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- Bill GatesPositive review
“I couldn’t put down this thriller with a tragic ending”
Gates reviewed the book on December 3, 2018, praising its compelling account and drawing attention to expertise, product evidence and patient harm.Source
Summary
John Carreyrou investigates the rise and collapse of Theranos, the blood-testing startup led by Elizabeth Holmes. The company promised faster, easier testing and attracted investors, but its technology repeatedly failed.
The account follows employees who spoke out despite threats of legal action and a culture of secrecy. It examines how promises about the product reached investors and patients, and how incorrect test results could affect medical decisions.
Why read it Our view
Read it to examine how a company proves that its product works. The story raises questions about who can challenge a claim, what the board understands and what happens when customers depend on the result. For products that affect health, those questions also concern the people who can be harmed.