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I Bought the Monk’s Ferrari

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Excited and nervous, a fresher of twenty-three, takes his first career flight from Bangalore to Delhi. He peeps out of the window as the flight takes off- and presto! He sees on the road below, fast fading from his vision- an immaculate bright red Ferrari, begins the quest of his life . . . for his own FERRARI. In this thought provoking book, the author, Ravi Subramanian provides a step-by-step approach towards begins successful and acquiring one’s own Ferrari. The Ferrari here is not a mere luxury car; it is way worthier than that . . . it is something that even the monks wouldn’t want to relinquish. Inspired by he lives of Individuals, who dreamt big and achieved big, whom the author has comes across in his career and from his own personal experiences, Subramanian pens down the Ten Commandments to motivate readers in acquiring the ‘success’ they have always wished for. A must-read for those who dare to aspire and achieve nothing but the best. After all, the FERRARI is something worth dying for!!!

174 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

49 people are currently reading
394 people want to read

About the author

Ravi Subramanian

27 books802 followers
Ravi Subramanian's latest book - IN THE NAME OF GOD - a thriller, releases on June 26, 2017

Ravi Subramanian, an alumnus of IIM Bengaluru, has spent two decades working his way up the ladder of power in the amazingly exciting and adrenaline-pumping world of global banks in India.
​​
He is the award winning author of eight bestselling books :

If God was a Banker (2007),
I Bought the Monks Ferrari (2007),
Devil in Pinstripes (2009),
The Incredible Banker (2011),
The Bankster (2012),
Bankerupt (2013).
God is a Gamer (2014)
The Bestseller She Wrote (2015)

His 9th book IN THE NAME OF GOD will release in 2017

If God was a Banker won him the Golden Quill readers choice award in 2008. He also won the Economist Crossword Book Award for The Incredible Banker in 2012. "The Bankster", released in 2012 won him the Crossword Book Award in 2013. In 2014 he won the Raymond Crossword book award for Bankerupt. His books have been translated into Hindi and Latvian. He lives in Mumbai with his wife, Dharini, and daughter, Anusha.

To connect with him, log on to Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorravisubramanian or tweet to @subramanianravi or email him at info@ravisubramanian.in

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5 stars
107 (17%)
4 stars
148 (24%)
3 stars
195 (32%)
2 stars
113 (18%)
1 star
34 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Anil Swarup.
Author 3 books722 followers
May 17, 2016
This is no bank-based thriller. Hence trifle disappointing. The book commences with an apparent road map to get a "Ferrari" as in author's view you can't sell a Ferrari without first owning it. However, as he goes along, he comes up with a definition of "Ferrari" that is at variance with what the Monk sold. The Monk sold the real Ferrari for his own salvation. However, Ravi talks about the figurative Ferrari which he wants to own and then give up. What he says makes eminent sense in a materialistic world but why bring in Robin Sharma. He could have straight away said what a large number of books already say about traversing the road to prosperity and fame. Hard work, team work, trust, thirst, focus, integrity etc are all needed to reach the goal. Ironically, the author also gives the example of Narainmurthy who never yearned for a Ferrari unlike the others who did and one wonders whether the likes of Naina Lal Kidwai ever gave up their "Ferrari". The author may have to read Robin Sharma all over again to understand what he said and meant.
And Subramanian should stick to writing bank-based thrillers which he is so good at.
11 reviews
August 9, 2012
The book begins with a lot of promise but eventually ends up in the same routine narrative and ends on a very very bad note. The author expresses several of his views and his focus is primarily only on banking sector. The book fails to encompass a lot of other factors that need to be addressed to in order for it to become a truly motivational book like "the monk who sold his ferrari". I agree to a few points raised by the author but half of his points dont make much sense. The author conveniently ignores a lot of the related aspects of a successful persons life while making his point, maybe thats what MBA's do. All in all a book that you might want to read on a 3 hour flight journey, rather than the flight magazine.
Profile Image for Vidya Ramakrishna.
267 reviews18 followers
September 3, 2014
This book added more to my confusion and thoughts on the definition of being successful. Is it only about showing off ones achievements, status, fame, money? Is it really bad to achieve a sense of satisfaction and contentment in life without running the rat race, without being on top always? Is it correct that our children are being brought up with a mentality that only materialistic things in life like having big car, lavish birthday party, holidaying abroad and alike are far more important than leading a contented life with decent and humble living?
Profile Image for Poorni Babloo.
6 reviews5 followers
July 5, 2014
The monk who sold ferrari padichapa Ferrari mela aasai vandhuchu but when i read this book and on knowing the meaning of ferrari the author has given yeppappapa.... F-Fortune for E-every R-right R-rigorous A-and R-resourceful I-individual.. And to achieve this Ferrari 10 commandments vera. Nothing new in that too, its very redundant. Pudusa ethachum solunga pa. Aspiration,Optimism, being winner not thw whimp,honesty,time managment,perfectionist,being with successful people,sharing success, hard work,good profile..... Itha vida "Identify the owners of the FERRARI and align yourself with them, u would get a FERRARi.. Ithukaga Sachin kuda va poi palaga mudiyum !!!! And finally the secret is Target ur audience and announce ur achievements, U will own the Ferrari in no time. :) WOW !!!!! lol
Profile Image for Amit Gupta.
226 reviews11 followers
June 17, 2015
Excited and nervous, a fresher of twenty-three, takes his first career flight from Bangalore to Delhi. He peeps out of the window as the flight takes off-and presto! He sees on the road below, fast fading from his vision-an immaculate bright red Ferrari. Thus, begins the quest of his life... for his own FERRARI.The author provides a step-by-step approach towards begins successful and acquiring one’s own Ferrari. The Ferrari here is not a mere luxury car; it is way worthier than that . . . it is something that even the monks wouldn't want to relinquish.

