EXCERPT: 'Last Man Standing'

Oct. 2, 2009— -- Jamie Dimon, chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, is considered the pre-eminent figure on Wall Street these days. The financial world continues to marvel over the investment bank's success in the midst of economic turmoil.

In "Last Man Standing," renowned journalist Duff McDonald examines Dimon's ascent: from joining Sandy Weill at American Express after graduating from Harvard Business School, to the building of Citigroup to becoming CEO of JPMorgan Chase at age 48.

Granted extensive access, McDonald spent hours interviewing Dimon as well as his family, friends and colleagues. What emerges from these reflections is a family man with an enviable work ethic who shuns office politics. In addition, industry captains, such as Weill and Warren Buffett, reveal their thoughts on Dimon's career.

After reading the excerpt below, head to the "GMA" Library to find more good reads.

On the morning of September 18, 2008, the phone rang in Jamie Dimon's office. It was Hank Paulson, the secretary of the treasury. For the second time in six months, Paulson had a pressing question for the chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase. Would Dimon be interested in acquiring the floundering investment bank Morgan Stanley -- at no cost whatsoever?