Customer Reviews

Trump: The Art of the Comeback

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This book fails to live up to its title "The Art of the Comeback." Having devoting only one full chapter on how he came back from near bankruptcy, Donald Trump fails to give his audience a proper perspective on the ingredients of coming back. His theme, like his other two books, is basically about all his acquisitions. If you truly are looking for a book about the inside secrets of negotiations, business practices, and real estate finance, don't buy this book. Instead, try to get his first book "The Art of the Deal." Now, that's a book you can learn a thing or two from.

Everyone either loves or hates Donald Trump! He is what we all want to be. He says and does what we all want to say and do. A very successfull businessman is probably someone that many of us would not like. In order to be able to do what they do , they have to have a large dose of ego and self confidence. They must be assertive. We the little people spend thousands reading inspirational books, attending seminars, and all the rest of that stuff to be successful, searching for that millionaire mentality, yet we condem it when we find someone who really has it! I enjoyed the book immensely. Yes there was a lot of DONALD, but so what? Read it, and learn!

I have long been a fan of Donald Trump. I have read every book available on him, including this newest one. This book gives a little insight to his inner workings, and some of his deals. The biggest disappointment for me is that Donald will not share any of his vast financial acumen with us. He is very gifted in the arena of finance, and I wish that he would impart some of that knowledge on us. Perhaps he feels like this would give away some of his business advantage, or maybe he just likes chest pounding better that education. In contrast, Warren Buffet spends lots of time telling us the exact formulas and philosophies that he has used to become a billionaire from the stock market. Donald Trump has a great gift, and I wish he would write one more book to share even a portion of that with us.

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.

Save your time and skip this one. Page after page of name dropping and boasting. Who cares?! I was interested in some factual info about how he does business. Unfortunately that only amounts to about 10%. You're Fired!

"The Art of the Comeback" is an inspirational account of a brilliant man looking adversity in the face and then making it work to his advantage. "The Art of the Comeback" allows the reader to get to know "The Donald" on his own terms and in his own words. Trump discusses the rewards of hard work, the loyalty of others, the women in (and out of) his life, and his ability to rise to the top again after being billions of dollars in debt.

Some may mistake Trump's confidence for arrogance. That's not arrogance, that's honesty. It is ok to claim to be one of the best when you *are* one of the best. Trump has gone from having it all, to losing it all, to amassing it all again plus some. Trump is a phoenix that will undoubtedly always rise from the ashes.

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.

Trump knew exactly what we'd say after we read the book. He's egotistical and he's egotistical. But, he gets to talk about what he wants -- his sucesses -- and he gets to take a jab (or a full swing) at everyone who's irked him. Between him and his ghost-writer, he's even able to sound gracious and sincere while doing so.

You may not get much real estate developer knowledge out of this one, but you'll come away thinking that Trump is an innocent victim. He's an innocent victim who is also the savior of New York (Hell -- all of the East Coast) and the world's premier developer. He helps everyone and provides advice to anyone in a position of influence. Alas, he is still but a victim to press and even to those who he tries to help.

They'll all learn someday...!

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.

This book should be called "The Art of Looking Like An Arrogant Moron." Although there may be brief passages of note concerning Trump's comeback (a legitimate topic of interest--when you happen to find one), most of the book is just a 'Damn, I am a god' thing. If you remember Jerry Lewis' character Johhny Love, you get the idea. A chapter on his women? Puh-leeze! Trump says it is his last book. Do us all a favor and keep your word. The man who wrote Art of the Deal would be ashamed of this book.