Synopsis
The Pacific Circuit holds a magnifying glass to the legacies etched by generations of systemic segregation and the ceaseless march of technological advancement. These are not just abstract concepts; they are embedded in the very fabric of Oakland and its people, from dockworkers and community organizers to real estate developers and businesspeople chasing the highest possible profits. Madrigal delves into city hall politics, traces the intertwining arcs of venture capital and hedge funds, and offers unprecedented insight into Silicon Valley’s genesis and growth, all against the backdrop of Oakland—a city vibrating with untold stories and unexplored connections that can, when read carefully, reveal exactly how our markets and our world really function.
Reflections
Review ★★
I found a few interesting passages along the way, particularly the practices of redlining in Oakland, but the book is very incoherently written, with a lot random thoughts and side stories that didn’t contribute much to what Madrigal was hoping to achieve.
Details
- The Pacific Circuit by Alexis Madrigal
- ISBN: 978-0-374-15940-5
- Started: 2025-12-30
- Finished: 2026-01-19