What do you think?
Rate this book
Damn, It Feels Good to Be a Banker: And Other Baller Things You Only Get to Say If You Work on Wall Street
In one egregious.
Damn It Feels Good to Be a Banker is a Wall Street epic, a war cry for the masses of young professionals behind desks at Investment Banks, Hedge Funds, and Private Equity shops around the world. With chapters like "No. We do not have any 'hot stock tips' for you," "Mergers are a girl's best friend," and "Georgetown I wouldn't let my maids' kids go there," the book captures the true essence of being in high finance.
DIFGTBAB thematically walks through Wall Street culture, pointing out its the bushleagueness of a Men's Warehouse suit or squared-toe shoes, the power of 80s pop, and the importance of Microsoft Excel shortcut keys as related to ever being able to have any significant global impact.
The book features various, vivid illustrations of Bankers in their natural state (ballin'), and, in true Book 2.0 fashion, numerous, insightful comments from actual readers of the widely popular website LeveragedSellOut.com.
Thorough and well-executed, it's lens into the heart of an often misunderstood, unfairly stereotyped subset of our society. The view--breathtaking.
Reader Responses
"After reading this clueless propaganda, I strongly believe that you are a racist, misogynist jerk. FYI, Size 6 is not fat." --Banker Chick
"Strong to very strong." --John Carney, Editor-In-Chief, Dealbreaker.com
"I used to feel pretty good about making $200K/year." --Poor person
Damn It Feels Good to Be a Banker is a Wall Street epic, a war cry for the masses of young professionals behind desks at Investment Banks, Hedge Funds, and Private Equity shops around the world. With chapters like "No. We do not have any 'hot stock tips' for you," "Mergers are a girl's best friend," and "Georgetown I wouldn't let my maids' kids go there," the book captures the true essence of being in high finance.
DIFGTBAB thematically walks through Wall Street culture, pointing out its the bushleagueness of a Men's Warehouse suit or squared-toe shoes, the power of 80s pop, and the importance of Microsoft Excel shortcut keys as related to ever being able to have any significant global impact.
The book features various, vivid illustrations of Bankers in their natural state (ballin'), and, in true Book 2.0 fashion, numerous, insightful comments from actual readers of the widely popular website LeveragedSellOut.com.
Thorough and well-executed, it's lens into the heart of an often misunderstood, unfairly stereotyped subset of our society. The view--breathtaking.
Reader Responses
"After reading this clueless propaganda, I strongly believe that you are a racist, misogynist jerk. FYI, Size 6 is not fat." --Banker Chick
"Strong to very strong." --John Carney, Editor-In-Chief, Dealbreaker.com
"I used to feel pretty good about making $200K/year." --Poor person
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
13 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 3, 2015
Top-of-the-art trolling. High-five the author(s).
August 25, 2014
A more appropriate title for this book would be "Damn! It feels good to be a hubris filled fuckhole of a banker"
This book can be found in almost all the major "Essentials for MBA aspirants" book lists, lauding the author's wit and the seldom occasion when a 'real banker'(an euphemism referring to a nefarious cunt who is paid for advising people on how to lose money) steps up to explain the concepts and environment of the wall street.
The book begins with the author mastrubating to his memory of getting perfect scores in SAT, and how that stupid test makes him a better writer than most of the authors of crappy banking books written by 'unreal bankers' (an euphemism for a nefarious cunt who is paid to write books that advice people on how to loose money). Thereafter the book progresses to become an erotic literature where both the partners are the same person - the author.
The reader is trapped into a vortex of perpetual narcissism hoping that the real banker will put a stop to the autofellatio, but the author does not.
The author is a fuckhole. A hubris filled fuckhole of a banker.
Every attempt at humor comes as either outright racist or too narcissistic to be funny. The author then tries to dictate what should a person who wants to be a banker should listen to in order to become a successful banker. Sorry, talented folks who are not from the best schools of America and who do not listen to rap music of author's choice, you can not be a banker under any circumstances. And even if you do, the HR (an euphemism for a nefarious cunt who is paid to hire people who advise people on how to loose money) will blame you for everything, irrespective of your role in that controversy.
The only good thing about the entire book is the part where author recommends books that potential bankers should read. But as any sane person (not a banker) will advise you, reading 300 pages full of autofellatio for 3 good pages is not a good decision.
