Alpha

by A.D. Aliwat

A rising star at one of the world's preeminent investment banks recounts his power hungry and sex-crazed youth in this outrageous, satirical bildungsroman. From childhood dreams of playing in the NFL to a career on Wall Street playing with middle class pensions—and the schoolyard brawls, love triangles, rock club showcases, and frat house feuds in between—Frank Parker will do whatever it takes to stay on top, however desperate. In Alpha, A.D. Aliwat offers a mesmerizing look inside the mind of a predator as pitiable as he is terrifying and a critical examination of what it takes to really make it in America.

384 pages, Paperback

First published November 21, 2013

About the author

A.D. Aliwat was born in the United States of America in 1985.

Reviews

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is entertaining and thought provoking. For people looking for surface-level entertainment, ALPHA serves it on a platter. For people looking for a self-analysis of America and the prevailing attitude of what is success that many in this country embrace, ALPHA provides the critical context in which to analyze someone who has embraced it with reckless abandon.

[Nathan H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an incoming college freshman, I was unfortunately unable to make the most of young Frank Parker's life experiences. Regardless, this was a raw, entertaining story, of a type which I have never encountered before - and although many have labeled this work satire, it's better if you take Mr. Parker seriously.

I enjoyed reading it on the 39th St beach in Ocean City. Other popular beach reads include "The Notebook" and "The Fault in Our Stars," and while I've never read those two books, I'd throw "Alpha" in that pantheon as well.

[Tena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this in a GOODREADS giveaway by the author. This is another book I never would have selected on my own. My thanks to A.D. ALIWAT for this exposure. It's an engrossing coming-of-age story with accentuated stereotypical masculine flair. It kept me turning the pages, sometimes in shock, sometimes in awe. But, turn the pages, I did do.

[Katarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

So it looks like I'm the first woman to review this book on amazon, which doesn't really surprise me.

This is definitely a man's book, and I'm sure many women will get offended. If you can get over being a woman, and just read the book as Frank's view of the world, women can enjoy this book too.

I found it interesting, disturbing, thought provoking, cringe-worthy, funny and so macho that I had to shake my head a few times.
It is a very well written book, but the content isn't for everyone. However, I am not bothered by swearing, graphic sex and violence so found the book more entertaining than offensive.

One thing you have to give Frank, whether you like the book or not, he grabs life by the balls and squeezes every bit out of it. He decides what he wants and goes for it, with full abandon. He doesn't have a shy or self-doubting bone in his body. His ego is gigantic, but he gets what he wants.

Who doesn't envy that? Set goal, attain them, every single one, because you have no doubt at all that you will.

[A. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.D. Aliwat's ALPHA is really something. This is a fast read--and not because of a lack of weight or complexity--but because you can't put it down, even if you kind of want to (which trust me, ladies, is an understatement). The novel takes you on a roller coaster ride that includes raunchy sex, squirm-inducing violence, and emotionally draining insights into how master manipulators get what they want. To those who are brave enough: Keep reminding yourself that this is a satire and it'll be easier to stomach.

The novel's protagonist and narrator, Frank Parker, is the epitome of what's wrong with Wall Street and the cultural values surrounding it. He pillages through life, destroying everything and everyone who stands in his way. If you are at all curious about the sociopaths we let play with our money--and, at times, hearts--then read this book.

Moral of the story: Don't be like this guy, and don't let guys like this fool you.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is unlike anything I've read before - Frank Parker tells a life story (up to age 25, anyway) of a person solely focused on being a successful, respected/feared Alpha, focused on money, sex, & power. While often cringe-worthy in his thoughts & actions, I thought this book was really well-written, & even have to admit a grudging respect for someone who sets (often reprehensible, but still) goals for themselves & never doubts they will attain them.

[Chris Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read. Frank is a jerk on steroids, and when I wasn't laughing with him or at him, the pit in my stomach felt all too real as he waxed about the myriad ways he screwed people over throughout his young life. The author confirms what we all think about bankers these days.

[Laura Z. Weldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a page-turner... once you make it past the first few pages. The narrator is despicable in every way you could imagine, but he charms you, in his way, into hearing his story. It's a modern "how to make it in America" that may leave you quite content with your own story.