5 comments about Trump: Think Like a Billionaire: Everything You Need to Know About Success, Real Estate, and Life.

1. This is one book I could not put down once I started reading it. With Mr. Trump's decades of experience and knowledge gained throughout today's aggressive world of business, his distinguishing insights are compacted into this brief and tiny work, projecting both his shrewd business smarts along with a non-negotiable 'mental toughness' that every successful business person should be learning from... and who better to be learning from than from 'the Donald.' I recommend this book to anyone who's interested in developing a deeper level of entrepreneurial insight within the world of business and real estate, as well as the financial IQ of, well, ... a billionaire. The diamonds are buried throughout this book, and must be sought after with one's trusty ... yellow highlighter. A must read for anyone who's set on becoming a more perceptive business investor / real estate professional / aspiring entrepreneur.



2. Think like a billionaire. Not that hard to do when you are one. More difficult for the average reader I guess. But hey, aim your arrow at the moon and you'll hit the mountain. I'll settle for a million or ten.
   
   Most of the reader reviews find this book a one-star crap thing. I strongly disagree, because you should know by know The Donald will not take you by the hand and let you make your first million.
   
   You want good advice? Better get his first book "The Art of the Deal" which teaches you some. But thinking like a billionaire is just like writing like a billionaire; he probably had two minutes to dictate per chapter.
   
   Despite all this, it was fun to read. What goes on in a billionaire's life and it just make you dream about being succesful as well, as long if you're not succesful already. Fun to read, crap advise. Four stars.



3. Complete waste of time and money. I wish I'd never bought it, save yourself the mistake.



4. If your looking for a book about a guy that's full of himself, this is it. If your looking for a book about finance, real estate and making money, this isn't it! Plus, he adds a section about The Apprentice at the end, it really didn't help me out one bit. I was really disappointed in this book, wasn't at all what I thought it would be.



5. Trump provided one amazing book (The Art of the Deal) and since then has given us one dreadful ego stoking book after another. Think Like a Billionaire provides Trump's thoughts on topics such as:
   
   - How to Rent an Apartment
   - How to Read a Classified Ad
   - How to Landscape
   - How to Pinch Pennies
   - How to Balance Work and Romance
   - The best Shirts and Antiques
   - How to Be Married (ironic chapter of the decade)
   
   If this is the variety of information you are seeking from the mind of Donald Trump then I suppose you will find some value. Otherwise, this book reads like random notes on cocktail napkins that someone found on Trump's desk.

5 comments about Trump: The Art of the Comeback.

1. Like all the Trump books this one captures a moment in the life of "The Donald". Trump's bad habit of erroneously naming his books with 'how to' titles makes no exception here as The Art of the Comeback contains no instructional material. The book begins with Trump taking shots at some of his rivals, whom he feels betrayed. The book puts Donald back in the drivers seat, officially letting everyone know 'The Donald' has return and is richer and more powerful than ever! Flaming aside Donald briefly talks about his divorce with Ivana, and I mean briefly, there is no indication as to why Donald thinks the relationship collapsed, expect for a few nonscientific remarks. Anyone interested in the life of New York City's real estate tycoon would identify with this book, those looking for actual advice on making a financial comeback are better set skipping this one.



2. All you haters out ther hating DOnald trump because he is succesful and that is fine and dandy, calling him an "overgrown boy" when you can't even talk or type properly. I am getting sick and tired of all these small time smack talkers criticizing Donald Trump for being succesful, while having pride, and living the American Dream being that his grandfather was a German immigrant and has built an empire in 3 generations, more than most people have been in here for way longer. He is living the billionaire experience having style and beautiful women and everything. Take it or leave it. ROFLCakes. Many of you haven't gotten that he is writing from experience and so he tells us what he has gone through to be where he is at today. This Book can literaly change your life as it did mine. It is inspiring don't listen to these jealouse fools, buy and read this book you will not be dissapointed.



