Short Answer 
Recommend ‘The Wager’ by David Grann to your friend, highlighting shared themes of risk, strategy, and human psychology with Mitch Raycroft’s biography of Phil Ivey. Emphasize Grann’s engaging narrative style, thorough research, and high-stakes exploration, making it a captivating follow-up read that offers a diverse and absorbing experience.
Step 1: Identify Shared Themes
Since your friend has recently enjoyed Mitch Raycroft’s biography of Phil Ivey, it’s important to identify *shared themes* between the two books. Both works delve into subjects such as:
- Risk – Examining the decisions made in high-stakes situations.
- Strategy – The planning and tactics involved in pursuing goals.
- Human Psychology – Exploring motivations and behaviors under pressure.
Step 2: Highlight the Unique Aspects of ‘The Wager’
Although ‘The Wager’ is not a biography, it brings its own unique narrative style that can captivate readers. David Grann is known for his:
- Engaging Narrative – His storytelling keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
- Thorough Research – Grann’s deep dive into events provides a rich context.
- High-Stakes Exploration – The book also examines ambition and risk-taking akin to high-stakes gambling.
Step 3: Make the Recommendation
Given these factors, you can confidently recommend ‘The Wager’ as a follow-up read. Emphasize that it offers:
- Diverse Reading Experience – Despite being non-biographical, it still explores fascinating human narratives.
- Absorbing Content – Ideal for someone interested in extraordinary stories about ambition and consequences.
- Alternative Perspective – Tackles themes relevant to their interests but from a different angle.