This book can be found in almost all the major "Essentials for MBA aspirants" book lists, lauding the author's wit and the seldom occasion when a 'real banker'(an euphemism referring to a nefarious cunt who is paid for advising people on how to lose money) steps up to explain the concepts and environment of the wall street.
The book begins with the author mastrubating to his memory of getting perfect scores in SAT, and how that stupid test makes him a better writer than most of the authors of crappy banking books written by 'unreal bankers' (an euphemism for a nefarious cunt who is paid to write books that advice people on how to loose money). Thereafter the book progresses to become an erotic literature where both the partners are the same person - the author.
The reader is trapped into a vortex of perpetual narcissism hoping that the real banker will put a stop to the autofellatio, but the author does not.
The author is a fuckhole. A hubris filled fuckhole of a banker.
Every attempt at humor comes as either outright racist or too narcissistic to be funny. The author then tries to dictate what should a person who wants to be a banker should listen to in order to become a successful banker. Sorry, talented folks who are not from the best schools of America and who do not listen to rap music of author's choice, you can not be a banker under any circumstances. And even if you do, the HR (an euphemism for a nefarious cunt who is paid to hire people who advise people on how to loose money) will blame you for everything, irrespective of your role in that controversy.
The only good thing about the entire book is the part where author recommends books that potential bankers should read. But as any sane person (not a banker) will advise you, reading 300 pages full of autofellatio for 3 good pages is not a good decision.
June 15, 2012
Save your money and avoid this book. Complete waste of time and money. I wanted to put the iPad down after 2 pages, but I finished it because I didn't want to waste my money. Still a waste. This guy is a joke and a serious poser. This book was awful and adds NO insights to what Wall Street is like or even about, and no insight on firms or investing. Just a tool who doesn't realize he is embarrassing himself.
January 30, 2013
Saw the title of this book and knew it was just one of those books that you have to read to see what it is all about. It is written by a Princeton kid who just finished up his first year as an analyst at a bulge bracket Investment Banking firm in 2006 and has already received his offer to go to a top tier private equity firm. Although he overdoes and makes the book sound outlandish for added effect, their is a great deal of truth in the book as well.
To sum up the book, the kid is what I would describe as the tool bag of all tool bag bankers. This is different than other investment banking books as aside from discussing the life of an analyst investment banker, he also discusses all the stereotypes you hear in banking. 2006 was a different world than today, but still has a lot of validity.
He discusses the pedigree shitting on kids from non-core schools, public schools, and any of the schools barely considered an Ivy League (Cornell according to him) and really does sound like he believes it. He also talks down on everyone working at a non bulge bracket and talks about how sad these kids are when they are out as they try to act like real bankers. He also talks down on people working in Corporate Finance, Consulting, etc. as they dont work long hours or make half as much money as him.
It was funny I must say because I have heard of / experienced all of these stereotypes in banking and I would be lying to you if a ton of people did not fully believe in them.
I do think this is a read for all you young bankers out there or want to be bankers. It addresses all of the classic stereotypes in banking and beliefs that people have as a young aspiring analyst and basically overblows everything by 10x. Models / bottles / and the high life is all the book talks about and the long days in the office.
I must say I was pleasantly surprised as I thought the book was going to be full of nonsense, however there is a lot of truth behind the issues he discusses and the lifestyle of a banker. However, lets not forget that there is another majority of bankers that are uber opposites to this guy and just nice quiet family guys. Yes the guy is a tool, but I got to give him props, made it to bulge bracket banking and top tier PE firm so cant knock him too much.
To sum up the book, the kid is what I would describe as the tool bag of all tool bag bankers. This is different than other investment banking books as aside from discussing the life of an analyst investment banker, he also discusses all the stereotypes you hear in banking. 2006 was a different world than today, but still has a lot of validity.
He discusses the pedigree shitting on kids from non-core schools, public schools, and any of the schools barely considered an Ivy League (Cornell according to him) and really does sound like he believes it. He also talks down on everyone working at a non bulge bracket and talks about how sad these kids are when they are out as they try to act like real bankers. He also talks down on people working in Corporate Finance, Consulting, etc. as they dont work long hours or make half as much money as him.
It was funny I must say because I have heard of / experienced all of these stereotypes in banking and I would be lying to you if a ton of people did not fully believe in them.
I do think this is a read for all you young bankers out there or want to be bankers. It addresses all of the classic stereotypes in banking and beliefs that people have as a young aspiring analyst and basically overblows everything by 10x. Models / bottles / and the high life is all the book talks about and the long days in the office.