Let me first confess that i was pleasantly surprised with Ravi Subramanian's first book, If God was a banker. I thought even though it was a little too dry in portions, it knew exactly what kind of readers it was targeting and what milieu it is setting itself into. Within those limitations, it was a breezy and a real good time pass read. So with a decent first impression of the author, i decided to pick his next one. Add to the fact, that i haven't read the self-help type book for close to 4 years now...it was worth a shot.

Having said that, I personally have never been a great fan of self-help books. I guess it is the revolting side of my personality which always pumps me up to live my life the way i want it and not pussyfoot myself based on someone else decisons. It may suit someone (like the writer's personality) but there is no guarantee that it will actually help mine. I also feel self-help books are set in a perfect environment and an ideal world, something which will never happen in practical life.

In IBTMF, Ravi borrows the basic premise from Robin Sharma's best seller - The Monk who sold his Ferrari and try to give it a twist in the Indian context. He give us the ten commandments of success which can make you "successful" in life. Problem arises because it is presented a little too preachy manner and is quite laid back. So even at a short length of 160 odd pages, it never manges to capture your attention.

Also with all due respect, i don't think the writer is such an awe-inspiring personality that i will actually get positively influenced by him. The only saving grace in the book are the few examples provided in the Indian business context specially that of Rajnish Behl, retail head of HSBC Bank.

I am going with 1.5/5 for Ravi Subramanian' second outing, I bought the Monk's Ferrari. I have read much well-written and inspiring self-help books. You can safely skip this one. And as far as the writer is concerned, get back to fiction writing, it really suits you much better.
Profile Image for Dhaval Sheth.
28 reviews4 followers
November 8, 2014
Just finished reading this book. Just as few people I know had told me about the book 'Monk who sold his Ferrari' that the title is the only thing which got their attention (& so I never read anything more than that book's title), I sensed something similar once I turned few pages of this book.

Basically it describes few lessons (presented as Commandments) you need to learn and follow in order to get to your goals/destination (presented as Ferrari). He follows every commandment with suitable example and glory achieved by few well known people in the world. What it lacks is 'Originality'. All principles described in this book are familiar and people like me who modestly follow articles and life of successful people must have come across those principles at some point or the other in their life.