3. In characteristic blunt style, Donald Trump describes how he made his astounding financial comeback during the severe downturn in the early-1990s real estate market. In a few short years, Trump went from being three-quarters of a billion dollars in debt to having a net worth of over $2 billion. This fast-reading book provides a fascinating look at this highly controversial, intelligent, and complex man.
   
   Much of the book is full of name-dropping and self-pats on the back, but, hey, "The Donald" has a lot to brag about. Trump describes how he bought and improved many of New York's greatest landmarks, such as the Emprire State Building, Wollman Skating Rink, and 40 Wall Street.
   
   Trump is coarse and sensitive; vicious toward betrayers and generous to loyalists; egotistical and self-critical. He uses four-letter words to describe his enemies, yet is magnanimous enough to make peace with rival Merv Griffin. He describes his nasty divorce with Ivana, but has mostly good things to say about her. Perhaps The Donald's most candid admission is that the breakup of his marriage to Marla was probably his fault.
   
   This book isn't for everyone. Trump, the quintessential builder, finds "a crane on every block" a thing of beauty. He also seems to find humor in Mike Tyson's biting of Evander Holyfield's ear during that infamous heavyweight title fight.
   
   Trump is understandably reticent about his daily life during the tough times of the early '90s, but that would have been more interesting material than the mundane schedule he describes.
   
   Yet, overall, The Art of the Comeback is a straight-shooting autobiography providing insight into the mind of the greatest real estate titan of our time.



4. Most books written by Trump sound like an old broken record. But that can be said of many book sequels. Basically reading one by the author is more or less reading the others. This book is somewhat unique because it talks of Trump in trouble, in a recession, and how he was able to stand tough and come back. These are lessons that are very useful to everyone since we live in a world when tough times come and go and it is probably during these tough times that will separate the men from the boys.



5. I find Donald Trump fascinating as he is among the most successful and prominent people in the real estate industry. For his third book, Trump presents an update on what has taken place since the real estate crash in the early 1990's, complete with his near bankruptcy, divorce with Ivana, and his financial turn around bringing him back to billionaire status.
   
   For those seeking the excitement found in his first book, the Art of the Deal (a book which I rated very high) you will find yourself dissatisfied. The Art of the Comeback offers some interesting insight behind the scenes of Trump's life, which will be of interest to any Trump enthusiast; however, it lacks the excitement of his building his empire.
   
   There is a limiting measure of thrill stemming from discovering how Trump acquires properties having already possessed the needed financial abilities, as with his detailing of the acquisition of the Mar-A-Lago. While the property itself might provide some content of curiosity, this pales in comparison to his earlier work in which he divulges the difficulties with finding financing, establishing air rights, negotiating with city officials and adjacent property owners; all tasks required for Trump to bring his deals into fruition. The Art of the Comeback, although discussing some of his recent acquisitions, is sorely missing the excitement contained in his drive to the top (the exception being his chapter on Trump International).
   
   Donald includes a chapter on personal investment which should have either been given much more attention or left out of the book entirely. Donald discusses knowing the right people, broadly investing in the stock market, and for those less inclined to deal making, to invest in REIT's to gain some of the benefits of real estate investing. This advice is thin for even the average writer; yet such guidance coming from a billionaire makes one wonder if Donald truly struggles to convey his financial aptitude or if he merely presented a meager effort to add this chapter to the book.
   
   The Art of the Comeback will assist those seeking to learn more about Trump and his life in the 90's; however, the only benefit this book offers over reading all this same information from Wikipedia or any other source is hearing it from Donald's point of view, as his financial and life advice is paltry at best.

5 comments about Trump University Real Estate 101: Building Wealth with Real Estate Investments.

