One of my favorite authors, John McPhee, wrote a book about single tennis match called Levels of the Game. A book about a single tennis game does not sound like there can be much to it, but the story of the match is really the story of two men, how they were raised, what lead them to that space and time and playing style, and what that match meant as a pivoting point in race and culture. More than any other book, I was reminded of Levels of the Game while reading Conspiracy.
Most know the initial story - a private tape of Hulk Hogan released in the media - but the full story and its implications are well covered here. Holiday refers to Peter Thiel's love of chess more than once in the book, and this story also reminded me of a chess match. It's never a 'page-turner' in the traditional sense, but a very subtle battle between two opponents that swells over ten years. (I would highly recommend reading this rather than listening to it for that reason - there is enough depth to the story that it works best on the page, otherwise you will miss things).
I had read a little and already seen the Netflix documentary on the case, but here is what I really liked about the book:
* The story of the 'why did Peter Thiel do this' is much more complicated than can be explained by a documentary. Even after you remove all motives except for the personal, Holiday points out there were significant financial motives as well.
* Why choose the battlefield that they did? Thiel had almost limitless options to accomplish his ends, but chose a very specific means.
* I had not realized before reading this how much this case signals the clash between the right to privacy and the right to freedom that is still heading towards collision.
* Thiel is a fascinating guy, full of contradictions. One of my biggest takeaways is that I want to just learn more about him and read more about his Christian faith.
* There is not an easy answer to the question of who was right in this case, and Holiday does a good job of holding that tension for the entire book. Despite how despicable Gawker was in many cases and how easy it is to delight in their downfall, there is a real question of whether the ends justifies the means.
* The ultimate loser in this story, to me, is the legal system. It's very apparent that no one except for someone with very deep pockets could have made this happen. Depressing to realize that even a public figure like Hulk Hogan basically has no chance without being bankrolled by a billionaire in a case like this.
If you are interested in the story already, definitely pick this one up. There is a lot here that really adds to the public record and it is well worth your time to consider the larger questions it raises.
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An extremely intriguing, well written book of the machinations ...
An extremely intriguing, well written book of the machinations, peppered with relevant historical quotes and events to add context, that made this book a page turner. The book will give most people something to introspect about, from the morality to the stratagems deployed, to have in their arsenal, albeit with the "downside" that it is potentially a powerful dose of cognitive dissonance (depending on your antagonist). Strategy books of this nature are few and far between, so this is well worth a read.
Top reviews from other countries
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MillerReviewed in Brazil on April 8, 2019
Uma história real e inacreditável contada pela pessoa certa
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laurentReviewed in Spain on June 30, 2019
Malas condiciones
Hola. A punto de leer las primeras páginas, se descolgan y separan. Si podría mandar un otra en mejor condición. GraciasMalas condicioneslaurent
Reviewed in Spain on June 30, 2019
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