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Trump: Como Chegar Lá
Does the world really need another book by or about Donald Trump? Surely his previous tomes about getting to the top, surviving at the top, and falling from the top--not to mention the innumerable magazine covers and tabloid stories detailing his rather sordid personal life--have sated the public's taste for "The Donald." Just in case this isn't so, however, Trump has given us yet another paean to The Art of the Comeback . If you really care to know what Trump thinks about Howard Stern, Geraldo Rivera, or Carl Icahn--or his deep understanding of women--he's happy to tell you. If you thrill to accounts of financial takeovers and mano a mano encounters in boardrooms and on golf courses, this is the book for you.
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First published October 27, 1997
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About the author
Donald J. Trump
207 books1,601 followersDonald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who currently serves as the President of the United States in his second term.
Trump received a Bachelor of Science in economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1968, and his father named him president of his real estate business in 1971. Trump renamed it the Trump Organization and reoriented the company toward building and renovating skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses. After a series of business failures in the late twentieth century, he successfully launched side ventures that required little capital, mostly by licensing the Trump name. From 2004 to 2015, he co-produced and hosted the reality television series The Apprentice. He and his businesses have been plaintiff or defendant in more than 4,000 state and federal legal actions, including six business bankruptcies.
Trump won the 2016 presidential election as the Republican Party nominee against Democratic Party nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton while losing the popular vote. During the campaign, his political positions were described as populist, protectionist, isolationist, and nationalist. His election and policies sparked numerous protests. He was the first U.S. president with no prior military or government experience. A special counsel investigation established that Russia had interfered in the 2016 election to favor Trump's campaign. Trump promoted conspiracy theories and made many false and misleading statements during his campaigns and presidency, to a degree unprecedented in American politics. Many of his comments and actions have been characterized as racially charged or racist and many as misogynistic.
As president, Trump ordered a travel ban on citizens from several Muslim-majority countries, diverted military funding toward building a wall on the U.S.–Mexico border, and implemented a policy of family separations for migrants detained at the U.S. border. He weakened environmental protections, rolling back more than 100 environmental policies and regulations. He signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which cut taxes for individuals and businesses and rescinded the individual health insurance mandate penalty of the Affordable Care Act. He appointed Neil Gorsuch, Brett M. Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court. He reacted slowly to the COVID-19 pandemic, ignored or contradicted many recommendations from health officials, used political pressure to interfere with testing efforts, and spread misinformation about unproven treatments. Trump initiated a trade war with China and withdrew the U.S. from the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the Iran nuclear deal. He met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times but made no progress on denuclearization.
Trump refused to concede after losing the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, falsely claiming widespread electoral fraud, and attempted to overturn the results by pressuring government officials, mounting scores of unsuccessful legal challenges, and obstructing the presidential transition. On January 6, 2021, he urged his supporters to march to the U.S. Capitol, which many of them then attacked, resulting in multiple deaths and interrupting the electoral vote count.
Trump is the only American president to have been impeached twice. After he tried to pressure Ukraine in 2019 to investigate Biden, he was impeached by the House of Representatives for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. He was acquitted by the Senate in February 2020. The House impeached him again in January 2021 for incitement of insurrection. The Senate acquitted him in February. Scholars and historians rank Trump as one of the worst presidents in American history.
Trump received a Bachelor of Science in economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1968, and his father named him president of his real estate business in 1971. Trump renamed it the Trump Organization and reoriented the company toward building and renovating skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses. After a series of business failures in the late twentieth century, he successfully launched side ventures that required little capital, mostly by licensing the Trump name. From 2004 to 2015, he co-produced and hosted the reality television series The Apprentice. He and his businesses have been plaintiff or defendant in more than 4,000 state and federal legal actions, including six business bankruptcies.
Trump won the 2016 presidential election as the Republican Party nominee against Democratic Party nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton while losing the popular vote. During the campaign, his political positions were described as populist, protectionist, isolationist, and nationalist. His election and policies sparked numerous protests. He was the first U.S. president with no prior military or government experience. A special counsel investigation established that Russia had interfered in the 2016 election to favor Trump's campaign. Trump promoted conspiracy theories and made many false and misleading statements during his campaigns and presidency, to a degree unprecedented in American politics. Many of his comments and actions have been characterized as racially charged or racist and many as misogynistic.
As president, Trump ordered a travel ban on citizens from several Muslim-majority countries, diverted military funding toward building a wall on the U.S.–Mexico border, and implemented a policy of family separations for migrants detained at the U.S. border. He weakened environmental protections, rolling back more than 100 environmental policies and regulations. He signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which cut taxes for individuals and businesses and rescinded the individual health insurance mandate penalty of the Affordable Care Act. He appointed Neil Gorsuch, Brett M. Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court. He reacted slowly to the COVID-19 pandemic, ignored or contradicted many recommendations from health officials, used political pressure to interfere with testing efforts, and spread misinformation about unproven treatments. Trump initiated a trade war with China and withdrew the U.S. from the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the Iran nuclear deal. He met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times but made no progress on denuclearization.
Trump refused to concede after losing the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, falsely claiming widespread electoral fraud, and attempted to overturn the results by pressuring government officials, mounting scores of unsuccessful legal challenges, and obstructing the presidential transition. On January 6, 2021, he urged his supporters to march to the U.S. Capitol, which many of them then attacked, resulting in multiple deaths and interrupting the electoral vote count.
Trump is the only American president to have been impeached twice. After he tried to pressure Ukraine in 2019 to investigate Biden, he was impeached by the House of Representatives for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. He was acquitted by the Senate in February 2020. The House impeached him again in January 2021 for incitement of insurrection. The Senate acquitted him in February. Scholars and historians rank Trump as one of the worst presidents in American history.
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never-ever
January 20, 20212/2/2016
The Iowa Caucus
Seems to have lost focus:
Else why would they dump
A winner like Trump?
But he'll be back in a hurry,
None of you worry!
Because it's just his fate
To make America great!
10/2/2016
What did I say?
Hip-hip-hooray!!!
Trump's on fire
In New Hampshire!
After biting the dust
He did not go bust:
Now he's leading the pack!
This is the art of comeback.
22/02/2016
South Carolina says
That Donald should be Prez.
He's trumped all the rest
In the presidential quest!
Now it seems sure
That Trump will endure;
The "charm" of this man
Is not a flash in the pan!
24/02/2016
The Donald Trump armada
Just steamrolled Nevada.
All resistance is broken!
The people have spoken.
Whether the right-winger cheers
or the liberal sheds tears,
One thing is clear:
The White House is near!
02/03/2016
Though his enemies may
React with dismay,
After Super Tuesday
It's Trump all the way!
It seems nothing can
Stop this superman!
Endorsed by the Klan,
Muslims he'll ban;
The terrorist horde
He'll en masse, waterboard;
Stop Mexico's gall
With an impenetrable wall;
Finish off the ISIS
(Though it's not clear how he'll do this!)
So get ready to jump,
Click your heels , and say: "Heil Trump!"
07/03/2016
Though the liberal news
Says "nothing much to choose
Between Trump and Cruz",
There are different views...
So at Saturday's results
The "Establishment" exults:
They say "Trump can be stopped!"
"His campaign's as good as flopped!"
Poor fools! Scarce you know
The lengths Trump will go
To become the president!
The truth's self-evident:
He may be an outsider
Functioning as a lone rider:
But I dare you to pick
Someone with a longer dick!
12/03/2016
After Michigan
The task is almost done:
The battle's all but won
And Don's hit a home run!
So what if the Trump team
Occasionally, blows off steam?
Violence can't be all bad
When one's guided by the gonad.
14/03/2016
Washington and Wyoming
Has left our lad foaming;
Only one delegate
Gathered from these states!
Folks, what's wrong with you?
We have to see this thing through!
If Ol' Don's not at the helm
Terrorists will overwhelm
Poor 'Murrica; and the Hispanic
Population shall create panic
Drugs shall be their birthright,
They shall rape every woman in sight!