1. I would prefer to give a book 5 stars, but cannot always do so. I gave this book as a gift to a friend who is a broker and fellow investor. We have had many discussions about Trump's life. I respect Trump's passion. This book glossed over the details and I had hoped for more tactics. Read it cautiously... Doug Gray, PCC, and author of Passionate Action: 5 Steps to Extraordinary Success in Life and Work



2. I was very disappointed at the shallow nature of this volume. Several chapters in I realized that this was just another way for Trump to generate a few more royalty dollars. This whole volume can be summarized in a few general maxims: Chapters 1-3 Think like an entrepreneur... meaning take risks. Chapters 4-5 Do your OWN homework ... meaning don't rely on generally accepted rules. Chapters 6-10 Come up with the NEXT great idea ..... meaning think outside the box don't just follow the herd. The only reason I did not give this book a 1 star * is that the last four chapters DO contain some valuable information and charts, formulas and methods that DO go beyond just common sense or obvious advice like where's the market headed? (Chapter 6). In particular it was not until the final chapter (14) How to Value Properties did I actualy take my pen and paper out and start to take some notes. A far better read is Confesssions of a Real Estate Entrepreneur. Save your Time. Use your Common Sense and Spend your $22 bucks to buy another book.



3. I do love to read a lot of the books from Trump, and this one is similar to the others in terms of format. It's very vague at times, and the author tries to sell your more books in the script. I'm starting to realize any material offered by Trump is going to have at least 10 books referenced that are highly recommended for you to read once you complete the current one you are reading.
   
   I was expecting to read about all the steps involved with purchasing, financing, marketing, upgrading and managing real estate in this book. I suppose I assumed this would be like a dummy's guide to real estate investing, but it was a little more for the novice investor--at least it was more advanced than the 101 title implies, especially in the final chapter. I was let down in some areas, but the last few chapters about managing and valuating property are phenomenal.
   
   I scaled down the rating due to all the publicity of additional reading material but I did think the final chapter on valuing properties was incredible so I gave it 3 stars. Had it been a little more in depth about financing real estate and excluded all the promoting of other books, then I could've given it 5 stars.



4. This book is a great start up book for investors just getting in the game. What I liked most though it's not like most real estate books where they tell you how to do it.
   They
   dive into the why you do it and the core principles you need to have in order to invest in real estate. The book also shows that real estate is a serious business. Take your time reading this book and grasp the core principles and habits that they are talking about.



5. This book offers very basic, albeit solid advice for beginning investors. For most of you out there, the contents of the book are common sense, "I could have thought of that" answers. The main failing of the book is that the authors do not give enough detalied concrete examples of past deals and projects that made them money, just broadview hypotheticals. It's practically worthless for any investor with half a brain.

3 comments about Powerhouse Principles: The Billionaire Blueprint For Real Estate Success.

1. Powerhouse Principles: The Billionaire Blueprint for Real Estate Success is an entertaining read for the professional and an instructive read for the beginning real estate investor.
   
   For those who do not follow real estate closely, Jorge Perez is the southern half of Related Companies (the northern half is his partner Stephen Ross who developed the highly successful Time Warner Center @ Columbus Circle in NYC and who has just inked a deal with Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York to create 12 million square feet of commercial and residential towers above Manhattan's West Side Railyards).
   
   Jorge has been the premier developer of quality condo's in Miami and Miami Beach AND most importantly, is still solvent and doing quite well thank you in spite of the bursting of the real estate bubble. Jorge and Related Companies have a well deserved reputation for upscale excellence that has served him in good stead.
   
   How did he do it? Get rich and not go broke like many of his over extended competitors? What was his secret? Well, it is a bit like the secret to losing weight: eat less and exercise more. Jorge is a tireless advocate of financial discipline, hard work and SMART work. He knows his territory, he studies his customers, he knows his product, he knows his banks, he knows his subs...
   
   Even tho he well on to his second billion, Jorge still runs scared, still acts and invests as if he could lose it all. In other words, he is aware of his downside on every deal and works hard to keep it minimal.
   
   Jorge strives to know not only his job but the job of everyone around him; he advises the reader to continually 'pick the brains' of all their advisors, to find out WHY they give the advice they do, to learn as much as possible from them, in effect make them your tutors.
   
