'm sure Mezrich got right: the Bitcoin revolution is real. Whether you're a libertarian who sees Bitcoin as a weapon against regulated governments or an en ...more
What I wanted from this book: juicy intrigue about key players in the early bitcoin world , some social history about cryptocurrency, and an explanation of bitcoin that wasn't overly technical.
What I got:
Gems like this quote: "...as soon as they'd reached the second floor, they'd started bickering in the way that only two people who have seen each other naked could argue: viciously and too loud."
A great deal of using ""the kid" to refer to young men aged 22-26.
Entirely too much word space devo ...more
What I got:
Gems like this quote: "...as soon as they'd reached the second floor, they'd started bickering in the way that only two people who have seen each other naked could argue: viciously and too loud."
A great deal of using ""the kid" to refer to young men aged 22-26.
Entirely too much word space devo ...more
I read something that pointed me to this book -- I wish I could remember what.
This is a gossipy, celebrity-fawning book about people who try to make a killing in bitcoin. Characters are "real people" with QUIRKS and GRUDGES. Events pack DRAMA and TENSION and INFIGHTING. Chapters are structured to SURPRISE you with TWISTS and even TURNS. We go to IBIZA; PANAMA CITY, BURNING MAN. We're surrounded by MODELS.
Lots of girls, only one working woman in this tale of bros.
The Social Network was based on a ...more
This is a gossipy, celebrity-fawning book about people who try to make a killing in bitcoin. Characters are "real people" with QUIRKS and GRUDGES. Events pack DRAMA and TENSION and INFIGHTING. Chapters are structured to SURPRISE you with TWISTS and even TURNS. We go to IBIZA; PANAMA CITY, BURNING MAN. We're surrounded by MODELS.
Lots of girls, only one working woman in this tale of bros.
The Social Network was based on a ...more
There’s no doubt that the twins funded the writing of this book. It’s super cringe and written as though it’s a script ready for a movie.
It idolises the money hungry twins who clearly have deep personal issues, no friends and an unnecessary desire to always win and prove themselves. It also convinced me that Bitcoin is nothing more than a scam with the founders profiting to an obscene level. I mean what job is bitcoin really doing that banks and fintechs aren’t already? It’s volatility is just ...more
It idolises the money hungry twins who clearly have deep personal issues, no friends and an unnecessary desire to always win and prove themselves. It also convinced me that Bitcoin is nothing more than a scam with the founders profiting to an obscene level. I mean what job is bitcoin really doing that banks and fintechs aren’t already? It’s volatility is just ...more
This book read like a puff piece for the Wilkevoss twins. It had the promise of some cryptocurrency drama (and I kept thinking it was going to get more interesting), but I learned very little about Bitcoin and the drama is very stereotypical "kid is too young to run a company" kind of stuff. In fact, the first 100 pages are filled with them *still* whining about Zuckerberg & Facebook. It's pathetic.
It was given to me as a gift, so I finished it, but I'm not getting those hours of my life back. ...more
It was given to me as a gift, so I finished it, but I'm not getting those hours of my life back. ...more
Mezrich crawled up the winklevosses' asses so deep he came out on the other side and had time enough to crawl up their parents' asses as well.
All that happens is that they get lucky with investing in Bitcoin at the right time. The rest is filled with silicon valley, partying and finance cliches.
Only check this book out if you are writing a flattering novel for a rich client and you need an example of someone overdoing it. ...more
All that happens is that they get lucky with investing in Bitcoin at the right time. The rest is filled with silicon valley, partying and finance cliches.
Only check this book out if you are writing a flattering novel for a rich client and you need an example of someone overdoing it. ...more
I got into this book thinking that a novelisation of bitcoin and crytocurrency technologies would serve to put some spin into my understanding of the tech behing BTC. Not so. This more a story about the redemption of the Winklevoss's after the drubbing at Zuckebergs hands. Not what I wanted or expected to read about.
...more
Inspirational
Really interesting book. Enjoyed not only learning the history of Bitcoin but getting educated on what it is and the value opportunity.
Weak
Great book about a topic a I knew nothing about. His books are great, nonfiction but they are written like a novel.
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| Goodreads Librari...: please add the spanish edition | 3 | 7 | Dec 08, 2020 12:35AM |
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“As an entrepreneur, you had one, maybe two, but usually not more than three chances to catch lightning in a bottle; as a venture capitalist, however, you could chase lightning as long as you had cash to invest.”
—
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“Which left only rhodium, palladium, platinum, silver, and gold—five of the eight noble metals. Rhodium and palladium wouldn’t be discovered until the 1880s, well after money had been in use for thousands of years; and platinum’s melting point would have been too high for preindustrial furnaces. By process of elimination you were left with silver and gold. Silver tarnished easily and had a much greater industrial application—too useful to make good money—leaving gold just useful enough. “Gold is valuable because of its naturally occurring properties: it’s scarce, durable, portable, divisible, fungible, hard to counterfeit, and easy to authenticate,” Tyler said. “Exactly,” Voorhees responded, “and bitcoin has all of those properties too—”
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