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Lee Iacocca's Talking Straight
"Iacocca: An Autobiography" made publishing history, breaking bestseller records throughout the world. Now the nation's most outspoken corporate giant and American success story returns with a provocative new book, as fortright and candid as ever. "Talking Straight" for the millions who read - and reread - Iacocca as well as those who will meet Lee Iacocca in these pages for the first time. Here is Iacocca at his best - talking straight and hard about the most pressing concerns of our lives...
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
About the author
Lee Iacocca
32 books64 followersLee Iacocca was an American automobile executive best known for the development of Ford Mustang and Pinto cars. He served as President and CEO of Chrysler from 1978 and additionally as chairman from 1979, until his retirement at the end of 1992.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 7, 2026
Highly recommend, insights that are still relevant today. Fascinating anecdotes about Reagan and big business at a time of great change.
November 30, 2010
Bits and pieces of thoughts about the country in the late 1980s. Amusingly (or not so), most of the problems are still relevant. The budget deficit, the trade deficit, the rising costs of health insurance, etc. are all addressed within...
May 15, 2007
An eloquent writer who has a nack for inspiring anyone who reads his material to do great things, or to at least try.
January 7, 2016
Probably more relevant today than when it was published almost 30 years ago.
January 17, 2021
The times in which we live can cause a reader to suffer from spiritual malnutrition. When that happens, I reach back to our less complex and in some ways more rewarding past when voices of leadership were more clear and more focused on decency than today’s power grab attitude that surrounds us all. This sequel to Iacocca’s biography was comfort food to my starving soul, and I miss the kind of writing and plain speaking in which he engages.
The former Chrysler chairman speaks out about the supreme importance of the traditional family as the bedrock and basis of our society. He talks candidly about how he and his wife, Mary, raised their two daughters. In the first chapter, he moved me deeply by speaking with so much love of his deceased wife. It is she, he assures us, who held the family together. Sure, Lee drove to the Florida house for a vacation, but it was Mary who knew where the keys were and what to pack to keep the family doing well. I understand how that works. Were something to happen to my wife of more than four decades, my life would tumble into a state of chaotic shambles from where there would be no rescue, I fear.
He writes in the first chapter of tearing up at the wedding of his second daughter; I get that, too. He writes briefly and almost reverently of the relationship he had with them growing up. He was half an hour late to a meeting in London once because he wanted to get some rugby shirts he knew they would like, and he found them at a bargain. I was dreadfully late to a meeting in Kansas City one day because my guide dog and I trundled off in a taxi to an FAO Schwarz store to buy a puppet for a little girl who had seen it there days earlier during a Thanksgiving weekend visit to the place. Today, I couldn’t tell you what that meeting was about. But I remember vividly the sense of extreme independence and sheer ebullient jubilation I felt at knowing I had tucked that puppet away in my travel bag in preparation for a little girl’s Christmas surprise. I loved this book from the first chapter, and while the former auto executive lived a far more public glamorous and arguably more successful life than I, he and I would have had that one perspective very much in common. Of course, you don’t shirk your responsibilities and not attend the meeting, but you darn well better have those rugby shirts or that puppet tucked away safely somewhere, because that’s what’s going to matter most when the eternal accountants tally everything to measure your ultimate success.
He writes of the genuine love and admiration he had for his mother. In her mid-80s, she accompanied her son to various places including Italy, and he writes about worrying about her isolation and taking steps to counter it. He is an ardent proponent of doing things with aging parents before that becomes impossible.
He writes with candor about his second-marriage divorce from a woman nearly half his age and only 10 or so years older than his daughters.
There’s a delightful chapter here on dealing with fame while remaining as untouched by it as possible. He quotes from some of the zany letters and from some of the heartbreaking letters he has received. He also talks about some of the bizarre gifts people send him unsolicited. One psychiatrist sent him a specially made chocolate bar with Iacocca’s face stamped in the chocolate. He comments on the creepiness of biting his own face. He got the perennial topless photo from the 40-something-year-old woman, and a letter from another woman who described herself in terms of the model names of Chrysler cars. She ended with the idea that she would be “in a fury” if he didn’t respond.
He expresses his conviction as to the reality of God and the power of prayer. He expresses the conviction that he will be reunited with family members who died. He says the 10 commandments are commandments, not suggestions.
Iacocca grumbles about the prohibitive cost of obeying regulations. He insists that American companies are eager to sue one another while the rest of the business world is keen on competing against Americans.
