James Patterson begins his novel with an epigraph from William Carlos Williams: "The pure products of America go crazy."

Further, the novel is dedicated, "For anyone who's ever dreamed about some small and delicious revenge against the money changers on Wall Street and around the world." This quote and dedication highlight the major social concerns of Black Friday, which reflects many of the concerns of the 1980s. Originally published as Black Market in 1986, the novel seems to take the part of everyday people who are powerless against large corporations and the encroaching forces of globalization. However, the novel also reflects a fear of government.

Major social issues addressed by Black Friday are a fear of global capitalism, and the transformation of national and international politics as a result of globalization. An important secondary issue is the condition of Vietnam veterans in American society, their attempts to...