Review by Dentarthurdent -- The Billionaires’ Hand...

Dentarthurdent · Post by **Dentarthurdent** » 15 May 2020, 14:59

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Billionaires’ Handbook" by Andrew Stevenson.]

4 out of 4 stars

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There is a common way that most people look at the world, especially regarding the law and how to treat fellow humans. For the most part, this perspective is developed in us through societal rules and laws, unspoken or otherwise. They enable harmony. Maybe, though, they also hold us back. Maybe it would be a less steep journey to the top if one were climbing over the exhausted bodies of others to get ahead. In The Billionaires’ Handbook, Andrew Stevenson explores another path altogether; not one that disregards the set rules, but rather one that religiously adheres to the rules it sets itself.

This informative book seeks to educate the reader on the subtleties of the economy, and how its laws so suspiciously seem to favour the rich at the expense of the majority. So conspicuously, that one might be inclined to think that this one percent had a gigantic hand in writing the rules of the game. As Stevenson puts it, “If you want to win, just rewrite the rulebook.” The author uses a billionaire protagonist who conspiratorially explains to the reader how he got to the top, somewhat egging the reader on to follow the same path. He uses simple language and movie references a lot, in a way that makes it easy for any reader to understand, regardless of the depth of their knowledge on the topic. Even more to this end, Stevenson makes a point of explaining concepts that may not be considered common knowledge, even briefly narrating the history of different economic systems.

I found the book to be rather well-edited, seeing as there were very few errors. Additionally, it seems to have been written in form of slides as opposed to normal pages, and this choice complements the inclusion of relevant images quite well. On the topic of the images, I have to say that I enjoyed the use of creative illustrations as they add to the relaxed humour present in the entire work, and this was what I liked best about the book.

The billionaire’s voice is portrayed as upbeat and amoral in a way that’s just sarcastic enough not to be bogged down with judgement for the wealthy, but is instead tongue-in-cheek enough to rebuke the callousness of those who encourage harm to others and the environment simply for personal gain. Furthermore, the work contains a section towards the end that gives feasible solutions to current problems, especially those brought about, or allowed, by wealth-seeking individuals. This, I felt, was a nice way to wrap up a book that may otherwise make you lose just a little faith in humanity.

I’m going with a perfect rating for this one. Honestly, my only issue with this unique book was that some of the illustrations were a little difficult to follow, and that's hardly reason enough to remove a star. The Billionaires’ Handbook deserves 4 out of 4 because of Stevenson’s uncommon presentation of a not-so-rare premise, the humour and the wit, in addition to the reasons above. The work is short without feeling rushed, and I can’t think of anyone I would expect to dislike it.

******
The Billionaires’ Handbook
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unamilagra · Post by **unamilagra** » 16 May 2020, 22:38

I like that the author approaches this topic with just the right amount of snark. Thanks for a thorough review!

Jlblawrence · Post by **Jlblawrence** » 18 May 2020, 01:22

You make this book sound super interesting. I would actually like to read it after hearing what you have to say about it.Very good review!

Dentarthurdent · Post by **Dentarthurdent** » 23 May 2020, 11:21

unamilagra wrote: ↑16 May 2020, 22:38 I like that the author approaches this topic with just the right amount of snark. Thanks for a thorough review!

Thanks for stopping by!
I agree; the snark makes it interesting. Without it, a book with such a premise would sound too preachy, or a little like a conspiracy theory.

Dentarthurdent · Post by **Dentarthurdent** » 23 May 2020, 11:23

Jlblawrence wrote: ↑18 May 2020, 01:22 You make this book sound super interesting. I would actually like to read it after hearing what you have to say about it.Very good review!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and for the kind words. They really mean a lot to me!

book_fanatic_ · Post by **book_fanatic_** » 23 May 2020, 12:00

Not the kind of book that I would love to read. But enjoyed your review. Thanks for the detailed and well structured review.

Dentarthurdent · Post by **Dentarthurdent** » 27 May 2020, 09:18

book_fanatic_ wrote: ↑23 May 2020, 12:00 Not the kind of book that I would love to read. But enjoyed your review. Thanks for the detailed and well structured review.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and for the kind words!

spencermack · Post by **spencermack** » 27 May 2020, 12:00

I'm currently reading this book and I can't stop laughing. The best part is the voice of the narrator. A member of the billionaires club and absolute honesty in his delivery. The author also has experience in this field. I love it.

Jackie Holycross · Post by **Jackie Holycross** » 28 May 2020, 01:55

I like finance books that take a personal approach. Still I don’t think I would like the wealth at any cost mentality. Especially since for me wealth isn’t the goal, it is a tool to create security and pursue other goals.

UzmaKhan · Post by **UzmaKhan** » 28 May 2020, 03:56

Though the book seems to be an interesting read yet I think it may not be suitable for someone looking for a light read.

Dentarthurdent · Post by **Dentarthurdent** » 02 Jun 2020, 14:00

spencermack wrote: ↑27 May 2020, 12:00 I'm currently reading this book and I can't stop laughing. The best part is the voice of the narrator. A member of the billionaires club and absolute honesty in his delivery. The author also has experience in this field. I love it.

I agree. It's definitely a refreshing perspective, plus it's great that the author does have relevant expertise. Thanks for commenting!

Dentarthurdent · Post by **Dentarthurdent** » 02 Jun 2020, 14:04

teacherjh wrote: ↑28 May 2020, 01:55 I like finance books that take a personal approach. Still I don’t think I would like the wealth at any cost mentality. Especially since for me wealth isn’t the goal, it is a tool to create security and pursue other goals.

That's really how it should be. It appears humans tend to give too much power and importance to wealth, making it the end as opposed to the means. The author's sarcastic tone makes it obvious how absurd this 'screw everyone and everything' mentality is. Thanks for stopping by!

Dentarthurdent · Post by **Dentarthurdent** » 02 Jun 2020, 14:09

UzmaKhan wrote: ↑28 May 2020, 03:56 Though the book seems to be an interesting read yet I think it may not be suitable for someone looking for a light read.

Oddly enough, it's great as a light read. Its contents are in bite-sized pieces and it's not bogged down by statistics or over-long analyses. It's the sort of book that you try, to decide whether or not you're interested in the topic. It's like the shallow end of the great swimming pool of economics, politics and history. Thanks for commenting!