Homewreckers: How a Gang of Wall Street Kingpins, Hedge Fund Magnates, Crooked Banks, and Vulture Capitalists Suckered Millions Out of Their Homes and Demolished the American Dream

Dive into the shocking truth behind the 2008 housing crisis and its devastating aftermath with Aaron Glantz's "Homewreckers: How a Gang of Wall Street Kingpins, Hedge Fund Magnates, Crooked Banks, and Vulture Capitalists Suckered Millions Out of Their Homes and Demolished the American Dream." This gripping, illustrated hardcover edition, published by Custom House, lays bare the intricate web of greed and deregulation that led to millions of Americans losing their homes, while a select few reaped unimaginable profits. "[I] cant recommend this joint enough. ... An illuminating and discomfiting read," raves Ta-Nehisi Coates, while the New York Review of Books calls it "Essential reading." This isn't just a recitation of economic data; Glantz masterfully weaves together investigative journalism with the personal stories of those most affected, creating a powerful and deeply human narrative. "Homewreckers" goes beyond the headlines, revealing how seemingly straightforward lending transformed into a complex and often predatory system. Learn how mortgage "products" were sliced, diced, and sold, fueled by a loosening of regulations that incentivized lending to those least able to repay. Glantz unflinchingly exposes the key players, including figures like Steve Mnuchin, Wilbur Ross, Tom Barrack, and Steve Schwarzman individuals who later held significant positions in or around the Trump administration, highlighting the inherent conflicts of interest that allowed this crisis to unfold. The book reveals how these individuals and their institutions strategically profited from the misfortune of others, often with the implicit support of government policies. Glantz doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable truth: that the Obama administration's efforts to stabilize the housing market inadvertently provided a safety net for these "homewreckers," allowing them to continue their predatory practices with reduced risk. This is not a partisan polemic, but a meticulously researched and damning indictment of a system that prioritized profit over people. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Aaron Glantz exposes the dark underbelly of American finance and politics. "Homewreckers" is more than just a historical account; its a warning about the dangers of unchecked greed and the need for meaningful reform to protect vulnerable communities from future exploitation. The 432-page book is a critical read for anyone seeking to understand the root causes of the housing crisis, the individuals who profited from it, and the lasting impact on the American Dream. Expect detailed analysis, compelling narratives, and a thorough examination of the ethical failures that led to one of the most significant economic disasters in recent history. Explore the intersection of business, politics, and ethics with this essential book.