Book Reviews
I love books. They condense years of experience, lessons and wisdom all for the price of a cup of coffee… and a slice of cake.
Here’s a list of some of my favourites.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki is arguably one of the most influential financial books of our time. It has influenced generations of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and everyday people alike. This book is both inspirational and empowering and provides valuable advice on personal finance and investments.
The book is sectioned into seven parts, each addressing a different topic related to money management. In each section, Kiyosaki calls upon the wisdom of his two “dads”, or mentors, one being his own father, the “poor dad”, and the other his best friend’s father, the “rich dad”.
Kiyosaki explains the financial lessons that he learned from these two different “dads”. He details how his “poor dad” thought of money as an enemy, while his “rich dad” saw money as an opportunity (Such a common trait that is passed from generation to generation). Kiyosaki explains how his “rich dad” taught him how to invest in assets, how to start and manage a business, and how to cultivate the right mindset to become wealthy.
He goes on to explain the different ways to acquire and manage money. He talks about debts and credits, and how to use them to your advantage. He also shares investment strategies, such as how to invest in stocks, real estate, and mutual funds, and while all that may sound complicated, it really isn’t. He emphasizes that one should not rely on just one revenue stream, and that diversifying income sources is key to financial success. We call this ‘the Hustle’.
Throughout the book, Kiyosaki makes clear that building wealth is a gradual process consisting of small steps and calculated risks. He encourages readers to always keep their goals and vision in mind, to not be afraid of making mistakes, and to never give up.
Rich Dad Poor Dad is an engaging read that puts the power of financial independence in the hands of the readers. Kiyosaki presents his advice in an entertaining and easy-to-understand manner, which make this financial classic both powerful and educational.
Overall, Rich Dad Poor Dad is a classic book on personal finance that is suitable for readers of all ages, from students to retirees. It offers valuable advice on how to make wise investments and how to think about money in a more positive and creative way. It will get readers thinking about their financial futures and empower them to seize the financial opportunities that may appear in their lives.
In my view, this book has nothing on his follow-up, Cashflow Quadrant. This book literally changed my life! Check out that review.
The Alchemist - Paulo Cohelo
Reading Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, is somewhat of an awakening experience. Coelho’s words, like a whisper, transport the reader to the golden sand dunes of North Africa. Through a beautiful narrative, Coelho’s words transport you as Santiago embarks on a quest, much like a seeker of truth, to realize his dreams and find the courage to pursue them. I suppose i put myself in Santiago’s shoes all those years ago as I started to create the vision of my future.
This captivating story follows Santiago, a young shepherd from an impoverished Spanish town, on a long journey across the Arabian deserts in search of his “Personal Legend” – a purpose to which Santiago has been drawn since his dreams were haunted by an Alchemist. Raised in a traditional home and in a Catholic culture, which put emphasis on convention and conformity Santiago was taught to do as society commanded. This bondage is both literal for Santiago but metaphorical in its representation, we all have something that holds us back. But for Santiago, he seeks something more, something profound and unique that only he can find.
The Alchemist delves into the importance of breaking free from societal norms and the courage to pursue your destiny and battle your fears. A feeling shared by me and has become the fuel that continues to drive me.
Throughout his travels, Santiago meets many people and lands in perilous situations, befriending Gypsies, Kings and Magicians, a character called “The Englishman” and eventually the Alchemist himself. Through these encounters, Santiago reads of destiny and The Soul of the World.
One of the most breath taking characteristics of this book are its many overarching themes, of love, passion, ambition, spirituality, truth and fate, intertwining and giving rise to expansion within the story. Nevertheless, it is the way Coelho ties his story into a universal message that one can carry into his or her own life that truly sets the reader at ease.
As you read this book, you’re encouraged to battle risks and act with effort with Santiago, and to be brave have faith and never give up. Ultimately, this timeless classic reveals that to truly fulfill our destinies in life, we must leave behind our tradition and learn to trust our own intuition. Ultimately, this voyage is life-changing for Santiago, and perhaps for the reader too.
The Alchemist is a classic story, showcasing the courage to search within yourself and battle the obstacles in your path in pursuit of your Personal Legend. I feel that The Alchemist is an amazing novel that is appropriate for all age ranges, expressing powerful lessons and a unique power of positivity and determination to the readers hearts. The universal message of the book is an uplifting and inspiring message that can be implemented into everyone’s lives. If you are looking for a book to motivate you, Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist is definitely one I would recommend, you’ll keep going back to it time and time again.
The Richest Man in Babylon
George Clayson’s The Richest Man in Babylon is an inspiring and timeless classic that addresses, (through a truly old skool lens), timeless truths about money management. Written at the turn of the century and widely embraced for its fresh approach to finance, the book provides people of any era with the tools to think differently about their finances, earning, and saving. Pretty relevant and timely now don’t you think.
The story follows the trials, tribulations, and victories of a man from ancient Babylon as he makes his way from a humble start to become one of the richest and most respected people in the kingdom. George offers inspiring advice about the importance of saving a part of one’s income, investing carefully and in low-risk ventures, and having patience and common sense when it comes to money management. How rare is this simple formula today, with societies totally addicted to bad credit, and the delegation of financial responsibility to anyone but ones self.
The Richest Man in Babylon provides the reader with tried and tested financial advice that has lasted far beyond the exposure of its original readers. Clayson’s timeless view of money management has served as the inspiration for modern financial planners and wealth advisors, who have packaged their ideas into their own books and seminars, offering their own contemporary interpretations of what Clayson outlined nearly 100 years ago.
The Richest Man in Babylon is easy to consume, full of inspiring quotes and stories, alongside practical advice based on common sense and wisdom. Clayson paces the book at a level that is accessible to everyone, and his words are delivered with a conversational style that draws the reader in and keeps him or her engaged until the very end.
The Richest Man in Babylon offers the information and advice readers need to create and maintain their own financial plan. It is easy to see why it has remained a popular book for so long, given its combination of timeless and contemporary advice. By following the principles included in the book, readers can move toward a secure financial future. Simply put, The Richest Man in Babylon is a timeless book that should be read by anyone looking to take control of their finances.
Everybody can learn or be reminded of good practices from this book. One for your bookshelf.
