Stress Test (book)

Stress Test: Reflections on Financial Crises is a non-fiction book written by Timothy F. Geithner, former United States Secretary of the Treasury, published in 2014. The book provides an account of Geithner's experiences leading the U.S. response to the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent economic recovery efforts under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

The book details the key events and decisions made during the crisis, including the government's intervention in financial institutions like AIG and the implementation of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Geithner offers his perspective on the causes of the crisis, the challenges faced by policymakers, and the lessons learned from the experience. He defends the controversial decisions made during the crisis, arguing they were necessary to prevent a deeper economic collapse.

Stress Test also examines the political dynamics surrounding the government's response, including the public criticism and congressional scrutiny faced by Geithner and his colleagues. It provides insights into the personalities and relationships of key figures involved in the crisis management, such as Ben Bernanke, Henry Paulson, and Barack Obama.

The book received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its insider perspective and candid analysis, while others questioned its self-serving narrative and defense of government actions. Regardless, Stress Test is considered a significant contribution to the historical record of the 2008 financial crisis and the U.S. government's response. It offers a first-hand account of the events and decisions that shaped the economic landscape of the late 2000s and early 2010s.