17/03/2016
After Tuesday's rout
Rubio's out;
Only Kasich, Cruz
And Trump from which to choose!
And if the party disowns
The millionaire of renown
He'll not keep quiet:
He's promised a riot!
24/03/2016
The state of Arizona
Has endorsed Trump's persona
But it seems that Utah
Has fallen for Cruz's chutzpah!
Donald, old chap,
You're in the last lap:
You can't afford to slack
And allow Cruz a comeback-
It's all very easy;
You just continue to be
Yourself (i.e. brash and bigoted)
And by republicans you'll be voted!
06/04/2016
The state of Wisconsin
Has committed the sin
Of not seeing Trump in:
And dumping him in the bin!
Is it because he exhorted
To punish women who aborted?
Or because his team beats up
People, when the debate heats up?
Folks, you must remember
This is part of the moral timbre
Of the GOP's chosen member;
He cannot afford to slumber!
So in the remaining caucuses
Let's hope the populace focusses
On getting Trump back on track;
So he can make the famous "comeback"!
27/04/2016
New York last week
Placed Trump on a peak;
And yesterday's polls
Show that he's on a roll!
Let us exult
At the inevitable result!
Kasich and Cruz
Have teamed up only to lose!
04/05/2016
Indiana's verdict
Was easy to predict
For anyone who's aligned
With the Republican mind;
After a comprehensive rout
Senator Ted Cruz is out!
Don's almost there
On the presidential chair...
05/05/2016
Folks, this is it!
Kasich's also quit!
Trump's the only guy
For the GOP to swear by!
Now there's just Hillary
(Or Bernie - he may still win the primary)
Only one more dragon to slay!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!
25/05/2016
The latest polls show Trump in the lead;
He's the man the masses need.
Hillary's gonna take it on the chin,
There's no way she's going to win!
Policy matters? Don't discuss.
The economy? Not worth the fuss.
Trump will discuss only Hillary's spouse -
And insult his way into the White House!
20/07/2016
For all those who doubted
Raised their eyebrows and pouted,
Raved, ranted and shouted;
And said Trump will ousted
Your traditions, much-touted
Have been totally flouted;
His enemies all routed,
Now Don's the leader, undoubted.
19/08/2016
The poisonous media's still at it:
Spreading their calumnious bullshit!
Their opinion polls show a Hillary win;
According to them, Trump's already done in!
Fools! I have only this to state-
Never underestimate the power of hate!
Just remember a man with a funny moustache
Who almost reduced the whole of Europe to ash...
20/09/2016
As November draws near,
Things are getting more clear:
Hillary's no longer far in the lead-
Trump's a close second, even Dems will concede.
But what the liberals do not know
Is the power that paranoia can bestow!
When logic and reason will be totally dumped
And sheer fear will make people vote for Trump!
10/10/2016
It is said that the second presidential debate
Has pretty much sealed Donald Trump's fate:
If the liberal media is to be trusted
The GOP campaign's practically busted.
But since when do voters base their choice
On a candidate's knowledge, experience and poise?
What they want is the sound and the fury;
The arrogance to play both judge and jury:
The fireworks, bluster, empty rhetoric-
Rudeness personified and a visage choleric...
Let's face it, folks, they are not too fussy
Even of a guy who grabs women by the p***y...
21/10/2016
By his orange wig
And the dances he did jig,
And the beers he has swigged;
Trump swears it's all rigged!
So come eighth November
It would be good to remember
A candidate's never beat
Unless he concedes defeat -
So whatever the numbers say
Or the poll results display
Our fervour won't be doused!
Trump will sit in the White House!
09/11/2016
Defeating all predictions
And negative depictions,
And naysayer's convictions
Trump's won the election!
It just goes to show that
Even a spoiled brat
Can aspire to the White House
If he's enough of a louse.
With that, we conclude
This lengthy prelude
To a four-year interlude
Of Presidential ineptitude.
10/11/2019
Just 'cause the House is flipped
Don't think Donnie's wings are clipped!
With executive orders, he is equipped -
Constitution? Pshaw! That will be skipped!
6/11/2020
With fraudulent votes picked up from the ground,
Where they just happened to be lying around;
If Biden thinks that he can get himself crowned
Be warned! In lawsuits he will be drowned!
The Donald will never ever leave the White House!
Not for a socialist, democratic louse!
What do you think he is? A discarded spouse?
If you are wise, his anger you will not rouse!
12/11/2020
Beware us! The righteous warriors of Trump,
Making our last stand in a forlorn dump;
We may seem to you such laughable chumps-
But just you wait! We will be back with a thump!
27/11/2020
The Democrat idiots have started having fun,
Seeing how the power transition has begun;
But rest assured people, that Trump will never run-
He shall be the POTUS, else there will be none!
The Donald has many tricks up his fabled sleeve,
Many a one that ordinary mortals can never perceive!
Whether Joe and Kamala do beg, borrow or thieve...
The White House, Donald Trump shall never leave!
12/12/2020
Just because SCOTUS threw his last case out,
(The ungrateful wretches! The barbarian louts!)
Doesn't mean that Don is gonna sit and pout-
He will still fight tooth and nail! Don't you doubt!
Until Jan 20, whatever you say
Don is the Prez, and Prez he will stay!
After that? - well, let's wait for day...
Hip hip hooray! Callooh! Callay!
15/12/2020
So Biden has been endorsed by the Electoral Collage;
Thus completing this vile, unlawful sabotage!
But don't think Joe is going to implement his raj-
Presidency for him will always be a mirage!
Come January, Pence will simply throw the votes in the bin
And will confidently declare a Donald Trump win!
Because to let anyone else rule is a cardinal sin-
So Dems! You don't know the level of fix you're in!
20/01/2021
So the lefties and liberals are jumping in glee,
Thinking they have done with the Trump Presidency!
What they don't know - or refuse to see -
Is that the Don is here for all eternity!
Be honest! Have you ever seen a horror movie
Where the boogeyman is not waiting, sequel-ready?
The Iowa Caucus
Seems to have lost focus:
Else why would they dump
A winner like Trump?
But he'll be back in a hurry,
None of you worry!
Because it's just his fate
To make America great!
10/2/2016
What did I say?
Hip-hip-hooray!!!
Trump's on fire
In New Hampshire!
After biting the dust
He did not go bust:
Now he's leading the pack!
This is the art of comeback.
22/02/2016
South Carolina says
That Donald should be Prez.
He's trumped all the rest
In the presidential quest!
Now it seems sure
That Trump will endure;
The "charm" of this man
Is not a flash in the pan!
24/02/2016
The Donald Trump armada
Just steamrolled Nevada.
All resistance is broken!
The people have spoken.
Whether the right-winger cheers
or the liberal sheds tears,
One thing is clear:
The White House is near!
02/03/2016
Though his enemies may
React with dismay,
After Super Tuesday
It's Trump all the way!
It seems nothing can
Stop this superman!
Endorsed by the Klan,
Muslims he'll ban;
The terrorist horde
He'll en masse, waterboard;
Stop Mexico's gall
With an impenetrable wall;
Finish off the ISIS
(Though it's not clear how he'll do this!)
So get ready to jump,
Click your heels , and say: "Heil Trump!"
07/03/2016
Though the liberal news
Says "nothing much to choose
Between Trump and Cruz",
There are different views...
So at Saturday's results
The "Establishment" exults:
They say "Trump can be stopped!"
"His campaign's as good as flopped!"
Poor fools! Scarce you know
The lengths Trump will go
To become the president!
The truth's self-evident:
He may be an outsider
Functioning as a lone rider:
But I dare you to pick
Someone with a longer dick!
12/03/2016
After Michigan
The task is almost done:
The battle's all but won
And Don's hit a home run!
So what if the Trump team
Occasionally, blows off steam?
Violence can't be all bad
When one's guided by the gonad.
14/03/2016
Washington and Wyoming
Has left our lad foaming;
Only one delegate
Gathered from these states!
Folks, what's wrong with you?
We have to see this thing through!
