Book Review: The Art of the Deal

Around the time I read Hillary Clinton's It Takes a Village, I also purchased a copy of Trump: The Art of the Deal, by Donald J. Trump with Tony Schwartz.  This year, I finally got around to reading it--and was surprised how quickly I finished.  This book has a very easy-to-read style.

Published in 1987,  the first chapter details a week in Trump's life.  The book then goes on to tell Trump's story, with a special focus on each of his big deals.  The stories are revealing.  Love or hate him, Trump is Trump.  He's well educated, but a bit rough around the edges.  And that's exactly what his book is like.  The type of language he uses in his speeches is what you'll read in his book.

Interestingly enough, he used almost exactly the same strategies in his presidential campaign that he describes using in his deals.  He noted that the press is always hungry for a sensational story, and that even a critical story, hurtful personally, can give valuable publicity.  (In the campaign it seemed he said and did sensational things regardless of whether they made him look good or bad.)

Another thing Trump said is, "The final key to the way I promote is bravado.  I play to people's fantasies.  People may not always think big themselves, but they can still get very excited by those who do.  That's why a little hyperbole never hurts.  People want to believe that something is the biggest and the greatest and the most spectacular.  I call it truthful hyperbole.  It's an innocent form of exaggeration--and a very effective form of promotion."  (He utilized this strategy to the fullest in his campaign.)  At the same time, he criticized those "who talk a good game but don't deliver."

In the final chapter Trump concludes with talking about what's next and says he most admires people who put themselves directly on the line and give time, instead of just their money.  He says he's good at overcoming obstacles and motivating people to do their best work, and that he's going to try to use those skills in the service of others.  

I'm very glad I read this book, as it provides insight into the thought-process of the President-elect.