   Jorge is evidently committed to being a life long learner and instructs potential investors to "read, read, read, read". Yes, that's right he says it 4 times.
   
   While far from an how to manual (Jorge sends his readers elsewhere to get an understanding of IRR), Jorge does give a lot of practical advice, tells a lot of stories that give the reader a good flavor for real estate and make the book flow well.
   
   Jorge covers
   - Five Guiding Principles
   - Four Keys to Successful Investing
   - Ten Commandments of Negotiation
   - Five Rules for Securing Financing
   - Selling It: From Buzz to Frenzy in Five Steps
   - Eight Rules for Building Profits
   - Four Keys for Managing and Growing
   - Three Principles of Change
   
   A lot of common sense but would that common sense were common practice. Jorge writes in an easy to read manner, tells stories that make his points easy to remember and covers the same topic from several different angles which i believe is important to drive a point home and make sure the reader remembers and uses the info at critical decision points. To know and not do is to not know!
   
   In the interest of full disclosure, i own a condo in one of Jorge's first developments, the Portofino. I almost bought it direct from Related when the building was first built (and i briefly met Jorge at that time), instead i bought in Manhattan. Years later i went an bought the same unit from the second owner and paid about two and half times what i would have paid Jorge.
   
   If you want a more technical approach to real estate investing, check out my textbook at Construction Funding: The Process of Real Estate Development, Appraisal, and Finance and if you REALLY want to learn more about real estate investing, check out the University of Florida's Nathan S. Collier Master of Science in Real Estate Program at www.cba.ufl.edu/fire/programs/msre/



2. The book was horrible. I tried to finish it, but after trying over half a dozen times not to throw it away, I gave up. This guy may be good developing condos, but he and his editor couldn't write a book if their life depended on it. Obviously, this book was done for his ego, because he didn't reveal anything informative, helpful or interesting. It was extremely boring and poorly written. The book was more about how smart he thinks he is then about being a good real estate developer. I can name plenty of better real estate books. Do yourself a favor and do something more constructive with your time then read this book.... like buying a pre-construction condo in Miami..



3. This book is the best real estate book i ever read, and i've read hundreds of books. The book does not only talk about real estate but also everything needed to succeed in any businesses. This is the first complete real estate course i've read. It is definitely the bible of real estate investing, development, marketing, negotiating,management and endless success principles. THE GUY WITH THE NEGATIVE RATING DOES NOT NO WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT. READ THIS BOOK IF YOU WANT TO SUCCEED IN REAL ESTATE OR IN ANY BUSINESSES.

5 comments about Trump University Wealth Building 101: Your First 90 Days on the Path to Prosperity (Trump University).

1. This book is great for those who no longer wish to be "poor" and for those who know "there's got to be a better way". Trump University has put together Masters of their chosen field to help everyone prosper. Thank you Mr Trump for providing tools!!!



2. Donald Trump and his team of true expert's have put together a basic guide from getting out of debt to achieving the financial freedom we all dream about. Available are downloadable form's to assist you from going from theory to application using these techniques that they suggest. This isn't rocket science; anyone with the will to get out of debt can do this and even if you make minimum wage.



3. I am a business owner and this book has ignited a new fire in my purpose. It made me take a good look at my business and my managment team. It gave me the insight to make some serious changes that have started to pay big dividens.



4. I was hoping for more from this book.. but it literally is a "101" book on wealth building. Trump's name & picture are on the front but he doesn't write much. The sections are done by different financial people. And their advice is a) very basic and b) fairly slanted. I finished the book and wanted more. The main reason I purchased it was for an intro into the asset protection and there's not much meat here.. nor on most of the other subjects.
   
   Not impressed.



5. Excellent opportunity to take control of my future. I would recommend this to anybody who is serious about a real and lasting change and a future where the only limit is your ability to dream.

5 comments about Why We Want You to Be Rich: Two Men - One Message.