There is some surprising material in here. Iacocca saw Ronald Reagan as a shallow albeit likable guy. He emphatically despised Donald Regan, Reagan’s former treasury secretary and one-time chief of staff. He had equal disregard for James A. Baker III. He also disparaged Reagan’s policies on trade.
Some of the chapters are quintessentially ‘80s. For Iacocca, Japan is the monster under the bed. He warns against an education system that he sees as lackadaisical. He saw the Vietnam war as immoral and denounced the Nixon presidency as an immoral presidency. HE looks at the importance of quality and admitted to Chrysler’s past sins in terms of poor-quality production. He personally opposed abortion, especially from an economic perspective, and he favors gun control.
This is a quick read that will give you insight into who Iacocca was without the need to dig through his biography.
The former Chrysler chairman speaks out about the supreme importance of the traditional family as the bedrock and basis of our society. He talks candidly about how he and his wife, Mary, raised their two daughters. In the first chapter, he moved me deeply by speaking with so much love of his deceased wife. It is she, he assures us, who held the family together. Sure, Lee drove to the Florida house for a vacation, but it was Mary who knew where the keys were and what to pack to keep the family doing well. I understand how that works. Were something to happen to my wife of more than four decades, my life would tumble into a state of chaotic shambles from where there would be no rescue, I fear.
He writes in the first chapter of tearing up at the wedding of his second daughter; I get that, too. He writes briefly and almost reverently of the relationship he had with them growing up. He was half an hour late to a meeting in London once because he wanted to get some rugby shirts he knew they would like, and he found them at a bargain. I was dreadfully late to a meeting in Kansas City one day because my guide dog and I trundled off in a taxi to an FAO Schwarz store to buy a puppet for a little girl who had seen it there days earlier during a Thanksgiving weekend visit to the place. Today, I couldn’t tell you what that meeting was about. But I remember vividly the sense of extreme independence and sheer ebullient jubilation I felt at knowing I had tucked that puppet away in my travel bag in preparation for a little girl’s Christmas surprise. I loved this book from the first chapter, and while the former auto executive lived a far more public glamorous and arguably more successful life than I, he and I would have had that one perspective very much in common. Of course, you don’t shirk your responsibilities and not attend the meeting, but you darn well better have those rugby shirts or that puppet tucked away safely somewhere, because that’s what’s going to matter most when the eternal accountants tally everything to measure your ultimate success.
He writes of the genuine love and admiration he had for his mother. In her mid-80s, she accompanied her son to various places including Italy, and he writes about worrying about her isolation and taking steps to counter it. He is an ardent proponent of doing things with aging parents before that becomes impossible.
He writes with candor about his second-marriage divorce from a woman nearly half his age and only 10 or so years older than his daughters.
There’s a delightful chapter here on dealing with fame while remaining as untouched by it as possible. He quotes from some of the zany letters and from some of the heartbreaking letters he has received. He also talks about some of the bizarre gifts people send him unsolicited. One psychiatrist sent him a specially made chocolate bar with Iacocca’s face stamped in the chocolate. He comments on the creepiness of biting his own face. He got the perennial topless photo from the 40-something-year-old woman, and a letter from another woman who described herself in terms of the model names of Chrysler cars. She ended with the idea that she would be “in a fury” if he didn’t respond.
He expresses his conviction as to the reality of God and the power of prayer. He expresses the conviction that he will be reunited with family members who died. He says the 10 commandments are commandments, not suggestions.
Iacocca grumbles about the prohibitive cost of obeying regulations. He insists that American companies are eager to sue one another while the rest of the business world is keen on competing against Americans.
There is some surprising material in here. Iacocca saw Ronald Reagan as a shallow albeit likable guy. He emphatically despised Donald Regan, Reagan’s former treasury secretary and one-time chief of staff. He had equal disregard for James A. Baker III. He also disparaged Reagan’s policies on trade.
Some of the chapters are quintessentially ‘80s. For Iacocca, Japan is the monster under the bed. He warns against an education system that he sees as lackadaisical. He saw the Vietnam war as immoral and denounced the Nixon presidency as an immoral presidency. HE looks at the importance of quality and admitted to Chrysler’s past sins in terms of poor-quality production. He personally opposed abortion, especially from an economic perspective, and he favors gun control.
This is a quick read that will give you insight into who Iacocca was without the need to dig through his biography.
November 26, 2018
This book took all of my willpower to finish. It truly felt like there was no real basis to writing this book, other than 'why not?'. If you want to read about a man complain about the Japanese, the politicians in America and how to make America great again then read this book.
Otherwise, just leave it.
The only positive thing I can say is that it provided a small fraction of perspective as to what the political environment is like in America - based on one man's perspective.