If Ol' Don's not at the helm
Terrorists will overwhelm
Poor 'Murrica; and the Hispanic
Population shall create panic
Drugs shall be their birthright,
They shall rape every woman in sight!
17/03/2016
After Tuesday's rout
Rubio's out;
Only Kasich, Cruz
And Trump from which to choose!
And if the party disowns
The millionaire of renown
He'll not keep quiet:
He's promised a riot!
24/03/2016
The state of Arizona
Has endorsed Trump's persona
But it seems that Utah
Has fallen for Cruz's chutzpah!
Donald, old chap,
You're in the last lap:
You can't afford to slack
And allow Cruz a comeback-
It's all very easy;
You just continue to be
Yourself (i.e. brash and bigoted)
And by republicans you'll be voted!
06/04/2016
The state of Wisconsin
Has committed the sin
Of not seeing Trump in:
And dumping him in the bin!
Is it because he exhorted
To punish women who aborted?
Or because his team beats up
People, when the debate heats up?
Folks, you must remember
This is part of the moral timbre
Of the GOP's chosen member;
He cannot afford to slumber!
So in the remaining caucuses
Let's hope the populace focusses
On getting Trump back on track;
So he can make the famous "comeback"!
27/04/2016
New York last week
Placed Trump on a peak;
And yesterday's polls
Show that he's on a roll!
Let us exult
At the inevitable result!
Kasich and Cruz
Have teamed up only to lose!
04/05/2016
Indiana's verdict
Was easy to predict
For anyone who's aligned
With the Republican mind;
After a comprehensive rout
Senator Ted Cruz is out!
Don's almost there
On the presidential chair...
05/05/2016
Folks, this is it!
Kasich's also quit!
Trump's the only guy
For the GOP to swear by!
Now there's just Hillary
(Or Bernie - he may still win the primary)
Only one more dragon to slay!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!
25/05/2016
The latest polls show Trump in the lead;
He's the man the masses need.
Hillary's gonna take it on the chin,
There's no way she's going to win!
Policy matters? Don't discuss.
The economy? Not worth the fuss.
Trump will discuss only Hillary's spouse -
And insult his way into the White House!
20/07/2016
For all those who doubted
Raised their eyebrows and pouted,
Raved, ranted and shouted;
And said Trump will ousted
Your traditions, much-touted
Have been totally flouted;
His enemies all routed,
Now Don's the leader, undoubted.
19/08/2016
The poisonous media's still at it:
Spreading their calumnious bullshit!
Their opinion polls show a Hillary win;
According to them, Trump's already done in!
Fools! I have only this to state-
Never underestimate the power of hate!
Just remember a man with a funny moustache
Who almost reduced the whole of Europe to ash...
20/09/2016
As November draws near,
Things are getting more clear:
Hillary's no longer far in the lead-
Trump's a close second, even Dems will concede.
But what the liberals do not know
Is the power that paranoia can bestow!
When logic and reason will be totally dumped
And sheer fear will make people vote for Trump!
10/10/2016
It is said that the second presidential debate
Has pretty much sealed Donald Trump's fate:
If the liberal media is to be trusted
The GOP campaign's practically busted.
But since when do voters base their choice
On a candidate's knowledge, experience and poise?
What they want is the sound and the fury;
The arrogance to play both judge and jury:
The fireworks, bluster, empty rhetoric-
Rudeness personified and a visage choleric...
Let's face it, folks, they are not too fussy
Even of a guy who grabs women by the p***y...
21/10/2016
By his orange wig
And the dances he did jig,
And the beers he has swigged;
Trump swears it's all rigged!
So come eighth November
It would be good to remember
A candidate's never beat
Unless he concedes defeat -
So whatever the numbers say
Or the poll results display
Our fervour won't be doused!
Trump will sit in the White House!
09/11/2016
Defeating all predictions
And negative depictions,
And naysayer's convictions
Trump's won the election!
It just goes to show that
Even a spoiled brat
Can aspire to the White House
If he's enough of a louse.
With that, we conclude
This lengthy prelude
To a four-year interlude
Of Presidential ineptitude.
10/11/2019
Just 'cause the House is flipped
Don't think Donnie's wings are clipped!
With executive orders, he is equipped -
Constitution? Pshaw! That will be skipped!
6/11/2020
With fraudulent votes picked up from the ground,
Where they just happened to be lying around;
If Biden thinks that he can get himself crowned
Be warned! In lawsuits he will be drowned!
The Donald will never ever leave the White House!
Not for a socialist, democratic louse!
What do you think he is? A discarded spouse?
If you are wise, his anger you will not rouse!
12/11/2020
Beware us! The righteous warriors of Trump,
Making our last stand in a forlorn dump;
We may seem to you such laughable chumps-
But just you wait! We will be back with a thump!
27/11/2020
The Democrat idiots have started having fun,
Seeing how the power transition has begun;
But rest assured people, that Trump will never run-
He shall be the POTUS, else there will be none!
The Donald has many tricks up his fabled sleeve,
Many a one that ordinary mortals can never perceive!
Whether Joe and Kamala do beg, borrow or thieve...
The White House, Donald Trump shall never leave!
12/12/2020
Just because SCOTUS threw his last case out,
(The ungrateful wretches! The barbarian louts!)
Doesn't mean that Don is gonna sit and pout-
He will still fight tooth and nail! Don't you doubt!
Until Jan 20, whatever you say
Don is the Prez, and Prez he will stay!
After that? - well, let's wait for day...
Hip hip hooray! Callooh! Callay!
15/12/2020
So Biden has been endorsed by the Electoral Collage;
Thus completing this vile, unlawful sabotage!
But don't think Joe is going to implement his raj-
Presidency for him will always be a mirage!
Come January, Pence will simply throw the votes in the bin
And will confidently declare a Donald Trump win!
Because to let anyone else rule is a cardinal sin-
So Dems! You don't know the level of fix you're in!
20/01/2021
So the lefties and liberals are jumping in glee,
Thinking they have done with the Trump Presidency!
What they don't know - or refuse to see -
Is that the Don is here for all eternity!
Be honest! Have you ever seen a horror movie
Where the boogeyman is not waiting, sequel-ready?
not-to-read
February 2, 2016After that annoying hiccup last night in Iowa I'm sure you'd hear some people whining and moaning and carrying on, but not the author of The Art of the Comeback! He won't be complaining he was five points behind Cruz, no sir, he'll be pleased he was a whole point ahead of Rubio. He won't be bitching that his glass is half empty, he'll be telling his friends it's half full. Well, maybe a quarter full if you want to get really technical, but the bottom line is that nearly 25% of the delegates were willing to listen to good solid arguments about forcing Mexico to build a wall along the border and deporting all illegal immigrants and denying Muslims entry to the US and kicking ISIS's butt. There's still plenty of Americans who can tell the difference between a true statesman and a clown who's trying to bluster his way into the White House.
Think positive, that's the moral! And watch the Comeback Kid come back! Yes, a week from now in New Hampshire, mark my words, we'll all be saying Look Who's Back.
Think positive, that's the moral! And watch the Comeback Kid come back! Yes, a week from now in New Hampshire, mark my words, we'll all be saying Look Who's Back.
to-read-not
September 30, 2016♫ Trump thing, you make my heart sink
You make everything gloomy, Trump thing
Trump thing, I think I loathe you
[picture captured from www.trumpdonald.org]
If you like to learn what Trump's hairpiece really consist of, and which book he has on his nightstand, and other private details about him, watch this little Simpsons special clip on youtube (2 mins):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLSy8Tl2bjs
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
You make everything gloomy, Trump thing
Trump thing, I think I loathe you
[picture captured from www.trumpdonald.org]
If you like to learn what Trump's hairpiece really consist of, and which book he has on his nightstand, and other private details about him, watch this little Simpsons special clip on youtube (2 mins):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLSy8Tl2bjs
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
May 12, 2019
A fun fact before we start the review: In the first chapter of this book, Donald Trump included a friendly photo of himself with then-First Lady Hillary Clinton. In the caption, he lauded her success and even complimented her as being “wonderful!” In hindsight, seeing such a thing in print is simply hilarious, and I'm sure any prospective reader will find some entertainer value in that tidbit alone. It really doesn't get funnier than that!