1. I enjoyed pretty much reading this book, it was interesting to see that both of this famous men where once in their life in financial crisis and have huge experience in how to make money work for you instead of working for it; I recommend this book and confirm that in this world if someone wants to succeed and concentrates all of his efforts to do it there's no doubt excellent results can be gained. It comes to my mind Frank Sinatra's song New York, New York when he sings the part of "If I can make it there I'll make it anywhere..." that's in summary what I learned from both Mr. Trump and Mr. Kiyosaki



2. This is a book for the fans. I define fans as people who will buy everything their favorite author or guru puts out and might read it but probably won't.
   I got a lot of "You can do it", and personal observations on what it takes to become rich. Some of the points though I have issue with. For instance, when Kiyosaki starts off with his ratios...you know 80-20, 90-10 stuff...I mean, I hear ya with stick to what you're good at, but what's wrong with trying new things? If you mess up...oh well.
   Trump is just along for the ride. He figured free publicity and just rambles about basic stuff.
   If you want to save a couple of bucks....re-read RDPD and Guide To Investing.



3. I was very interested in this book. I had a hard time putting it down. I am not in the business field and I thought I knew how to handle my money, but after reading this book I see how the rich become richer. I liked how it was written from both sides and their thoughts. Although they are both very wealthy and have similar ideas they are two different people. I highly recommend the book. For those that think network marketing is a scam, you may want to read the chapter dedicated to that subject. Although Networking has been around since the 40's it is still the wave of the future.



4. This is an awesome book and I highly recommend it no matter what business you are in or what walk of life you come from...........



5. These two men really opened my eyes. There is a difference in working for money and letting money work for you.

5 comments about Trump Never Give Up: How I Turned My Biggest Challenges into Success.

1. One of the things I liked about this book is that it didn't deal with too much phylosophy. Mr. Trump talks about his real stories and what he learned from them. The things that have happened to this man are quite amazing and he really never gave up. If it was for the most people, they'd sure as hell throw in the towel.
   
   Aside from that, there are some great profound thoughts that he shares and how he uses them in real life. As usual, he talks about his father and the things he learned from him but, having said that, this is a book I easily read in 4/5 hours after I got it and it was a fun read.



2. "Trump: Never Give Up - How I Turned My Biggest Challenges into Success" by Donald J. Trump with Meredith McIver is The Donald's newest book of success principles that he seems to be putting out regularly the last few years. This, like the others is an enjoyable read and contains simple, but important principles for success.
   
   The book can easily be read in a couple of ways. You could read through the entire book quite quickly. It is not that long, and is an easy read. Alternatively, you could read one or two chapters at a time in little spurts for a daily dose of motivation. The 168 pages consist of 41 chapters. Each of these contains a lesson that Trump learned from experience. Some of the stories you have read before if you have read his previous books. Anyone familiar with Trump is familiar with the Wollman Rink story, but I did not mind reading about it again as Trump told how when you think you can complete a six-year project in six months, you probably can. Other examples in the book have been written about before as well, but they were put here with a new twist. Then there were stories in this book that have never been told before, so the reader gets even more insight into the phenomena that has become Donald Trump. I especially liked reading about his patriotism in the Defending the Flag chapter.
   
   I enjoyed reading Trump's tales and how his persistence and never give up attitude helped him succeed. I agree with him when he states, "Losers give up." I also think this summary paragraph has a lot of meaning for anyone who would heed the advice and live it, " Strive for wholeness, believe in yourself, keep your momentum at full throttle, and be strong and tough in your resilience. Don't expect anything less than that from yourself, and I can assure you that success will become a permanent situation for you, even when your external circumstances may not show it. Never Give Up!"
   
   Reading about the challenges Trump overcame to reach his success should motivate the reader to overcome his or her own challenges. As Trump points out in chapter after chapter, he has faced many challenges and tough situations over the years. Prepare to face those challenges and you will have a much better chance of succeeding. And even Trump failed a number of times. It is all part of life. You won't succeed without failing a few times along the way.
   