Otherwise, just leave it.
The only positive thing I can say is that it provided a small fraction of perspective as to what the political environment is like in America - based on one man's perspective.
May 22, 2017
Another classic from Iacocca. His 20 and 8 year would apply to today's time as well!
May 24, 2018
This biography is disappointingly self serving and glib.
October 30, 2021
this my third books from Lee Iacocca.
Very interesting book.
Very interesting book.
June 1, 2015
I had read his first book 30 years ago when it first came out, and then re-read it again a week ago. His first book was enlightening and inspirational (and co-written by William Novak).
This book, however, co-written by Sonny Kleinfield, was not as strong or well organized as the first book. His next-to-last chapter should have been the first chapter and there were several areas of overlap.
What makes this book worthwhile is the fact that the political issues (most of which he takes a middle-of-the-road approach on) that he wrote about in 1987 are the same issues that are relevant in 2015. In other words, other than replacing Japan with China, nothing much has changed. What is also worthwhile is his "Twenty and Eight" theory about 20 years of chaos and 8 years of calm in the American political system. His Twenty and Eight theory warrants more research but it is a good starting point.
Was Iacocca seriously considering a presidential bid in 1988? Most likely, which is why it reads like a businessman's treatise of government.
It is still an okay read but nothing earth-shattering.
This book, however, co-written by Sonny Kleinfield, was not as strong or well organized as the first book. His next-to-last chapter should have been the first chapter and there were several areas of overlap.
What makes this book worthwhile is the fact that the political issues (most of which he takes a middle-of-the-road approach on) that he wrote about in 1987 are the same issues that are relevant in 2015. In other words, other than replacing Japan with China, nothing much has changed. What is also worthwhile is his "Twenty and Eight" theory about 20 years of chaos and 8 years of calm in the American political system. His Twenty and Eight theory warrants more research but it is a good starting point.
Was Iacocca seriously considering a presidential bid in 1988? Most likely, which is why it reads like a businessman's treatise of government.
It is still an okay read but nothing earth-shattering.
June 21, 2013
Without a doubt one of the best reads I've had in a long time,Mr. Iacocca's legendary wit and well know personality really show itself in this book. His thoughts on various important topics and issues are both humourous and poignant,and really gives us an idea just why he was and still IS one of THE best leaders in the Automotive world. If you are interested in knowing more about the iconic man who saved Chrysler from the brink,and about his viewpoints and ideals,this is a must read!
January 26, 2015
One of the most influential books I read as a young adult. Iacocca's forth-right style is hard hitting and even though some of his predictions are, in retrospect, inaccurate - the reasons why he believed in his convictions are persuasive. In Talking Straight, he covered a gamut of topics from the US auto industry to politics and makes an engrossing read even today.
January 3, 2017
Great leaders make complex decisions. Iacocca was certainly a leader, but I think he failed to leave a company strong after he left. I think this book was politically oriented mostly, or maybe it's an overview of the political scene during the 80s and how he entered the picture.
Didn't find so many perls of wisdom.
Didn't find so many perls of wisdom.
December 9, 2008
Iacocca unleashes his political philosophy. Nothing earth shattering was revealed. He took the middle ground on a lot of issues. This book could have been a prepartory move towards running for president; however, Iacocca did not venture down that path.
June 12, 2012
I didn't read it for literary style, which is good because he writes like he doesn't need the money. (He doesn't!) Effective CEO's rarely make good writers, but I didn't know that when I was a wide-eyed 19 year old looking for wisdom. I honestly couldn't finish it.
Read
July 9, 2012I really enjoyed this book even though it was from the 80's. I've always enjoyed reading about business success stories whether from today or yesterday. Lee really shines in this book with many key points not only from his business adventures, but from politics to family.
January 13, 2013
This book was just okay. I probably liked it less because I had already read his first autobiography. I'm not completely sure why he did this book as it didn't really give any additional insights. Still, not a bad read just a little pointless.
April 27, 2014
Absolutely hated this book. Iacocca is self absorbed , I do not know why he chooses to give so much economic and political advice. Read this books only when I had absolutely nothing else to read. The only bits I found bearable were where he talked about his wife and daughters.
December 31, 2015
I read it long time ago when I just return from my first trip to Korea .. My first Iacocca's book and enjoyed to read the auto industry background in the US .. Since then, I have been collecting his works
December 10, 2009
Love him or hate him, he has been an incredibly successful business leader for decades.
Read
January 24, 20161989
Read
February 3, 2019I have the german edition.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews