Customer Reviews

Boy Wonder of Wall Street: The Life and Times of Financier Eddie Gilbert

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have known Eddie Gilbert personally for over a decade, and I find that at 80 years old he continues to work as hard as most people in their 30's. He is a driven man, whose ambition is boundless.

This recent book is a swift read and covers the major events in Eddie's life in a well researched and balanced way. From the heights of two separate fortunes to the depths of two jail stints, it is really an amazing story. The most amazing part is that it is true. Eddie Gilbert is still making history today as a very, very successful real estate investor. Everything he touches turns to gold. He is a very loyal family man, who values friendships and would do everything to follow through on his word.

I recommend reading the book, not for its literary merits, which are very modest, but for the truly extraordinary story of the many lives of Eddie Gilbert.

Richard Whittingham has always produced exciting and important books (in military history, police novels, sports history, etc.). So it shouldn't have come as a surprise when I picked up his latest, "Boy Wonder of Wall Street" (biography), and had trouble putting it down. But I was surprised. After all, what's to admire about another financier (yawn), especially one who has been labeled an "embezzler" and a "crook"(ugh)? Well, Whittingham has produced again. "Boy Wonder" is spellbinding. It's a consistently surprising, revealing and ultimately heart-warming tale of a truly unforgettable character. Rarely in biography (and fiction, for that matter) is an ending of sweet redemption so winningly delivered --- and I have given away nothing with that statement except that this is a terrific read that will stay with you a long time. Need a new hero in your life? Eddie Gilbert's your man. Five stars!

This well written book is a facinating review of a very intelligent man that made some poor decisions early in his career and spent most of his life redeeming himself to the public and his friends. It is wonderful to read about his ultimate success in overcoming the adversity of the press, the legal system and the cutthroat Wall Street environment. The book illustrates that it is possible to have been in jail and to be financially successful and respected by family and business associates alike in the end.

The author did a excellent job of researching the material that has resulted in a very factual, objective narrative... but it still reads like a novel!

I would strongly recommend purchasing this book, particularly if you are a business leader that must make people judgements.

Pick it up and you won't be able to put it down!