   Some of the lessons include: Failure Is Not Permanent: Wholeness and the Art of the Comeback; Is This a Blip or a Catastrophe? Be Prepared for Things That Happen Outside Your Game Plan; Expect Problems and You'll Be Ready When They Come: Getting Trump Tower Off the Ground; Separate Yourself from the Complaining Crowd: You Can Create Your Own Luck; Courage Isn't the Absence of Fear, It's the Conquering of Fear; If You See Big Problems, Look for Big Opportunities: Transforming a Dilapidated neighborhood into a World-Class Hot Spot; Know When to Cut Your Losses; Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously; Don't Get Complacent - Thinking You're Foolproof Is a Good Way to Set Yourself Up for a Big Mistake: How New Trump Projects Happen; Fred Trump's Four-Step Formula for Getting Things Done; Get the Most From Every Day; Think Internationally; and many others. As I stated, there are 41 short simple chapters that illustrate not giving up.
   
   The book also contains Trump's Top 10 List for Success in Appendix A, and Trump's Rules for Negotiating in Appendix B. These again are just simple little one liners, but they are very good advice.
   
   The entire book is a fun motivating read. If you apply the simple lessons and use it to motivate yourself, you won't be disappointed.
   
   
   Reviewed by Alain Burrese, author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks and the dvds: Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials series and articles including a regular column on negotiation for The Montana Lawyer. Alain Also wrote a series of articles called Lessons From The Apprentice.



3. "Trump Never Give Up," is a must read! One of the first things Mr. Trump mentions, is how important it is to believe and have confidence in yourself. I am a firm believer in this. Having confidence can pull you through any challenge life may throw at you. This book is a must read! It's written by a genuine, BRILLIANT MAN, who has been through many challenges, and has come up on top, every time.
   
   Michelle Rossi/ Author of All About Me
   Contributing Author in Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul
   Contributing Author in Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul 2
   Contributing Author in Chicken Soup for the Child's Soul



4. This book is a great read. It pumps me up when I read Mr. Trump's books and this one is no different. I've used his advice several times in my career and have climbed up the corporate ladder thanks to it. He definitely knows what he is taking about, he's been up, down and up again. He's a winner and I've learned a lot about life reading his books. Everyone should read his books to learn how to handle themselves in work situations (negotiating salary, asking for a promotion, dealing with clients are some examples). Never Give Up tells you how to pick yourself up when you are down. We all make mistakes, even Mr. Trump and it's great he shares how he bounced back from being down.
   
   It would be cool to sit down and talk with him but since the majority of us can't, these books are almost as good as sitting down and chatting with The Donald himself. Great work, very inspiring and highly recommended from me.



5. This is the first book by Donald Trump bought or read I could not give it more than three stars - I appreciate Donald Trump was not in the best financial situation in the early 1990's but the fact remains he came from a rich family if he did not have the contacts to get him out of trouble then I'm sure he could have turned to his parents. Most of the stories written in this book are straight forward problems associated with real estate development and are completed within two or three pages, WHAT made me buy the book was the interest in Donald Trump overcoming those financial problems that caused him so many troubles in the early 1990's BUT no such luck very little detail of the problem and very little detail as to how he overcame them.

5 comments about Trump Strategies for Real Estate: Billionaire Lessons for the Small Investor.

1. This book is great for somebody looking to find the 'big picture' in real estate, with some very helpful thoughts to guide decisions. Working in real estate, I have already used much of the advice in this book with my real estate clients with great success. Though not all thoughts apply to my area, the book as a whole was a great read.



2. This book is very informative about how to change your thinking as well as your practices when it comes to real estate. Very great book for a begginner investor.



3. its a good book for anyone to read and its been a big help to me.
   i suggest you read it if you intrested in investment.