As part of my quest to read every significant book written by Donald Trump (i.e. not his golfing advice book), my next foray into the President's bibliography led me to The Art of the Comeback – my fifth Trump book. Chronicling Trump in the 1990s, this book attempts to give readers some insight into The Donald's meteoric comeback after a hard-hitting recession.
Right off the bat, I have to address one glaring issue I had with this book. Although the title boasts of a heavy focus on his comeback, any focus on such a topic felt totally lacking, for seldom did Trump make any significant mention of his actual comeback throughout the majority of his book. Rather, Trump did more of the same in writing about his successes and personal life, much like in his previous two books, The Art of the Deal and Surviving at the Top. I found this to be quite disappointing because I was genuinely interested in reading about how our President came back after suffering from such catastrophic financial losses – losses that nearly ended his career as a real estate mogul and international businessman.
What really baffled me was Donald Trump's seeming reluctance to go into any great detail about his comeback despite his book being about that very topic. At the end of his book, he outlined a week-in-the-life of Trump in the 1990s, but rather than delving into a time during his financial struggles, he opted to write about a period of time after he had already made his fabled come back and regained financial stability. What a missed opportunity! He alludes to the possibility that readers may find his dealings during those troubling days to be uninteresting or boring, but I wholeheartedly disagree with that assumption. If anything, I found that his day-to-day life after his comeback was just more of the same and not nearly as interesting as anything he must have done whilst climbing back to the top after falling so hard. Perhaps Donald Trump had to do some shady things to regain his throne, and writing of such things would have implicated him in some morally questionable business activities? He was a New York businessman, after all, and who among that class isn't just a little bit fallible? Needless to say, the comeback aspect of the book was truly a great letdown when it could have been the most fascinating thing he could have ever written about thus far.
Though the issues I have with this book are hard to overlook, what saves The Art of the Comeback from being a mediocre or bad book is its entertainment value in all other realms other than those dabbling in his so-called “comeback” – an aspect mostly absent in this book. At the beginning of the book, Donald Trump proclaims that he had a much better time writing this book than he did with writing Surviving at the Top, and for the most part, this enthusiasm shows. I could tell that he was having more fun detailing his exploits and victories this time around, for he seemed to have exuded more appreciation for the good things in his life to a greater degree after nearly losing everything in his gold-dipped empire. The way he reflects on his beloved Trump Tower, for example, could only have been so heartfelt if he had nearly lost it to the banks, making him realize just how easily even someone like him can lose it all. I think his near-destruction at the hands of the 1990s recession humbled him to a degree, at least as it concerns his business dealings, which was a nice change to see out of someone as confident as Trump.
I found most all of the book to be a very fun read. In particular, his section on the women in (and out) of his life was by and large the most entertaining part of this whole book. He recounts his many encounters with women in a self-aggrandizing, hyperbole-laden manner, and I loved it! Admittedly, it was like reading a tabloid on Donald Trump's love life, complete with scathing details the likes of which The National Enquirer would be wont to publish. Regardless, I don't read Trump books to be intellectually challenged, but rather just to enjoy myself and learn a few new things about our President, and I got just what I was looking for in this section of his book.
Each successive book displayed a bit more of that modern-day Trump we all know today, and The Art of the Comeback showed the most development on that front so far. The rudiments of President Trump are present here in their most basic form, including bashing the dishonest press and ripping the corrupt politicians and absurd government bureaucracy. He even thought that the Trump-obsessed media of the '90s was bad, but he had no idea just how much worse it would become just a few decades later! For all the things people can say about him, nobody can say that Trump wasn't consistent in his messaging.
Also, in one particularly funny paragraph, he addresses the rumors that he wants to run for office in some capacity – even the Presidency – but quickly quells any such notions of a run, stating that he would be too controversial and honest to make it far in any election. How's that for foresight? Except for being wrong about his projected lack of success with running, he certainly hit the nail on the head about his being a controversial figure within the government!
While I am still sore about the lack of any information on his comeback in this book titled The Art of the Comeback, I will still maintain that this book was well worth the read and managed to be quite enjoyable overall. As always, I must say that this book, like his others, will most likely not make Trump haters suddenly see the man in a new light; either you like the guy or you don't, and this book will certainly not change any minds. However, like with his other books, if you do already like President Trump, then this book will be a joy to read, proving to be yet another fascinating chapter in the legacy of President Donald Trump.
As part of my quest to read every significant book written by Donald Trump (i.e. not his golfing advice book), my next foray into the President's bibliography led me to The Art of the Comeback – my fifth Trump book. Chronicling Trump in the 1990s, this book attempts to give readers some insight into The Donald's meteoric comeback after a hard-hitting recession.
Right off the bat, I have to address one glaring issue I had with this book. Although the title boasts of a heavy focus on his comeback, any focus on such a topic felt totally lacking, for seldom did Trump make any significant mention of his actual comeback throughout the majority of his book. Rather, Trump did more of the same in writing about his successes and personal life, much like in his previous two books, The Art of the Deal and Surviving at the Top. I found this to be quite disappointing because I was genuinely interested in reading about how our President came back after suffering from such catastrophic financial losses – losses that nearly ended his career as a real estate mogul and international businessman.
What really baffled me was Donald Trump's seeming reluctance to go into any great detail about his comeback despite his book being about that very topic. At the end of his book, he outlined a week-in-the-life of Trump in the 1990s, but rather than delving into a time during his financial struggles, he opted to write about a period of time after he had already made his fabled come back and regained financial stability. What a missed opportunity! He alludes to the possibility that readers may find his dealings during those troubling days to be uninteresting or boring, but I wholeheartedly disagree with that assumption. If anything, I found that his day-to-day life after his comeback was just more of the same and not nearly as interesting as anything he must have done whilst climbing back to the top after falling so hard. Perhaps Donald Trump had to do some shady things to regain his throne, and writing of such things would have implicated him in some morally questionable business activities? He was a New York businessman, after all, and who among that class isn't just a little bit fallible? Needless to say, the comeback aspect of the book was truly a great letdown when it could have been the most fascinating thing he could have ever written about thus far.
Though the issues I have with this book are hard to overlook, what saves The Art of the Comeback from being a mediocre or bad book is its entertainment value in all other realms other than those dabbling in his so-called “comeback” – an aspect mostly absent in this book. At the beginning of the book, Donald Trump proclaims that he had a much better time writing this book than he did with writing Surviving at the Top, and for the most part, this enthusiasm shows. I could tell that he was having more fun detailing his exploits and victories this time around, for he seemed to have exuded more appreciation for the good things in his life to a greater degree after nearly losing everything in his gold-dipped empire. The way he reflects on his beloved Trump Tower, for example, could only have been so heartfelt if he had nearly lost it to the banks, making him realize just how easily even someone like him can lose it all. I think his near-destruction at the hands of the 1990s recession humbled him to a degree, at least as it concerns his business dealings, which was a nice change to see out of someone as confident as Trump.
I found most all of the book to be a very fun read. In particular, his section on the women in (and out) of his life was by and large the most entertaining part of this whole book. He recounts his many encounters with women in a self-aggrandizing, hyperbole-laden manner, and I loved it! Admittedly, it was like reading a tabloid on Donald Trump's love life, complete with scathing details the likes of which The National Enquirer would be wont to publish. Regardless, I don't read Trump books to be intellectually challenged, but rather just to enjoy myself and learn a few new things about our President, and I got just what I was looking for in this section of his book.
Each successive book displayed a bit more of that modern-day Trump we all know today, and The Art of the Comeback showed the most development on that front so far. The rudiments of President Trump are present here in their most basic form, including bashing the dishonest press and ripping the corrupt politicians and absurd government bureaucracy. He even thought that the Trump-obsessed media of the '90s was bad, but he had no idea just how much worse it would become just a few decades later! For all the things people can say about him, nobody can say that Trump wasn't consistent in his messaging.