I must say I was pleasantly surprised as I thought the book was going to be full of nonsense, however there is a lot of truth behind the issues he discusses and the lifestyle of a banker. However, lets not forget that there is another majority of bankers that are uber opposites to this guy and just nice quiet family guys. Yes the guy is a tool, but I got to give him props, made it to bulge bracket banking and top tier PE firm so cant knock him too much.
November 22, 2010
Depending on whom you ask, investment bankers are either greedy, overpaid parasites or the physical/intellectual cream of society. The former views have dominated popular literature while the latter persists on career forums and in real life(why else do Ivy League grads want these jobs?).
This book is a must read to understand the core of investing banking roles. Be warned though that the author pulls no punches and makes no apologies. People in non bulge-bracket banks with fragile sentiments should AVOID this book. For others though, a good one time read. Nothing profound but trumps Vault Guides any day.
The book is on the US investment banking space but quite a bit does apply to other places as well.
The writer blogs at www.leveragedsellout.com(the base of this book)
This book is a must read to understand the core of investing banking roles. Be warned though that the author pulls no punches and makes no apologies. People in non bulge-bracket banks with fragile sentiments should AVOID this book. For others though, a good one time read. Nothing profound but trumps Vault Guides any day.
The book is on the US investment banking space but quite a bit does apply to other places as well.
The writer blogs at www.leveragedsellout.com(the base of this book)
April 8, 2022
Great anthology of the iconic Leveraged Sell-Out articles online. Top notch satire.
May 12, 2022
Originally I wanted to dump this book due to limited space, but I am glad that I am still keeping it.
You want to be a banker? Then you should read it, to see if you are really smart and ruthless enough to be a member of it.
On the other hand, if you don't want to be a banker, then you might as well read it, so that you know you can laugh at those people who are not smart enough but lucky to work in the financial field. Most importantly, you will realize that you really should not give your money to those guys for any investment.
You want to be a banker? Then you should read it, to see if you are really smart and ruthless enough to be a member of it.
On the other hand, if you don't want to be a banker, then you might as well read it, so that you know you can laugh at those people who are not smart enough but lucky to work in the financial field. Most importantly, you will realize that you really should not give your money to those guys for any investment.
June 14, 2019
I enjoyed this book so much and loved reading it, I'm also so glad I read this early on while I'm still in college to get this great and honest insight about how it's like to work in finance. I recommend it to anyone interested in getting into banking.
February 13, 2020
This book was hilarious during the brief period of time when I was obsessed with breaking into finance. The writers voice might not be for you though
July 3, 2020
Genuinely the best insight into junior IBD culture. Much more insightful than more serious products
October 11, 2020
Fantastic satire
Excellent satire on banking culture and everything in between. Too bad I went right to private equity you idiots. Enjoy the trash heap we call NYC.
Excellent satire on banking culture and everything in between. Too bad I went right to private equity you idiots. Enjoy the trash heap we call NYC.
February 23, 2022
Satirical account of working as an early 2000s financial professional.
A lot has changed since 2008, so the advice and insights offered by this book are hardly applicable.
A lot has changed since 2008, so the advice and insights offered by this book are hardly applicable.
January 6, 2024
Preparatory reading for moving to New York. Let's see if knowing about the bulge bracket comes in handy.
Currently reading
February 5, 2012Just happened to read this Absolutely epic ,it’s a bit dated now (it came out in 2008, which may as well have been another planet), but it’s great for laughs and takes a fun look at investment banking. Alternatively, it can serve as a much-needed ego stroke if you’re feeling down about your job.
I laughed uproariously at the final chapter, in which Logan and company descend upon an unsuspecting nightclub, banker jams blasting and performing unique financial dance moves (including the unstoppable “Private Helicopter” and the heartstopping “I’m on a Call”).he chapter where he treats Facebook like a market and attempts to find good value plays for his friend had me roaring in laughter. "Fcebook Ass Exchange(FAEX)" left me with roaring laughter , Goldman Sachs is termed as "Gold-men and Sex" couldn't stop laughing .
Though it seems very true with the lifestyle of Bankers , applying financial formula in real life hilarious stuff with humor .