Overall, 160 pages of this book has nothing new to offer. Best it did to me was to help brush up few already learnt principles from the past (which I unconsciously follow but am not aware of). It was a quick read anyway and just like my friends have told me about its predecessor book(but not from the same author), I will tell my known buddies, "Only book title got my attention!".
Profile Image for Epiphania Vincent.
87 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2014
Such a motivational book to read... while reading you facial expressions will speak what you are reading is vibrant and registering in your mind on action plans. My strong recommendation for every one to read this book. Its crisp to the point!!
Profile Image for Rashmi Pakkiri Murugan.
37 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2018
I bought the Monk's Ferrari by Ravi Subramanian
I belong to a middle class family,set a few decades back...why I mention the few decades is that there's a sharp contrast between middle class family then and now....So moving back in time, love of my love was always a four wheeler,of course next only to books. I used to drool over every car and my dad used to be embarrassed by me in front of his affluent guests...I used to.always ask them .."Uncle , can I please have a ride in your car.."..U can imagine the instant connect.i had with this book. Ravi Subramnian has been in my list of authors to be read...He jumped up with this intriguing title. I just started reading it without any idea about what it was....I got myself face to face with a middle class guy's upto date guidelines of how to get a Ferrari . I have read Robin Sharma's ,the monk who sold his Ferrari and this book is no statire of it,though it reiterates that in order to sell the Ferrari, you better buy one.It's just a one on one account of how to move up in the corporate ladder or any career path u have chosen and get closer to the Ferrari. Ravi Subramanian gives you a list of ten commandments ,which he says if you strictly adhere to ,will take you closer to the Ferrari. But, if you are one with an attitude," the more you earn, the more you spend...then why earn?"...oops this is not your book. He advocates that only if you increase your expense,notch up your lifestyle,u will have the desire to earn more,which will make you, up your career graph...There are lot of quotes and real life incidents of winners strewn throughout the book,which inspires the reader . He brings in snippets from his life and connects it to the narration. One particular incident whereat he waits for a taxi,not wanting to pay extra.to his driver for the late night service,reveals his honesty in exposing middle class mentality. So at the end of it he unveils the red Ferrari in all its glory....a very simple , inspiring book,which I with my skinny vocabulary could read without the aide of a dictionary...delve into it if u wanna have a smooth ride in ur.own Ferrari..just the imagination gives me goosebumps..
Profile Image for S Rashmi.
95 reviews
December 19, 2024
I bought the Monk's Ferrari by Ravi Subramanian
I belong to a middle class family,set a few decades back...why I mention the few decades is that there's a sharp contrast between middle class family then and now....So moving back in time, love of my love was always a four wheeler,of course next only to books. I used to drool over every car and my dad used to be embarrassed by me in front of his affluent guests...I used to.always ask them .."Uncle , can I please have a ride in your car.."..U can imagine the instant connect.i had with this book. Ravi Subramnian has been in my list of authors to be read...He jumped up with this intriguing title. I just started reading it without any idea about what it was....I got myself face to face with a middle class guy's upto date guidelines of how to get a Ferrari . I have read Robin Sharma's ,the monk who sold his Ferrari and this book is no statire of it,though it reiterates that in order to sell the Ferrari, you better buy one.It's just a one on one account of how to move up in the corporate ladder or any career path u have chosen and get closer to the Ferrari. Ravi Subramanian gives you a list of ten commandments ,which he says if you strictly adhere to ,will take you closer to the Ferrari. But, if you are one with an attitude," the more you earn, the more you spend...then why earn?"...oops this is not your book. He advocates that only if you increase your expense,notch up your lifestyle,u will have the desire to earn more,which will make you, up your career graph...There are lot of quotes and real life incidents of winners strewn throughout the book,which inspires the reader . He brings in snippets from his life and connects it to the narration. One particular incident whereat he waits for a taxi,not wanting to pay extra.to his driver for the late night service,reveals his honesty in exposing middle class mentality. So at the end of it he unveils the red Ferrari in all its glory....a very simple , inspiring book,which I with my skinny vocabulary could read without the aide of a dictionary...delve into it if u wanna have a smooth ride in ur.own Ferrari..just the imagination gives me goosebumps..
5 reviews
June 7, 2023
I Bought the Monk's Ferrari; this name must be forcing you to think that you may know this book.
.
Let me take you out of your dilemma that it is no sequel to the best-seller book "The Monk who sold his Ferrari by Robin Sharma," although the author got the inspiration of writing this book after reading the latter one.