Also, in one particularly funny paragraph, he addresses the rumors that he wants to run for office in some capacity – even the Presidency – but quickly quells any such notions of a run, stating that he would be too controversial and honest to make it far in any election. How's that for foresight? Except for being wrong about his projected lack of success with running, he certainly hit the nail on the head about his being a controversial figure within the government!
While I am still sore about the lack of any information on his comeback in this book titled The Art of the Comeback, I will still maintain that this book was well worth the read and managed to be quite enjoyable overall. As always, I must say that this book, like his others, will most likely not make Trump haters suddenly see the man in a new light; either you like the guy or you don't, and this book will certainly not change any minds. However, like with his other books, if you do already like President Trump, then this book will be a joy to read, proving to be yet another fascinating chapter in the legacy of President Donald Trump.
January 16, 2020
"People have always asked me if I'll ever be involved in politics. It seems every so often there's some unfounded rumor that I'm considering seeking office-sometimes even the presidency! The problem is, I think I'm too honest, and perhaps too controversial, to be a politician. I always say it like it is, and I'm not sure that a politician can do that, although I might just be able to get away with it because people tend to like me. Honesty causes controversy, and therefore, despite all the polls that say I should run, I would probably not be a very successful politician." (Donald J. Trump, Trump: The Art of the Comeback, Page 186)
This book was written by billionaire, and now politician and 45th president of the United States, Donald J. Trump. It was written in 1997, and even then he was talking politics! Perhaps, destiny was calling him then?
Although, he did touch on politics in this book, it touches on 95% of other topics in my estimation; including: playing golf, celebrities he has met, leveraging, stocks, casinos and gambling, his love life and his one divorce with Ivana; with one on the way with Marla Maples, the importance of the pre-nuptial agreement, and detailing some of his real estate investments, including: Trump Tower, Trump Hotels & Casinos, Taj Mahal, The Empire State Building, Mar-A-Lago, West Side Railroad Yards, 40 Wall Street...
At the start of the book there is a list of Trump's Top Ten Comeback Tips which are:
1. PLAY GOLF
2. STAY FOCUSED
3. BE PARANOID
4. BE PASSIONATE
5. GO AGAINST THE TIDE
6. GO WITH YOUR GUT
7. WORK WITH PEOPLE YOU LIKE
8. BE LUCKY
9. GET EVEN
10. ALWAYS HAVE A PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT
He defines what each of these means, for example, Comeback Tip 6: GO WITH YOUR GUT reads: "Some of the greatest investors I have ever known invest by instinct, rather than research, study, or hard work. If you look back over history, this is the way the greatest fortunes have been built. People had ideas that they truly believed in."
I only gave this book 3 stars because I don't think this book delivered on the title, that of providing strategies, skills, and techniques to have a comeback. It goes more into his personal life as a person...more like an autobiography, rather than an instruction manual on how to deal with adversity and have a successful comeback in my opinion. He definitely did have a comeback in that he over-leveraged himself in real estate investments, and when the bottom fell out in real estate he was deep in debt to the tune of $975 million (p. xi). The best story that illustrates this is on page 11:
"One day, while walking down Fifth Avenue, hand in hand with Marla, I pointed across the street to a man holding a cup and with a Seeing Eye dog. I asked, 'Do you know what that is?'
Marla said to me: "Yes, Donald. He's a beggar. Isn't that too bad? He looks so sad!"
I said, 'You're right. He's a beggar, but he's worth about $900 million more than me.' She looked at me and said, "What do you mean, Donald? How could he be possibly be worth $900 million more than you?'
I said, "Let's assume he's worth nothing (only from the standpoint of dollars)-I'm worth minus $900 million.'"
There were some interesting things in this book about how Donald Trump thinks and how he built his real estate empire (leverage).
This book was entertaining with some business tips thrown in. Some I highlighted I will leave you with:
"...where there's turmoil, there's opportunity" (p. 47).
"...always ask for more than you really want" (p. 69).
"The moment someone settles or makes it easy for a particular lawyer, he will inevitably return with another suit a short time later. Also, his scavenger friends who were watching will likewise find a reason to sue" (p. 104).
"Get your zoning in a bad economic climate, and begin building in a good one" (p. 164).
"Someone who screws you once will do it again" (p. 182).
"...work hard and don't allow yourself to understand the meaning of the word defeat. Above all, enjoy what you're doing, and the only thing you'll have is victory, victory, victory!" (p. 233).
This book was written by billionaire, and now politician and 45th president of the United States, Donald J. Trump. It was written in 1997, and even then he was talking politics! Perhaps, destiny was calling him then?
Although, he did touch on politics in this book, it touches on 95% of other topics in my estimation; including: playing golf, celebrities he has met, leveraging, stocks, casinos and gambling, his love life and his one divorce with Ivana; with one on the way with Marla Maples, the importance of the pre-nuptial agreement, and detailing some of his real estate investments, including: Trump Tower, Trump Hotels & Casinos, Taj Mahal, The Empire State Building, Mar-A-Lago, West Side Railroad Yards, 40 Wall Street...
At the start of the book there is a list of Trump's Top Ten Comeback Tips which are:
1. PLAY GOLF
2. STAY FOCUSED
3. BE PARANOID
4. BE PASSIONATE
5. GO AGAINST THE TIDE
6. GO WITH YOUR GUT
7. WORK WITH PEOPLE YOU LIKE
8. BE LUCKY
9. GET EVEN
10. ALWAYS HAVE A PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT
He defines what each of these means, for example, Comeback Tip 6: GO WITH YOUR GUT reads: "Some of the greatest investors I have ever known invest by instinct, rather than research, study, or hard work. If you look back over history, this is the way the greatest fortunes have been built. People had ideas that they truly believed in."
I only gave this book 3 stars because I don't think this book delivered on the title, that of providing strategies, skills, and techniques to have a comeback. It goes more into his personal life as a person...more like an autobiography, rather than an instruction manual on how to deal with adversity and have a successful comeback in my opinion. He definitely did have a comeback in that he over-leveraged himself in real estate investments, and when the bottom fell out in real estate he was deep in debt to the tune of $975 million (p. xi). The best story that illustrates this is on page 11:
"One day, while walking down Fifth Avenue, hand in hand with Marla, I pointed across the street to a man holding a cup and with a Seeing Eye dog. I asked, 'Do you know what that is?'
Marla said to me: "Yes, Donald. He's a beggar. Isn't that too bad? He looks so sad!"
I said, 'You're right. He's a beggar, but he's worth about $900 million more than me.' She looked at me and said, "What do you mean, Donald? How could he be possibly be worth $900 million more than you?'
I said, "Let's assume he's worth nothing (only from the standpoint of dollars)-I'm worth minus $900 million.'"
There were some interesting things in this book about how Donald Trump thinks and how he built his real estate empire (leverage).
This book was entertaining with some business tips thrown in. Some I highlighted I will leave you with:
"...where there's turmoil, there's opportunity" (p. 47).
"...always ask for more than you really want" (p. 69).
"The moment someone settles or makes it easy for a particular lawyer, he will inevitably return with another suit a short time later. Also, his scavenger friends who were watching will likewise find a reason to sue" (p. 104).
"Get your zoning in a bad economic climate, and begin building in a good one" (p. 164).
"Someone who screws you once will do it again" (p. 182).
"...work hard and don't allow yourself to understand the meaning of the word defeat. Above all, enjoy what you're doing, and the only thing you'll have is victory, victory, victory!" (p. 233).
Read
December 17, 2018Horrible, just like he is. I’m surprised I finished it. I read it only because we’ve had it for 20 years. The most self aggrandizing book I’ve ever read. I’m surprised he didn’t demand Ali to hand over the title of the greatest. Women -or girls to him, money, f&cking people over, winning, member of the lucky sperm club (his words, as if only men can make money) I can’t give this book even one star. He is the most self absorbed person on the planet, now, then, since he was born.
