How To Write Narrative Nonfiction The Michael Lewis Way

Cody Delistraty on what makes people read it

The scientific narrative nonfiction formula, as [Michael] Lewis and [Malcolm] Gladwell use it, consists of depicting a character or small cadre of characters who embody a counterintuitive claim — especially counterintuitive for a behavioral or psychological subject (so that readers feel as though it might have application to their own lives). The scientific narrative nonfiction author then moves the reader from his or her original perception of the status quo to the counterintuitive truism through a winding road of anecdotes and eccentricities provided by the character or characters, all the while shearing and honing these stories for salience and readability. ‘You think that “experts” have a solid grasp on something? Actually, here are some relatively unknown people who can prove otherwise.’ This is the crux of the formula.

Here’s a pretty perceptive piece on why Michael Lewis is such a dream to read but also why you never feel truly full after reading him:

Michael Lewis and the Narrative Nonfiction Formula – Los Angeles Review of Books