4. This is one of those books that actually accomplishes what it sets out to do. For anyone who has ever watched Trump's show, you know Mr. Ross as the quiet man who gives spot-on advice (which Trump doesn't always heed--too bad!). Mr. Ross is great not only at story-telling but also at gleaning lessons (life lessons) from his and others' experiences. He shares those in this book without being too preachy. While it's quite clear his background is solidly in NYC, he does a good job in expanding his lessons to other parts of the country. This book is a very good read!



5. 2 July 2008 - This is on par with Rich Dad and the best book I have read about Real Estate. He had practical advise that while not easy to do it was easy to understand. Like Ross says if it is easy to do then there are not a lot of profits in it.

5 comments about Think BIG and Kick Ass in Business and Life.

1. Somebody should 'Think Big' and kick The Donald
   [Trump's] A*S! Any New Jersey Generals fans left
   out there that I can have do it? As usual, it's
   very slim in anything but bragging and full of
   b.s. about his 'USFL Experience'. Yawn!



2. Very Strong & Encouraging read. A step towards the business side of life...Very informative, promotes a strong attitude for setting new goals and acheiving them.



3. This is an awesome book! Donald Trump's passion and "take no-nonsense attitude" is refreshing and inspiring. His passion explodes off the pages as he shares his insight on having a successful life. I love how Donald shares his experiences - both the "failures" and "successes". He sees failures as opportunities to learn what doesn't work and how success will follow when you continue to "Think Big" regardless of whether the circumstances are in your preferences. Reading this book comes at a perfect time in my life, as I work at a Bank and have just recently been promoted to an Analyst position. It is now time to write this year's objectives for the next phase of my career. The next promotion will be to an Associate, and I feel so inspired by Donald's book - that anything is possible when I "Think Big".
   
   Authors Ariel & Shya Kane strongly echo Donald Trump's keys to success in their books, Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: A Book About Instantaneous Transformation, How To Create a Magical Relationship, and Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment. After reading these books by Ariel & Shya Kane, I quickly climbed the corporate ladder from Admin. Assistant, to Loan Service Admin., to Analyst - in just four years. As I approached my job with excellence, I have found satisfaction in all areas in my life. If you find Donald Trump's book as inspiring as I did, check out the Kanes and discover that life becomes easy when you live in the moment, and success is a wonderful by-product.



4. Firstly, I have a confession to make. I am not a billionaire!!
   
   Now that makes this review kind of merky because who is to question a billionaire right? I must admit when I was 2/3 finish with this book I was already to give it 4 stars. I guess you're thinking so what changed? Well after doing away with the adage that because Mr. Trump is a billionaire that this book, "must be", the gospel and I "must" follow. I realized that I have an opinion of my own. I think the begginning of the book, the quiz, absolutely sucks and is definetly not for every one. ALthough, I "passed", the quiz I felt like it was a bogus one with assumptions that everyone has a spouse and other rediculous Q & A. What was funny is once your finish with the quiz you see the answers then Donald says," If you didn't pass the quiz read the book and you should be certain to pass,lol. Aside from that alot of the book is regurgitaded repeating many of the same points over and over. I think the chapter on momentum and keep your eye on the ball are really the same. However, the authors decided to break them up to stretch the book out. Also, the book is not like other reads in that Donald trys to give real world approach to business. His style of business is not my style. People who work 18 hour days and no time for other things have convinced themselves that what they do makes them happy. I hate to break it to you but business is business and know matter how much you may love your work it is a job(besides who says, when I grow up I wanna be a real estate developer). I think I will take Tim Feriss advice over Donald and Bill on this one. Another thing I had a problem with is the, "buy the best of things in life" even if you don't have it!! Assuming you will recoup it from your business clients after they see how, "rich" you look. There got to be a better way. I'd hate to see somebody lose everything taking such a gamble. I would rather take the, "millionaire next door" approach to business here.
   