May 25, 2016
sigh.
January 16, 2024
This is my first Trump book but I knew what I was getting into. It's basically a long book of Trump talking about himself and his accomplishments. He goes on and on about all the famous people he knows and the awards he won for his wonderful work.
It is fascinating though. It's a good way to get inside of his head and see how he brought himself out of a low point in his life. It's written like a biography of sorts.
This is Trump's version of all the stories that have been told about him in the media and in books. I took it as a way for him to record in print HIS version of the story and sets the record straight.
I learned an interesting fact in this book. The Trump HATES handshakes! he's a huge germaphobe!
January 25, 2016
A terrific set of stories that taught me a lot about making deals.
the-rump
April 10, 2023
If i had a tweeter account, i'd gladly give it up just to send this sincere wish to him.
May 9, 2017
Omg this bok wa soo god. Eye worsip it! It so god!
February 7, 2017
This book provided some understanding that I did not have before about our now President Elect (PE) Donald Trump. With the inauguration set to occur exactly one week from today, I feel more at ease regarding his transition into leadership.
It seems to me the only difference, at times, in whether or not you accept someone or otherwise lies in if you choose to take the time to get to try to get to know and understand that individual.
"The Art of the Comeback" allowed the reader the opportunity to peak behind the eyes and into the brain of Mr. Trump as he was nearly 20 years ago. And, honestly, I am not disappointed in the person I had the opportunity to learn about. At first, I'll admit, in the first 20 or so pages I felt as though it would be a thrill ride; A piece that would further exemplify the image that the media paints of a womanizing, uncontrolled, insensitive and out of touch rich guy. But to the contrary, I was thankfully surprised and persuaded otherwise.
While the book was written by Trump himself, I am still comfortable with my changed impression of him.
In regards to the public image of a man who is somewhat of an inappropriate perv who objectifies women, I, however, recognize in him a person who honors, upholds and appreciates beauty in all things and people, both female AND male. Trump acknowledges the attractiveness and beauty of men in his book just as he does women. (Note: And, I don't question his sexuality as a result.)
Specifically, in The Art of the Comeback, he speaks of Eddie Malloy (now deceased but once the president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of NY from 1992 to 2008), describing him as "Angel eyes ...because he [had] the most beautiful eyes you've ever seen." It is in these words and examples written two decades ago that cause me to no longer see him as a womanizer, but rather someone who appreciates the relief offered to us in things and people that display true beauty.
As relates to the image of him being an an uncontrolled and somewhat unrefined person, I now see him to be someone who is brutally honest and a example of a harsh dose of reality. As many witnessed the widely disseminated image of Donald Trump mocking disabled reporter, Serge Kovaleski, who was not able to recall certain details, I did as well. And I think like most Americans, I too was turned off by this image and other seeming antics put on display by the media because we expect and demand that our American President be somewhat super human with the best etiquette training and political acumen money can buy. But the truth of the matter is that PE Donald Trump is indeed human as well as a true beneficiary of "White Boy Privilege" as so eloquently and recently described in the aforementioned titled poem by young, white teen Royce Mann.
As an educated Black woman and a product of the US subsidy system, I for a short period of time felt slighted that PE Trump would be President Obama's successor. But the truth is that although I voted for Hilary, I do not believe she is what our country needs. I now know that I just wanted something, anything to hold on to to prove that our country is indeed and truly progressing.
As someone with an advanced education who still fights for acceptance and understanding and a seat at the table, not only striving to prove my worth to whites, but shamefully to middle class educated blacks as well, I'm happy that Trump has been elected. I believe that the election of Mrs. Clinton, while she won the popular vote, would have been another four years of a masquerade that these United States continue to hide behind and pretend that disadvantaged people are being given a fair shake.
I, for one, am happy to face, as I do each day, the harsh reality of White Privilege rather than to go along with the belief that the United States is now primed for it's first female President, particularly when we just witnessed the artistically displayed film "The Help" just five years ago in 2011. I find it illogical to think that immediately following the track of the first black President that the first white female president is appropriate and suitable.
It unnerves me to hear women compare their (our) plight of acceptance in these United States comparable to racism. While it's true that the progress of women and our equal rights were delayed, the truth of the matter is that their white men ran the country while black families were subjected to slavery, desegregation and continual oppression. So even if women weren't given the right to vote until 1920 and we continue to demand equal pay and leadership opportunities that are on par with men, the truth of the matter is that the men who are at the helm remain of our country are your husbands, brothers, uncles and cousins. White women have not had to endure the challenges of being black and female AND endure the pain stakes that come with having the HEADS and PROVIDERS of our families hung from trees, whipped like animals, and forced to work for free all while having their family structures destroyed.
As relates to PE Trump being an insensitive and out of touch rich guy, The Art of the Comeback shows otherwise. In the book, the reader experiences someone who has the decency to point out the absurdity behind excessive media coverage of the trivial affairs of an American billionaire during the release of Nelson Mandela, a world figure and glaring example of the oppressive tendencies of humans upon their own kind. The reader also is shown a man who demonstrates love and cares for his family and children. Even amidst the turmoil of divorces and the women in and out of his life, he clearly makes his children a priority in his life through his actions. As a reader, we are shown someone who has a sense of grounding and who is not afraid to call to action, execute and deliver. Trump's action to improve upon the Nation's Parade, for example, in an effort to give the honor he deemed worthy to our veterans and men and women of the armed forces is worthy of noticing. The reality of his self awareness is shown in statements in which he remarks and acknowledges that "I guess I am [materialistic]." These such statements are, in fact, humanizing and calls you to realize that like most of us he can be made aware of the reality of his flaws.
Lastly, while I didn't particularly care for the random hourly run down of his daily dealings in the chapter entitled "Dealing: A week in the life of the Comeback," the pointers provided in "Ingredients for Success" were graspable and relatable. We are reminded of a few things, namely,
1) that hard work pays off
2) there is such a thing as luck
3) it's okay to have a sense of guardedness and paranoia
4) Fortunes can be lost so it is important to preserve what you have and know what you're good at
5) Having a love and passion for what you do is key
6) have good Managment skills
7) demand respect from yourself and others
8) keep your eye on the ball
9) Drive, stamina and focus are important
There is great benefit to be received in having the desire to not only choose to read, but in having the appetite for certain topics with good timing. I'm so glad that I picked up this book at the time I did. I look forward to watching PE Trump execute and deliver as he has clearly demonstrated he is capable, experienced and educated enough to do so.
It seems to me the only difference, at times, in whether or not you accept someone or otherwise lies in if you choose to take the time to get to try to get to know and understand that individual.
"The Art of the Comeback" allowed the reader the opportunity to peak behind the eyes and into the brain of Mr. Trump as he was nearly 20 years ago. And, honestly, I am not disappointed in the person I had the opportunity to learn about. At first, I'll admit, in the first 20 or so pages I felt as though it would be a thrill ride; A piece that would further exemplify the image that the media paints of a womanizing, uncontrolled, insensitive and out of touch rich guy. But to the contrary, I was thankfully surprised and persuaded otherwise.
While the book was written by Trump himself, I am still comfortable with my changed impression of him.
In regards to the public image of a man who is somewhat of an inappropriate perv who objectifies women, I, however, recognize in him a person who honors, upholds and appreciates beauty in all things and people, both female AND male. Trump acknowledges the attractiveness and beauty of men in his book just as he does women. (Note: And, I don't question his sexuality as a result.)
Specifically, in The Art of the Comeback, he speaks of Eddie Malloy (now deceased but once the president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of NY from 1992 to 2008), describing him as "Angel eyes ...because he [had] the most beautiful eyes you've ever seen." It is in these words and examples written two decades ago that cause me to no longer see him as a womanizer, but rather someone who appreciates the relief offered to us in things and people that display true beauty.
