Talk About the Elephant: A Humorous Way to Talk to Your Loved Ones About Debt, Budgeting, and Personal Finance

by Daniel Blakeslee, Darline Holmes (illustrator)

74 pages, Paperback

Published September 16, 2023

About the author

Blakeslee is an experienced leader and a trainer of leaders. He is a pastor, college professor, husband, father and grandfather. He lives with his wife, Michele, in Chesapeake, Virginia. He consults with non-profit organizations, churches and businesses to help them accomplish their mission - efficiently and effectively. He was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana.

After graduating from high school Blakeslee enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He volunteered for the Submarine Service. Daniel advanced to Chief Petty Officer and served on board three nuclear powered submarines as the Leading Engineering Laboratory Technician and an Engineering Watch Supervisor.

Before the start of Desert Storm, Blakeslee was assigned to the U. S. Navy's Leadership Development Program (NLDP) as an instructor. He taught hundreds of first time managers and mentored them as they transitioned from worker to leader. He was later joined the instructor school for the leadership program, where he was consistently singled out by officer and senior enlisted students as a premiere instructor and leader.

Blakeslee was awarded the Master Training Specialist for his work in the Leadership Instructor School. He developed curriculum for the pilot course for the Navy's Total Quality Management (TQM) Program, later called Total Quality Leadership (TQL). Blakeslee designed the curriculum and taught the pilot course before he deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield.

Blakeslee served as the Lead Pastor and Executive Pastor of three churches. He was the Director of Operations for the Baptist Bible Fellowship International and on the faculty and administration of Baptist Bible College and Graduate School. He is currently serving as the Administrative Pastor at the Point Harbor Community Church in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Reviews

[Muskan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk About the Elephant is an incredibly intriguing and insightful financial book. Written in an extraordinary tone and format, this book will surely keep you engaged through and through.


This humorous account talks about debts, budgeting and finances. Written in a way that is entertaining and self-explanatory, this book definitely outshone my initial expectations and thoughts. The author's writing conveys topics of savings, budget planning to tackling debts instead of drowning in it.


"Budget and save,


be mindful and wise,


So you won't fall into that debt- filled disguise."


- An excerpt from the book.


With colorful vivid illustrations, this book provides a foundation to understand and conquer financial situations and debts. The author carries out a meaningful and thoughtful approach to this humongous situation that usually burdens one's mind. When I went into the book, I knew nothing about it, not even the blurb however it was soon apparent that it is not your simple, garden variety financial advice book, it encapsulates much more extensively explored topics in a relaxed and calm manner with a resonating tone of speech. The book has also conveyed several situations and incidents of life that is common to all. 


It's a must read for all the readers.  "Talk About the Elephant" is a powerful and profound gem in the literary world. I enjoyed reading this masterpiece.

[Jithendra Jithu · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 Book Review: "Talk About the Elephant" by Daniel Blakeslee 📚

Rating:5/5

Review:

👉Embark on a captivating journey through the often daunting realm of personal finance with Daniel Blakeslee's "Talk About the Elephant." 🐘

✨ Whimsical and Playful Narrative: Blakeslee injects a breath of fresh air into financial literature with his unique, Dr. Seuss-inspired writing style. The book unfolds like a storybook, making complex financial concepts approachable and entertaining. Each page is adorned with vibrant illustrations, adding a delightful touch to the learning experience. 🎨📖

💡 Insightful Financial Wisdom: Beyond its whimsy, the book is a treasure trove of practical advice. From the importance of savings to strategies for tackling debts, Blakeslee provides invaluable insights in a concise yet impactful manner. The lyrical prose doesn't dilute the depth of the financial lessons; instead, it enhances understanding, making it accessible to readers of all levels of financial literacy. 💡💸

🌟 Engaging for All Ages: "Talk About the Elephant" transcends age barriers. While designed as a guide for young adults and Financial Peace University graduates, its universal appeal extends to anyone seeking a lighthearted but meaningful approach to personal finance. The book effortlessly balances entertainment with education, ensuring an enjoyable read for all. 🌟👶👵

🤔 Beyond Expectations: For those expecting a conventional financial advice book, "Talk About the Elephant" is a delightful surprise. It goes beyond the conventional boundaries, exploring financial topics with depth and humor. The unexpected blend of entertainment and wisdom turns what could be a dry subject into a captivating experience. 🎭🤓

👏 Thoughtful and Relatable: Blakeslee seamlessly integrates relatable life situations into the narrative, creating a connection between the reader and the financial journey. It's not just about numbers and budgets; it's a compassionate guide that acknowledges the shared experiences of financial challenges. 👥🌐

🌈 Conclusion: "Talk About the Elephant" is a powerful literary gem that manages to educate, entertain, and resonate on multiple levels.

Happy reading!.