   Aside from all my complaints about this book there is nothing wrong with reading it. The inspiration of "thinking big" may just be the inspiration you need to help you be on your way. If you could use a little inspiration and a, "rah rah" moment then pick this book up from your local library and enjoy it. In fairness to Bill Zanker I liked his anecdotes they worked for him and they was nice to read and also Donald had some interesting things that are great reminders of being a business titan. For instance, when he says there's no win win in business. Donald Trump frankness is refreshing and that is what I like about this book. Although, I don't agree with some things, overall this book is an OK read. Why not snatch it up from your library? It won't cost you nothing to decide your self.



5. I actually checked this book out at the library and ended up loving it so much I plan to purchase it from Amazaon. I own a small business and am always searching for a new perspective on anything regarding business so I thought I would see what the Donald had to say about it.
   
   I appreciate his direct approach and the book was always entertaining. Yes, he was born into money but the man has guts and has experienced his fair share of low points in his business endeavors. He has a lot of passion for what he does and although his advice is simple, "common sense" it is still informative- if you are willing to apply your knowledge. It's a book I will refer to often, even if it's just to keep my confidence levels high and build my momentum. I recommend it.

5 comments about Trump: The Art of the Deal.

1. The fact that this book was written years ago makes it more valuable to someone who's looking for a good business book. Trump has developed his brand in an amazing way utilizing his abbility to relate to people. That way is making deals. Definetly a great book that teaches you one of the most important lessons to learn in business: how to make deals.



2. Great book!!! I purchased this book because it was a best seller. Glad I did, it was before all the drama with his wives and near declaration of bankcruptcy. It explains his roots to his rise as one of the wealthiest land owners. Great read, hard to put down.



3. Wow, The Donald has no real wig on this cover! Actually, this book is quite different from his later books. Here he gets into detail much more often and gives you better insight into the rise of his career (his fall and second rise came after this book).
   
   In this book you'll get the examples about Trump that made him rise. He was as bold then as he is now. Only difference was he had less money, but it'll make you realize that if you want to be succesful in the future you have to act succesful in the present.
   
   All the casino's and buildings he built early on in his career are mentioned in the book and the details about the deals are fun to read. Just consider this is a one-sided story, but the examples fit their goal.
   
   This book is like The Donald without a wig: strange, but fun to see.



4. This is a excellent wealth of information and insight in Mr. Trump's life and business dealings of his early years. Learned he is a very good man. It is as intended very inspiring. Made me fill like I needed to go out and build sky scrapers as well, witch after reading this book now believe we all do in ways that fit each of us. Recomend reading his following book next Trump: The Art of the Comeback for more clairity.



5. The Art of the deal is the only book written by Trump that I recommend; however, I rate this as one of the finest autobiographies I have read.
   
   The Art of the Deal takes you behind the scenes and into the thoughts of one of the great deal makers of our time. Donald jumps right in with a detailed daily account of his business dealings for an entire week offering a genuine feel for the life of high society and big-time business decisions. He goes on to discuss his childhood and the brilliance of his self made father whose millions enabled Donald to jump start his own career in Manhattan.
   
   Donald spends the bulk of his book discussing in detail his triumphs in Manhattan; from starting as unknown developer to gaining celebrity status as an entrepreneur. He outlines his often unpopular decisions such as filling half of one of his buildings with the homeless while waiting for tenants to give up their leases. He also outlines his knack for efficiency by taking over the construction of the Wollman Rink from the city and finishing the project in far less time and for reduced costs. Donald further discusses his entrance into the casino industry in New Jersey as well as his plans to build the world's tallest building on the west side and court NBC as its main tenant (something that obviously did not come to fruition). Perhaps this book is at its best in its discussion of Trump Tower, Donald's largest love and possibly most significant investment having been profitable even before completion of construction.
   
   Since the time when he finished the book, Donald's life has taken numerous turns many of which fall outside of real estate development. The Art of the Deal at its core is all about his real estate empire. Donald gives off none of the arrogance that he is often associated with, the only exception being in his aggressive approach to business. If you enjoy the real estate industry and want to hear from one of its great tycoons, The Art of the Deal is essential reading.