As relates to the image of him being an an uncontrolled and somewhat unrefined person, I now see him to be someone who is brutally honest and a example of a harsh dose of reality. As many witnessed the widely disseminated image of Donald Trump mocking disabled reporter, Serge Kovaleski, who was not able to recall certain details, I did as well. And I think like most Americans, I too was turned off by this image and other seeming antics put on display by the media because we expect and demand that our American President be somewhat super human with the best etiquette training and political acumen money can buy. But the truth of the matter is that PE Donald Trump is indeed human as well as a true beneficiary of "White Boy Privilege" as so eloquently and recently described in the aforementioned titled poem by young, white teen Royce Mann.
As an educated Black woman and a product of the US subsidy system, I for a short period of time felt slighted that PE Trump would be President Obama's successor. But the truth is that although I voted for Hilary, I do not believe she is what our country needs. I now know that I just wanted something, anything to hold on to to prove that our country is indeed and truly progressing.
As someone with an advanced education who still fights for acceptance and understanding and a seat at the table, not only striving to prove my worth to whites, but shamefully to middle class educated blacks as well, I'm happy that Trump has been elected. I believe that the election of Mrs. Clinton, while she won the popular vote, would have been another four years of a masquerade that these United States continue to hide behind and pretend that disadvantaged people are being given a fair shake.
I, for one, am happy to face, as I do each day, the harsh reality of White Privilege rather than to go along with the belief that the United States is now primed for it's first female President, particularly when we just witnessed the artistically displayed film "The Help" just five years ago in 2011. I find it illogical to think that immediately following the track of the first black President that the first white female president is appropriate and suitable.
It unnerves me to hear women compare their (our) plight of acceptance in these United States comparable to racism. While it's true that the progress of women and our equal rights were delayed, the truth of the matter is that their white men ran the country while black families were subjected to slavery, desegregation and continual oppression. So even if women weren't given the right to vote until 1920 and we continue to demand equal pay and leadership opportunities that are on par with men, the truth of the matter is that the men who are at the helm remain of our country are your husbands, brothers, uncles and cousins. White women have not had to endure the challenges of being black and female AND endure the pain stakes that come with having the HEADS and PROVIDERS of our families hung from trees, whipped like animals, and forced to work for free all while having their family structures destroyed.
As relates to PE Trump being an insensitive and out of touch rich guy, The Art of the Comeback shows otherwise. In the book, the reader experiences someone who has the decency to point out the absurdity behind excessive media coverage of the trivial affairs of an American billionaire during the release of Nelson Mandela, a world figure and glaring example of the oppressive tendencies of humans upon their own kind. The reader also is shown a man who demonstrates love and cares for his family and children. Even amidst the turmoil of divorces and the women in and out of his life, he clearly makes his children a priority in his life through his actions. As a reader, we are shown someone who has a sense of grounding and who is not afraid to call to action, execute and deliver. Trump's action to improve upon the Nation's Parade, for example, in an effort to give the honor he deemed worthy to our veterans and men and women of the armed forces is worthy of noticing. The reality of his self awareness is shown in statements in which he remarks and acknowledges that "I guess I am [materialistic]." These such statements are, in fact, humanizing and calls you to realize that like most of us he can be made aware of the reality of his flaws.
Lastly, while I didn't particularly care for the random hourly run down of his daily dealings in the chapter entitled "Dealing: A week in the life of the Comeback," the pointers provided in "Ingredients for Success" were graspable and relatable. We are reminded of a few things, namely,
1) that hard work pays off
2) there is such a thing as luck
3) it's okay to have a sense of guardedness and paranoia
4) Fortunes can be lost so it is important to preserve what you have and know what you're good at
5) Having a love and passion for what you do is key
6) have good Managment skills
7) demand respect from yourself and others
8) keep your eye on the ball
9) Drive, stamina and focus are important
There is great benefit to be received in having the desire to not only choose to read, but in having the appetite for certain topics with good timing. I'm so glad that I picked up this book at the time I did. I look forward to watching PE Trump execute and deliver as he has clearly demonstrated he is capable, experienced and educated enough to do so.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
July 28, 2024Like Art of the Deal, no substance. Figured I’d see what his comeback plan was as it relates to the election. No real plan.
April 24, 2020
The early nineties proved a tough time for the Trump Organization, not to mention everyone else. The Donald had grown complacent and was punished for it. The third book in the saga of Trump proves to be perhaps the most energized so far. Charles Leerhsen has been booted in favor of Kate Bohner this time around.
The book follows the same format as before, going through various deals Trump has made through the years, more importantly the ones that served to save him financially. It is common knowledge today that Trump has had many failed business ventures, but at the center of his business you'll find some fairly robust real estate investments.
As always, you get a good dash of boasting and name dropping, but to be fair he does not make light of his mistakes and negative sides neither. Recommended for those who enjoy light reading and easy entertainment.
The book follows the same format as before, going through various deals Trump has made through the years, more importantly the ones that served to save him financially. It is common knowledge today that Trump has had many failed business ventures, but at the center of his business you'll find some fairly robust real estate investments.
As always, you get a good dash of boasting and name dropping, but to be fair he does not make light of his mistakes and negative sides neither. Recommended for those who enjoy light reading and easy entertainment.
September 7, 2015
I recently read Trump's "Art of the Deal" which covers his career up until the mid-1980s. It was an interesting read but, as I mentioned in the review for that book, it was more autobiographical (about his many real estate deals) than business-oriented. I wanted to read this book because it covers Trumps career from the late-1980s to the late 1990s -- a time when Trump's empire crumbled due to the recession in the early 1990s. I had hoped to learn why he was so badly impacted by the recession, what mistakes he made (if any) that made him more exposed to it, and what he did to turn it around. Unfortunately, he only spent the first couple of chapters talking about it and I get the sense that there was a lot he left unsaid. The majority of his book is autobiographical again (about his deals). You could just read the last couple of chapters and get most of the value out of this book. Overall, it is interesting, but I probably won't read it again.
August 11, 2019
It was a good book, not as deep as the others but it was pretty solid, I guess since I’m reading his books based on no order I don’t get to appreciate how his book evolved over the years (I first read Art of the deal then how to get rich then now this one) so I am assuming that if I did read it in proper order I would be able to appreciate it better.
Same with the latter books I really like how Trump owns up to the mistakes he has made in the past and how he really had to negotiate his way out of a lot of financial trouble and also how his marriages (during the time of this book he and Marla were about to get a divorce) so credit Trump for really manning up to his mistakes and giving the best advice he can give to the readers regarding such personal troubles.
So again this book isn’t as good as The Art of the Deal but it is pretty decent and a very solid read.
Same with the latter books I really like how Trump owns up to the mistakes he has made in the past and how he really had to negotiate his way out of a lot of financial trouble and also how his marriages (during the time of this book he and Marla were about to get a divorce) so credit Trump for really manning up to his mistakes and giving the best advice he can give to the readers regarding such personal troubles.
So again this book isn’t as good as The Art of the Deal but it is pretty decent and a very solid read.
July 2, 2019
By now, if you've read the other two books, there is not a whole lot new here. More deals, more name dropping, more praise for Trump's many properties, lots of ego and lots of talk about power. Here the most interesting discussions are about his first two wives, his messy first divorce, and the value of a prenuptial agreement. Also interesting to read about people, even famous people, who attached themselves to Trump because he was more rich and more famous. Power attracts power. Most poignant was Trump's description of losing three key employees in a helicopter crash, and how that helped him look at life differently. Well written (except for grammar...somebody explain the difference between nominative and objective case to whoever edited this book), sprightly, short, and entertaining.
August 5, 2018
I read this the year it was published. Trump was a cartoonish figure in American pop culture even then. But, back then it was enjoyable in a strange way, to watch a self-obsessed, narcissistic, sociopath, brag about how brilliant he was. Mostly because EVERYONE was laughing AT him. His gold toilets, putting his name on anything that stood still more than 30 seconds, his constant, non-stop promotion of "huge new projects", and "giant announcements" that either never materialized or were significantly less impressive than advertised, everyone enjoyed laughing at him.
'Cept now he's president and obviously suffering from a serious medical issue.