My ex-flatmate in Ahmedabad is a great fan of @ravisubramanian70 sir (she is a banker too.) So I got the chance to read a few books written by him and I loved them mainly the Emu farming one.

I can write a lot about this book but want to keep it short and straightforward. The author said that to sell the Ferrari, you must first own it, and owning a Ferrari is not that simple, you have to follow some basic commandments to reach there.
.
Once you got the Ferrari, then you must know how you can keep it for longer.
.
You must be thinking that why owning a Ferrari is important? Ohh, come on, I am not the one who loves Ferrari, why should I read this book or why should I even try for it? This type of question must be popping up in your head.

Let me clear it for you, In this book, Ferrari is not only the Car by Fiat, but it signifies the audacious goals you want to achieve.
When you are reading it, I hope everyone is thinking of their Ferrari( I am thinking while writing it.)
.
Profile Image for Akash Bhattacharya.
2 reviews
July 9, 2018
Why you should read?
1) This book is an easy read. For the beginners it's a good book to start from.

2) The 10 commandents are depicted in a very simple language.

3) Easy to understand what the writer is trying to reflect.

4) For those who think, it's related to Robin Sharma's, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, no it's not true!! Though the excerpts have been used from the book keeping the idea as it is.

Why you shouldn't not read?
1) You'll not find any interconnection between the chapters. Every chapter has its own story to tell.

2) If you looking to dive into the pool of words, then sorry. It's not for you.

Conclusion- This book is not for avid readers for they may find it very light to read.
Profile Image for Aditya Vidhate.
59 reviews33 followers
January 16, 2018
A book that aims at motivating people to dream big and strive to achieve it.
Good things about the book:
1. Quotes sprinkled all around.
2. Examples from real life and real people.
3. Lessons preached are well balanced.
Not so good things about the book:
1. Not beautifully written. Usually bland and to the point.
2. Lessons might come off as generic to already motivated people.

The book encourages a person towards achieving material successes, as deemed by the society (as the title clearly suggests).
375 reviews4 followers
December 30, 2020
Worth the Ferrari Ride!

This is a very practical book which helps us to understand the importance of Aspirations, Growth, Importance of Stretching Onself to Achieve their Goals, and the Ten Commandments that will help us to own the Ferrari.
Author refers to Julian Mantle, the young lawyer in Robin Sharma's The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari—who sold his 4 wheeler Ferrari in a context that 'To sell a Ferrari, he needed to first OWN a Ferrari.
Read this Gem of a Book to understand further.
15 reviews5 followers
May 10, 2017
What motivates me to read this book is the name of the book.

Negative Point- This book does not offer anything new.The author mention 10 commandments through which you can achieve success & fame. These 10 points are same in every book which is written on this line.

Positive point - The language is easy & you can finish this book quite quickly.
Profile Image for Arpit Shah.
39 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2017
INSPIRINGLY AWESOME: One of the best books I have read of Ravi Sir. Each chapter by chapter there is a learning. He explained the problems and their solutions in simple examples which anybody can relate to and understand without any additional guidance. Hats off to you Sir for writing such book and inspiring millions to get their FERRARI..!!!
2 reviews
January 14, 2018
Expected a thriller from Ravi. This is too much of gyaan!!

Too much Gyaan!!! Ravi should stick to thrillers...he is much better at it!!! Looking forward to the next thriller from you
11 reviews
March 31, 2018
Crisp And clear

I am falling in love with the way author tries to put down his thoughts. Crisp And clear to the point. One Can relate directly to his or her life. I will relish the thoughts to reconstruct my FERRARI.
Profile Image for Akansha  Wasudeo.
10 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2020
This book is not clear about the target audience but generalizes most of the concepts. It is very preachy but does not touches upon the actual predilection of people towards a particular lifestyle or wants. It was a simple read.
Profile Image for Nithyananda Uchangi.
1 review
March 15, 2020
Very motivational with facts & clear ideas for acheaving success in profession

Ideas given are worth trying .Any one who really wanted to succeed can follow the all the commandments nentioned & surely can get their FERRARI
Profile Image for Narayanan.
65 reviews
March 19, 2023
I thought I am reading a novel when I started this book, after having read two of his novels earlier.

