Reeves Wiedeman

Reeves Wiedeman is a journalist and author known for his in-depth reporting on business, technology, and culture. His work has appeared in New York Magazine, where he serves as a contributing editor, as well as The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, and other major publications. His 2020 book "Billion Dollar Loser" chronicled the rise and fall of WeWork and its founder Adam Neumann, becoming a notable examination of startup culture and venture capital in the modern era. The book drew from hundreds of interviews and extensive research to document WeWork's journey from a single co-working space to a $47 billion valuation and its subsequent downfall. Wiedeman's reporting frequently focuses on the intersection of business, power, and society, particularly in how ambitious founders and companies shape contemporary culture. His investigative pieces have covered topics ranging from sports and media to real estate and Silicon Valley. His writing style combines detailed reporting with narrative storytelling, often providing both macro analysis of business trends and granular details about key figures and events. Wiedeman's work has been recognized through various journalism awards and citations.

Readers praise Wiedeman's investigative depth and ability to make complex business stories accessible. His book "Billion Dollar Loser" earned particular recognition for its detailed reporting and pacing, with readers noting his balanced portrayal of WeWork's culture and leadership. What readers liked: - Clear, straightforward writing style - Thorough research and sourcing - Ability to explain complex financial concepts - Narrative flow that maintains interest What readers disliked: - Some found the WeWork story too focused on Adam Neumann - Several readers wanted more analysis of broader startup culture - A few noted redundant details in later chapters Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (1,100+ ratings) One reader on Goodreads wrote: "Wiedeman presents the facts without sensationalism, letting the absurdity speak for itself." An Amazon reviewer noted: "The reporting is meticulous but never dry."

Billion Dollar Loser (2020) A documented account of WeWork's meteoric rise and dramatic fall, following founder Adam Neumann's journey from running a single co-working space to building a $47 billion startup that ultimately failed to reach its IPO.

Michael Lewis His books like The Big Short and Flash Boys expose the inner workings of finance through character-driven narratives. His investigative approach to complex business stories mirrors Wiedeman's style in examining corporate culture and downfalls.

John Carreyrou His investigation of Theranos in Bad Blood reveals Silicon Valley hubris and startup deception through extensive reporting. His methodical exposure of corporate fraud parallels Wiedeman's examination of WeWork's collapse.

Charles Duhigg His works like The Power of Habit and Smarter Faster Better examine business and productivity through researched case studies. His focus on how companies and leaders operate connects to Wiedeman's analysis of corporate behavior.

Brad Stone His books on Amazon and Silicon Valley tech companies provide deep reporting on influential business figures and their impact. His examination of tech culture and ambitious founders aligns with Wiedeman's coverage of startup ecosystems.

Bethany McLean Her work on the Enron scandal in The Smartest Guys in the Room demonstrates corporate investigation through detailed reporting. Her focus on business failures and executive hubris matches Wiedeman's exploration of corporate downfalls.