“Those chief executives who succeed will be those who imbue in their businesses very simple, commonsense standards of decency”
For more than three decades, Robert Peston has been a highly respected journalist in Britain, renowned for his expertise in business and economics as an editor at the BBC. He gained widespread recognition for his reporting on the economic crisis of the late 2000s, breaking exclusive news on the Northern Rock debacle. Peston’s books provide valuable insights into how business, politics, and society have arrived at their current state, and offer practical advice on how to move forward. Join us here at What We Reading as we delve into some of Robert Peston’s most enlightening books.
WTF (2017)
In his book, WTF: What have we done? Why did it happen? How do we take back control?, Robert Peston examines the recent rise of polarised politics in the Western world and the terrible fractures that have formed across society due to the actions of leaders at the top.
From the UK’s decision to leave the EU to concerns about AI robots taking over jobs, Peston offers captivating insights into the state of play in the Western world and why so many people are disenchanted with the current state of affairs. But it’s not all doom and gloom. With years of experience in journalism, Peston offers cautious optimism and draws conclusions on how we can collectively rise out of this mess.
Who Runs Britain? (2008)
Robert Peston’s Who Runs Britain remains as compelling and insightful today as it was upon its release in 2008. This deep dive into the upper echelons of Western casino capitalism comes a year after Peston’s groundbreaking revelation that Northern Rock had sought an emergency loan from the Bank of England in the wake of the credit crunch.
This led to a £57 billion bailout, costing taxpayers around £2,000 each. In Who Runs Britain, Peston exposes how the seeds for this economic disaster were sown years in advance, and offers a captivating examination of the widening wealth gap in Britain. The book also debunks the myth that those who accumulate vast amounts of wealth are inherently beneficial for the wider economy.
The Whistleblower (2021)
In his latest novel, The Whistleblower, Robert Peston utilizes his vast experience as a leading journalist, reporter, and commentator to create one of the most gripping crime fiction stories of 2021. Set in an alternative Britain, where a desperate government will stop at nothing to remain in power as the election day looms, readers are introduced to Gil Peck, a respected journalist whose world is turned upside-down after his estranged sister Clare is killed in a hit-and-run accident.
Convinced that this was no accident, Gil embarks on a dangerous investigation into his sister’s death, leading to a series of gruesome discoveries about the sitting government and the potentially deadly consequences for those who get too close to the truth. With shades of Tony Blair and New Labour’s rise to power in British politics, “The Whistleblower” is a masterfully constructed suspenseful journey into the world of spin and ambition in politics, involving ministers and media.
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How Do We Fix This Mess? (2012)
In 2012, Robert Peston penned his guide to understanding the economic crisis plaguing the Western world in How Do We Fix This Mess. The book reveals how countries like the UK and US consumed more than they earned, leading to unprecedented growth that was ultimately unsustainable.
The financial crash of 2007/08 was a stark reminder of the dangers of over-borrowing and how it can create an illusion of growth that is not sustainable. Peston examines the role of various players in the crisis, including bankers, investors, regulators, governments, and consumers. This book serves as a timely reminder of the lessons we need to learn from the past and the importance of prioritizing an economy based on smart imports and exports over one that borrows and spends recklessly.
The New Capitalism (2010)
During the worst financial crisis since the 1930s, Robert Peston released The New Capitalism, a book that delves into the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ behind the economic chaos of the time. Peston poses a question that is still relevant today: is this the end of ‘old’ capitalism or will we revert back to our old ways?
He masterfully exposes the naivety of those who were in control of our finances at the time and how calamity was always looming. Peston’s relaxed and conversational approach makes for an engaging and insightful read that sheds light on a critical moment in history. Explore The New Capitalism and gain a deeper understanding of the financial crisis that shook the world.
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Brown’s Britain (2005)
Peston’s Brown’s Britain: How Gordon Runs the Show is an insightful and engaging exploration of the complicated relationship between then-Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown, one of the most enthralling double-acts in the history of British politics.
The book provides readers with unprecedented access to the Chancellor and features eye-opening insights from those closest to him, shedding light on the sinister scheming that goes on behind closed doors in politics. As relevant today as it was when first published, it offers a timeless and fascinating dive into the dynamics at the top of the ruling New Labour Government.
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