But, alas no, it was a motivational speech for a batch of MBAs, it looks like. Not a very good one at it either.

And for those like me who is not after Ferraris, the book means nothing
4 reviews
September 20, 2018
The narration is like a causal chat with a neighbor or a colleague. The stories are inspiring and are worthy of reminding ourselves
18 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2019
Average rating

Readable but some of the advices are very cliched.
Not in my must read book category. If nothing else then you may!
Profile Image for Harshita.
187 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2021
If you have read the book "the monk who sold his Ferrari' you will immediately connect to this title. Ravi Subramanian has written a fantastic book here for us to read and to learn from.
Profile Image for Shiny Ajit.
244 reviews13 followers
January 13, 2026
I Bought the Monk's Ferrari by Ravi Subramanian

Ravi Subramanian's "I Bought the Monk's Ferrari" is an inspiring read that challenges our conventional understanding of success and personal growth. With a unique perspective, the author highlights that in order to give up something truly, we first must possess it. This profound insight sets the tone for a book that explores the complexities of modern desires, with a particular emphasis on how the aspirations of today's youth differ significantly from those of previous generations.

Subramanian uses the metaphor of a Ferrari to symbolize success, achievement, wealth, and well-being. He argues that our aspirations should be audacious, and the efforts we put forth must be equally ambitious. Through the CBA method—Constantly take stock of your aspirations, Balance between success and failure, and Adopt an attitude—he provides a practical framework for self-reflection and growth.

One of the most striking messages in the book is that failure is not the end; rather, it’s an invaluable learning opportunity. This perspective encourages readers to embrace challenges rather than shy away from them. Subramanian emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity, warning that dishonesty ultimately leads to personal unrest. He argues that integrity and ethics should be foundational principles, as they are increasingly rare in today's fast-paced world.

Moreover, the book serves as a reminder that time is invaluable—both our own and that of others. With constantly evolving circumstances, the only constant we have is change. Subramanian drives home the point that true winners thrive on challenges and seek out new experiences, showcasing resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

"I Bought the Monk's Ferrari" is more than just a book; it’s a strategic plan for individuals aspiring to redefine their expectations and reach new heights. A must-read for anyone looking to foster growth, embrace challenges, and cultivate a life of integrity, this book is an inspiring guide that will resonate with anyone ready to take the wheel and drive toward their dreams.
Profile Image for ilham.mukhtar.
87 reviews6 followers
March 27, 2014
This book is straight from the gut, cold-hearted, and masculine view of working life. As baby boomers who embodies working your way up to the version of 'ferraris'; it's a fresh view of my other recent books which is would be branded escapist and wimp; among others.

The real statement of the book is 'work-life balance is for a wimp'.

It's an electrifying different view and perhaps it made sense, only if you know your 'ferrari'. This book left me to felt expedited to make a decision whether this is the way I want my life to be or is there any other possiblities (defining your ferrari).
Profile Image for Manish Ahuja | MrEmogical.
43 reviews35 followers
May 31, 2008
The rating is actually 2.5

Well I didn't really like this book as much as I liked 'If God Was A Banker' from the same author. But in a way it's unfair to compare both the books because they both belong to different categories altogether.

I Bought the Monk's Ferrari is a management oriented self help book which gives you commandments to follow which would lead you to a successful career and in the end help you own a Ferrari for yourself. Although Ferrari has an intrinsic meaning of its own in the book, it'd be the best if you read and figure out what it is.
126 reviews
October 15, 2013
This is an exquisite book of learning and a perfect guide for many professionals who have a burning desire to excel in their professional lives. A book full of anecdotes and real life examples of famous personalities, who ASPIRED to become great, across the world, makes it even more wonderful to read.
The Ten Commandments and the meaning of FERRARI redefined towards the end is quite impressive. A must read for all be it young or old to shape themselves towards perfection and a life which gives them full satisfaction
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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