I laughed uproariously at the final chapter, in which Logan and company descend upon an unsuspecting nightclub, banker jams blasting and performing unique financial dance moves (including the unstoppable “Private Helicopter” and the heartstopping “I’m on a Call”).he chapter where he treats Facebook like a market and attempts to find good value plays for his friend had me roaring in laughter. "Fcebook Ass Exchange(FAEX)" left me with roaring laughter , Goldman Sachs is termed as "Gold-men and Sex" couldn't stop laughing .
Though it seems very true with the lifestyle of Bankers , applying financial formula in real life hilarious stuff with humor .
May 5, 2009
Brilliant!!!!
I've never laughed this hard from anything I've read (ever) and from anything that I've watched (since Borat). It all culminates in the final scene:
"I'm Ashley," she offers eagerly, bouncing and waving.
"Oh, I know," I respond instinctively. Then I add: "I work on the Buy Side."
It's full of random esoteric jokes about finance (pronounced, of course, like "finn ance") and hilariously elitist diggs. But if the above quote isn't funny, it's probably not your style...
I've never laughed this hard from anything I've read (ever) and from anything that I've watched (since Borat). It all culminates in the final scene:
"I'm Ashley," she offers eagerly, bouncing and waving.
"Oh, I know," I respond instinctively. Then I add: "I work on the Buy Side."
It's full of random esoteric jokes about finance (pronounced, of course, like "finn ance") and hilariously elitist diggs. But if the above quote isn't funny, it's probably not your style...
September 9, 2014
One of the most hilarious and entertaining reads I have ever come across. While it takes an elite level of self-confidence to enjoy / get though, if you can take it for what it was intended to be - you won't put it down until it's finished. The ultimate execution of humorous satire / so convincingly written it may not be. Even for someone in Investment Banking, I had to shrug off numerous blows, it ultimately serves as a perfect illustration of banking culture and hierarchy - with the theory of relativity at it's most brutal peak.
January 24, 2011
An effective parody of the snobbery and greed that propel the toiling spreadsheet jockeys of finance. No doubt useful to anthropologists one day, although it does little for one's mood. More comprehensive, but not as funny, as the Web site that came before. http://www.leveragedsellout.com/ Ironically, the author was a consultant. The bankers he mocks are too busy making money to write a book like this.
November 20, 2016
This is a fantastic piece of satire. To have come out in 2008, ten years ago as far as I'm concerned, and still pack so much punch is incredible. The stories are laugh-out-loud hilarious. I often stopped reading to send a quote to my banking friends. That would turn into a twenty minute tangent. For a book that is forgettable by design (a month later I recall nothing), it's curious that it didn't resurface when Straight To Hell was published. By all measures, this book is much better.
February 5, 2014
Absolutely glorious. A wonderful send-up of the taking things way too seriously Wall Street culture, highlighting both the breathtaking highs and stunning lows of investing bankers. As a former hedge fund analyst, I was exposed to these vagaries from a safe distance, and yet I still found myself grimmingly nodding my head with many of the stories.
August 10, 2008
his Blog is great, but the book was eh......not as great. I agree with Banker Chick that he is racist, sexist and whatever else she accused him of. Someone needs to write a book about banking from a girls point of view.
February 22, 2009
very funny if you have worked in Banking and can put his comments into perspective. very instructive and indicative of why some investment banks had to close doors. I question he is only 24 at the time of writing as he sounds more senior than that.
July 28, 2009
Hilarious... recommended for anyone in the financial industry or anyone who has ever met one of these d*bags in NY. Not as relevant now given the recession but definitely rang true up until recently.
June 13, 2011
So far, this book is irritatingly entertaining. The unnamed author is pompous, arrogant, and demeaning. The more I read, the angrier I got, yet I kept reading. I wouldn't normally waste my time reading a book like this, but it was for a book club
July 18, 2014
A pretty withering critique of the pre-financial crisis banker lifestyle. From someone who works in finance, this book is VERY accurate and right on point. Somewhat dated post crisis, but still very funny and enjoyable reading, especially for those who work in the industry.
September 12, 2008
Hugely ridiculous book - but you have to laugh at the guys profiled in the book, a fun fluff read and guide to that world!
Want to read
January 18, 2009!
February 13, 2009
Funny parody/satire, but remember it is fictional. Still worth a few laughs.
May 30, 2011
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
May 30, 2011
It is worth a read to just laugh out loud. Leveraged Sellout's blog is much better but it was a fun read for anyone in the finance world.
December 8, 2011
Hilarious satire.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews