The Secret of Shelter Island: Money and What Matters (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

How to lead a "rich" life during trying economic times

In The Secret of Shelter Island, nationally renowned financial analyst and bestselling author Alexander Green explores the complicated relationship we all have with money and reveals the road map to a rich life.

Drawing on some of today's best minds and many of history's greatest thinkers, The Secret of Shelter Island is both a much-needed source of inspiration and an insightful look at the role of both money and values in the pursuit of the good life.

• Addresses what really matters when it comes to money and how to make smarter decisions with what you have
• Describes the profound connection between money, character, personal philosophy, and outlook
• Other bestselling titles by Green: The Gone Fishin' Portfolio

If you want to understand what ultimately provides meaning, contentment, and the satisfaction of a life well-lived, then read The Secret of Shelter Island.

From the Inside Flap

Most of us devote a substantial percentage of our waking hours to making, spending, and having more. This desire to accumulate is natural. But when a bigger bank balance—or the things it can buy—becomes our animating purpose, disappointment generally follows. In The Secret of Shelter Island, nationally renowned investment analyst and bestselling author Alexander Green explores the complicated relationship we all have with money and reveals the road map to a rich life.

The timing could hardly be better. After more than twenty-five years of virtually uninterrupted prosperity, the U.S. economy has hit a rough patch. Yet to the extent that downturns like the current one shake up the status quo and force us to reexamine our goals and priorities, they also offer enormous opportunities.

The Secret of Shelter Island provides an ideal starting point. Drawing on some of today's best minds and many of history's greatest thinkers, it is both a much-needed source of inspiration and an insightful look at the role of both money and values in the pursuit of the good life.

The book is arranged around four central themes. In Part I, "A Rich Mind," Green explores such key questions as: How important is money in your life? What is it giving you? What is it costing you? In Part II, "What Matters Most," he discusses how to calculate your real net worth—without using a financial statement. In Part III, "Attitudes and Gratitude," he offers powerful insights based on a deceptively simple philosophy of life. In the final section of the book, "The Search for Meaning," he delivers a refreshing take on the universal principles that guide us all-or should.

The Secret of Shelter Island is full of practical wisdom. More than just a personal philosophy, it is a profound and utterly modern commentary on timeless values, the search for meaning, and what it means to be truly wealthy.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 265 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (June 9, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470482281
• ISBN-13: 978-0470482285
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #48,177 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Secret of Shelter Island -- Money and What Matters, July 9, 2009

By	M. Smalley (Owls Head Maine) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I really enjoyed this book. It was a great source of inspiration about the role of money in pursuit of "the good life". But it was also a surprisingly fun read too. I found myself returning to the chapter on The Difference Between Getting Rich and Being Rich several times. It's refreshing to have a book such as this which delves into the essence of acquiring wealth and the Secret of Shelter Island. Highly recommended.

31 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More than a book about money, June 11, 2009

By	James L. "Investorman" (Palm Beach, FL) - See all my reviews

A terrific book - each little chapter is like a nugget of practical instruction for how to be happy, whether you're rich or not.

This book puts money into perspective, without in anyway downplaying its importance. Very unusual combination, and very useful.

If you like investing and making money - but suspect there's more to life than your bank balance - you will enjoy this book.

41 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Worthwhile..., June 12, 2009

By	The W - See all my reviews

As an avid reader, particularly of books about money, I've become a bit skeptical regarding content. Much of what I read is either too obvious or completely nonsensical. But I'm happy to report that this author's effort is legit. The philosophies that underpin this book are truly unique -- ones I'll likely incorporate into my life's approach. And I can only say that about a handful of books, lately.