By James D. Scurlock - King Larry: The Life and Ruins of a Billionaire Genius (Reprint) (2014-11-02) [Paperback]

by James D. Scurlock

Excellent Book

Genres: Biography, Business, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 10, 2012

About the author

James D. Scurlock studied at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania before dropping out to pursue an entrepreneurial venture and later a documentary film career. His first film, Parents of the Year, won numerous awards and was an official selection of more than twenty-five film festivals. His first feature-length documentary, Maxed Out, explored our culture of debt and won the Special Jury Prize at South by Southwest. His first book, a companion to the award-winning documentary, was nominated for the National MS Society's "Books for a Better Life" Award. He has written, primarily about the impending (and now realized) financial crisis, for Slate, Newsweek, The Huffington Post, and AARP Magazine, among others. He has also appeared on numerous programs, including Nightline, The Today Show, and CNBC’s Power Lunch. Scurlock lives in Santa Monica, California.

Reviews

[Isaac Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

First half of the book is awesome where you read about Larry Hillblom being the archetypal randian hero building up DHL, increasing efficiency, innovating, reducing costs and being frugal and brilliant. Rest of the book is him descending in to what is (allegedly) becoming a crazed deranged sex tourist travelling Asia and engaging in skulduggery (a how not to live your life basically). Also, good lesson in why if you're a crazy fly by seat of your pants sort of person you should typically not fly your own planes.

[John Vanhara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book

[Tony Gualtieri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating study of wealth and its effects. The first two sections are great reading, but the last, covering wrangling over the estate, are somewhat anticlimactic.

[Joel S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

My husband, Chris, worked with and for Larry in setting up more than 30 DHL offices around the world. Therefore, I felt compelled to read the book. I first met Larry Hillbloom in Honolulu when the DHL courier leg was only Honolulu to Los Angeles and then San Francisco was added.
I do know many DHL stories that aren't included in this book. I wish the author had interviewed me! At any rate Larry was obviously an intelligent guy but definitely twisted.

I don't know if this book is worth the read....come and chat with me if you really want to know the fascinating story!

[Carl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a great book, but an interesting book. It could have had more editing to keep it focused on the subject, since there is a lot of extraneous scene and setting about getting the interviews for the book—yes, these guys are unusual, but it wanders off to the point that I was skimming many parts. This often leaves me wondering where we are in the story. Larry Hillblom was an odd character and did a lot of odd things to make a success of DHL. I would have appreciated a little bit more of how the company perceives itself since the author says they see their history somewhat differently.

[Thuy · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was very detailed, and explains a lot of history without feeling so much like a history book.

i'm glad Be Lory and his Mom had the sense to put their boost in wealth to good use for their future and their legacy. giving birth under tree alludes to a more cultural symbolism to me, as a vietnamese american, who grew up in a buddhist home, where Sakyamuni himself attained enlightenment while sitting under a tree.

for the rest of the heirs it just shows that more money is not the answer to everyone's problems.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as a giveaway from Goodreads First Reads. This is the story of Larry Hillblom who was one of the founders of the DHL company. Based on the extensively researched facts of a somewhat complex (to put it mildly) probate estate that consisted of so many somewhat shaky business deals, a multitude of greedy lawyers, and heirs popping out of the woodwork. that it compels the reader to continue on just to found out how it is finally settled.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was right up my alley as an estate planning attorney who spent a little over a year clerking in the probate court. The nightmare this Estate must have been for everyone involved! The book started slow for me... but once you get to the part where he dies (that should NOT be a spoiler alert moment) the book really takes off.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The almost unbelievable story of the "H" in DHL. It should be a must-read for business school students. Reads like a novel. It would be interesting to learn how DHL survived and thrived in spite of its co-founders.

[Sirreene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the book to be interesting. It had information in it of which I was unaware. I would have to fact check for my own personal accuracy as I do not believe anything I read. I found the subject of the book to be quite odd and surprisingly very much unknown.

[Walter Bush · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read about a true character. Larry Hillblom was a true genius, and like many true geniuses, off the charts weird.

[Kory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm only half way through the told life of Hillbrom. Could I be more fascinated? I want more stories of the such lucked or trifled.

[Kalle Wescott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating read. More interesting, even, than the life story of the other King Larry (Ellison).