Number Go Up

Number Go Up by Zeke Faux is an enthralling journey into the chaotic and often absurd world of cryptocurrency, tracking an incredible story filled with intrigue, deception, and the promise of untold wealth. Set against the backdrop of the cryptocurrency boom that took the world by storm in 2021, this gripping narrative delves deep into the complex landscape of virtual currencies. It unveils the captivating real-life drama of tech visionaries, hustlers, and opportunists who transformed digital tokens into a multi-trillion-dollar phenomenon. This masterfully crafted account immerses readers in the heart of the crypto uprising, focusing on the enigmatic persona of Sam Bankman-Fried—SBF—and his ambitious endeavours to reshape the financial system. Faux's journey to understand the intricacies of this meteoric rise guides him to the Bahamas, where SBF, amidst opulent surroundings, vocalises his intent to utilise his monumental crypto gains to alter the global stage for the better. The narrative further spirals into the unexpected, with Faux persuading his way into the exclusive circles of crypto elites, from hobnobbing on luxury yachts to mingling with celebrities like Snoop Dogg at the iconic "ApeFest." His pursuit unveils a broader tapestry of bizarre and sometimes perilous episodes, including El Salvador's bold, national-scale Bitcoin gamble and his sobering discoveries in Cambodia, where a grim crypto-driven human trafficking ring is exposed. As the crypto bubble bursts spectacularly in 2022, Faux vividly recounts the tension within SBF's luxurious penthouse, capturing the drama as the once-mighty crypto titan braces for arrest. With unparalleled insight and incisive wit, Faux captures the zeitgeist of the cryptocurrency phenomenon, earning accolades such as being named by Money Stuff columnist Matt Levine as "our great poet of crime." This riveting tale not only uncovers the skeletal frameworks of one of the most bewildering financial delusions in history but also chronicles the human stories behind the headlines. Hailed by myriad publications as one of the Best Books of the Year, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, Number Go Up is a compelling synthesis of factual crime investigation, economic critique, and personal storytelling, landing as a finalist for esteemed awards like the Edgar Award for Fact Crime and the Macavity Award for Nonfiction. A quintessential read for those fascinated by the intersection of finance, technology, and human nature, Faux's exploration offers both a harrowing wake-up call and an unputdownable ride through the wild west of the digital age.