No longer funny.
'Cept now he's president and obviously suffering from a serious medical issue.
No longer funny.
March 10, 2014
To achieve greatness and to be viewed by others as a true success only to lose it all is a big contrast. This book encompasses the will to fight from nothing to an even higher level of greatness then previously experienced. This book is proof that you are never too far down to make an incredible comeback.
July 28, 2008
I only read part of this one. Another "Trump is Great" vehicle.
March 17, 2009
One of his best books!
July 22, 2018
Worse than his tweets. Do yourself a favor and skip this turd.
January 8, 2021
A well written business book
NOTHING MORE😄
NOTHING MORE😄
January 22, 2021
I cant get this book anywhere. Help
January 18, 2025
This business history / memoir is not something I'd ordinarily read, given that when my reading brushes business it's usually in connection with something like food, energy, or IT. Howeverrrrrrr, since Trump went out of office and now he's going back in, I couldn't resist. Well, I could have, but that'd be less fun and missing a once-in-a-lifetime joke-post opportunity. The Art of the Comeback is essentially a memoir about Trump's business dealings in the late 1980s and early-mid 1990s -- mostly involving real estate, but also touching on other affairs like his airline shuttle as well as as random things like his chapter on prenups. I would classify this as more of a memoir than a business book, frankly, because Trump doesn't introduce principles and then illustrate them with scenes from his past: rather, he's writing about his deals, his brawls with New York red tape, his relationships, etc and occasionally throwing out an observation. Some of these are universally applicable, and some....not. ("Get your zoning in a bad economic climate, and begin building in a good one.") The book is replete with photos of architecture, which he appears to take very seriously, himself with celebrities, and -- interestingly -- cartoons mocking him taken from newspapers of the period. I'm sure it will astound and appall readers, but the memoir is frequently self-congratulating, as are some of the photos. (Possibly my favorite caption: "Oh, that's Kissinger and me walking off the plane after a serious discussion of geopolitical security. He hung on my every word.")
I can't say this has much, if anything for readers looking for business insights, except perhaps for some inspiration that comebacks are possible. Anyone reading this now is presumably reading it for the personality of the author -- and while he has a ghostwriter, this book sounds like Donald Trump, "believe me". While much of the content didn't interest me, I was surprised by his actual passion for architecture: I tend to associate him with the Atlantic City properties, which I regard as garish, but he sounded positively scandalized that 40 Wall Street's then-owners wanted to gut it to make an atrium of the bottom levels. (It's now his.) I mildly enjoyed this, but not for the intended reasons: seeing Trump chumming it up with the Clintons and making comments that he wouldn't do well in politics because he's too controversial and blunt are hilarious 25 years on.
I can't say this has much, if anything for readers looking for business insights, except perhaps for some inspiration that comebacks are possible. Anyone reading this now is presumably reading it for the personality of the author -- and while he has a ghostwriter, this book sounds like Donald Trump, "believe me". While much of the content didn't interest me, I was surprised by his actual passion for architecture: I tend to associate him with the Atlantic City properties, which I regard as garish, but he sounded positively scandalized that 40 Wall Street's then-owners wanted to gut it to make an atrium of the bottom levels. (It's now his.) I mildly enjoyed this, but not for the intended reasons: seeing Trump chumming it up with the Clintons and making comments that he wouldn't do well in politics because he's too controversial and blunt are hilarious 25 years on.
October 19, 2025
"It seems every so often there's some unfounded rumor that I'm considering seeking office — sometimes even the presidency! The problem is, I think I'm too honest and perhaps too controversial, to be a politician. I always say it like it is, and I'm not sure that a politician can do that, although I might just be able to get away with it because people tend to like me. Honesty causes controversy and therefore despite all the polls that say I should run, I would probably not be a very successful politician."
— Donald Trump (1997)
If you thought "The Art of the Deal" was self-serving dross, you ain't seen nothing yet! Pretty much all you need to know about this book is that an entire chapter is dedicated to Donald's advice on prenuptial agreements. Despite being called "The Art of the Comeback," he never really tells you *how* he made a comeback, or even what he made a comeback *from*, exactly. But you do get a lot of hilarious in hindsight quips about how much he admires Hilary Clinton and what a great wife Ivana was. The book's one saving grace is its suspiciously thorough sections on New York's municipal zoning processes; you can't help but wonder how differently history could have played out had a few of those board of appeals hearings gone a different way. But if you ever wanted to hear Trump go on *multi-page* rants about how much he hates shaking hands and see him in photo ops with Andre the Giant and Liberace ... well, you're in luck.
— Donald Trump (1997)
If you thought "The Art of the Deal" was self-serving dross, you ain't seen nothing yet! Pretty much all you need to know about this book is that an entire chapter is dedicated to Donald's advice on prenuptial agreements. Despite being called "The Art of the Comeback," he never really tells you *how* he made a comeback, or even what he made a comeback *from*, exactly. But you do get a lot of hilarious in hindsight quips about how much he admires Hilary Clinton and what a great wife Ivana was. The book's one saving grace is its suspiciously thorough sections on New York's municipal zoning processes; you can't help but wonder how differently history could have played out had a few of those board of appeals hearings gone a different way. But if you ever wanted to hear Trump go on *multi-page* rants about how much he hates shaking hands and see him in photo ops with Andre the Giant and Liberace ... well, you're in luck.
June 24, 2022
- Trump blames his downfall on himself: he got lazy and full of his earlier success, believing in that he can do no wrong. He got distracted and began to atten fashion shows around the world and outsource his work to "qualified people". While he sense the economic cycle coming, he didn't follow his instinct quick enough
- Cut losses early: when sensing things will go wrong, immediately take ego in check and begin lay out the real problem honestly to people who needs to know
- When nothing can be done do nothing: lots of time one has the urge to do something when they really can't do anything: do nothing. Play golf, relax
- Always hold on: when things reach bottom, it might seem like there's no way to recover. But oftentimes that's when things reach bottom and will go nowhere but up
- People judge things based on what they don't know: unless you've investigated something, never make opinion of it
- Always care about the smallest details: when things people don't think important or wouldn't lead to much success, dwell on it. You could get back rent paid, you could get insurance claim repaid
- People are about how someone does something, not what someone does: always appear graceful and thankful
- Cut losses early: when sensing things will go wrong, immediately take ego in check and begin lay out the real problem honestly to people who needs to know
- When nothing can be done do nothing: lots of time one has the urge to do something when they really can't do anything: do nothing. Play golf, relax
- Always hold on: when things reach bottom, it might seem like there's no way to recover. But oftentimes that's when things reach bottom and will go nowhere but up
- People judge things based on what they don't know: unless you've investigated something, never make opinion of it
- Always care about the smallest details: when things people don't think important or wouldn't lead to much success, dwell on it. You could get back rent paid, you could get insurance claim repaid
- People are about how someone does something, not what someone does: always appear graceful and thankful
January 27, 2024
Excellent book. I learned more about who this Robert Cohen is. The media nowadays make it sound like Robert Cohen was Donald Trumps lawyer. Au contraire, Robert Cohen was never Donald Trump’s lawyer. He was his ex wives Ivana and Marla lawyer representing them during their divorce with Donald Trump. Which Cohen lost because of the prenups.
This explains why Cohen is lying in all these fake cases the Biden crime family has going against Trump. Election interference like never seen before.
This explains why Cohen is lying in all these fake cases the Biden crime family has going against Trump. Election interference like never seen before.
March 23, 2025
“Meanwhile, work hard and don't allow yourself to understand the meaning of the word defeat. Above all, enjoy what you're doing, and the only thing you'll have is victory, victory, victory!”
While somewhat less topically focused than the Art of the Deal, I believe The Art of the Comeback offers more genuine advice from hard-earned lessons than previous books. He’s simply the greatest to ever do it.
While somewhat less topically focused than the Art of the Deal, I believe The Art of the Comeback offers more genuine advice from hard-earned lessons than previous books. He’s simply the greatest to ever do it.
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