Trump: The Art of the Deal

I liked this book a lot, and the stuff it taught me was pretty solid. You learn about how President Trump thinks, and it’s honestly pretty cool. I got a lot out of it, and use it when I try and make deals or buy stuff.

I thought the first chapter was weirdly written well. Everything beyond that was a complete waste of time to read, and I eventually gave up on finishing the book.

Putting all political beliefs aside, I see this as quite an interesting read (even if he had a ghostwriter write it). One must take away all contemporary political beliefs and read this book in the original context that it was written: Trump at his height. This was the book that defined Trump as a character and gives insight into his style of thinking. One must also understand that to make a career out of real estate is a miraculous feat. To make a career out of NEW YORK real estate is an even larger miraculous feat. Even if Trump inherited several millions dollars, he could have easily been the "trust fund kid" that spent it all away. Trump somehow survived in this vicious market and learned how to thrive in it. He made his name into an international, multi-billion dollar brand. That is not something that comes easy. Trump's way of business is briefly summarized: Trump found ways to reduce all risks for himself while finding ways to have others take on the risk. This happens while Trump gains a chunk of the profits with no personal liability. Extremely clever political, legal, and business maneuvering is what's needed. And that extremely clever maneuvering that Trump describes in this book shows how it's all done. Finding loopholes in legal codes, making friends with the "right" people, and cashing in on other's failures are his chief strategies. Sounds simple? Think again. In New York, everybody is scrambling to find their own ways around while Trump has already found his. Of course, I found some contents in the book slightly comical, if not foreshadowing. Trump's given rationalization on why he accepted few black residents (leading to a lawsuit against Trump for discrimination), moving in homeless persons into his property as a guise to get residents to move out (which Trump describes in this book as good-natured), and his constant bashing of Ed Koch shows how even his narrative at the time can be greatly twisted. Trump constantly makes himself out as a do-gooder in this book, which begs the question: What could Trump be lying to us or exaggerating in this book? That is a question that scholars will have scrambling around for years to come. Overall. I cannot say this book was on either extremes of a 1/5 or 5/5. This book was quite an interesting read that I felt at times could have been more honest. I rate this book a 3/5 or a low 4/5 for the insight, lessons, and readability that this book provides. If you don't agree with my rating, I suggest you to read the book on your own and form your own opinion. Who knows? Perhaps you may end up liking/hating the book much more than you originally thought.

This book is a mix of personal anecdotes, business advice, and showmanship for former President Trump. If you have issues with dreaming big, this is the book for you. The book is well written and talks about many identifiable landmarks, making reader immersion very easy. There is enough personal opinion in this book, as well autobiographical content, to give the reader a potentially new perspective on The Donald.

The book genuinely describes Donald's way to the top. The guy who is the target to so much criticism and jokes these days does deserve at least some respect. I especially like his take on the city officials, their incompetence and outright corruption. The struggle of private enterprise and authorities had never been described better. Extremely valuable advice on the ways to deal with all injustice and unfairness of human interaction in business.

This is a must read for anyone in the real estate industry or those intending to enter the industry. Donald Trump tells how he did it - about himself, his deals, his money, the people he dealt with, his women... He tells you how the real estate industry really works and about the city he loves - New York. The stories of his deal-making strategies are absolutely captivating. I also recommend reading The Art of the Comeback.

I loved this book. It was interesting to hear how some big real estate deals are made and I began realizing that a lot of Donald Trump's successes came from common sense decisions. While we won't all be able to participate on such a grand scale, I think we can all learn something from his experiences. Sure, he may be a bit egotistical and that always turns me off but do yourself a favor and ignore that to see how you can benefit from this information.

I first read this book in 1989, and have since read it at least50 times. I wondered, then, if Mr. Trump had any concept of theimmense thoughts his book had let loose in my mind- a hungry mind that was looking for an experience with a power-packed and successful spirit to emulate. This book provided that spirit and has helped make me money. This is a book which has a wealth of "risk management" style strategies and tactics executed with military precision. If you are willing to look intently between the lines you will find the heart and soul of "The Winner" and "The Mogul" that lies deep within you.