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6th out of 44 books
—
48 voters
The Wolf of Wall Street
by
Jordan Belfort (Goodreads Author)
By day he made thousands of dollars a minute. By night he spent it as fast as he could, on drugs, sex, and international globe-trotting. From the binge that sank a 170-foot motor yacht, crashed a Gulfstream jet, and ran up a $700,000 hotel tab, to the wife and kids who waited for him at home, and the fast-talking, hard-partying young stockbrokers who called him king and di...more
Hardcover, 528 pages
Published
September 25th 2007
by Bantam
(first published January 1st 2007)
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Ohhhh, NO! They've made a movie! :(
***spoilers*** He was a stereotypical New Yorker: rude, crude, vulgar, and obnoxious. He would also lie, cheat, and steal from anyone. He ran a "boiler room" brokerage firm that was full of young, addicted, greedy dealers who were little versions of himself. He hated his second wife unless he was lusting for her, so he frequently cheated on her with prostitutes and she knew it. He was always high on prescriptions, alcohol, narcotics and sometimes all three and...more
***spoilers*** He was a stereotypical New Yorker: rude, crude, vulgar, and obnoxious. He would also lie, cheat, and steal from anyone. He ran a "boiler room" brokerage firm that was full of young, addicted, greedy dealers who were little versions of himself. He hated his second wife unless he was lusting for her, so he frequently cheated on her with prostitutes and she knew it. He was always high on prescriptions, alcohol, narcotics and sometimes all three and...more
Ho affrontato la lettura di "The Wolf ol Wall Street", autobiografia romanzata di Jordan Belfort, per anticipare il prossimo film di Martin Scorsese, che su questo stesso libro è basato.
I primi due capitoli, tutti di giocosa ironia e sesso, mi hanno immediatamente indisposto. L'idea stare a sentire vicende turpi e storie ai limiti della legalità, narrate con piglio da bullo di quartiere, non mi entusiasmava neanche un po'. Un altro paio di capitoli di assestamento mi hanno di fatto riconciliato...more
I primi due capitoli, tutti di giocosa ironia e sesso, mi hanno immediatamente indisposto. L'idea stare a sentire vicende turpi e storie ai limiti della legalità, narrate con piglio da bullo di quartiere, non mi entusiasmava neanche un po'. Un altro paio di capitoli di assestamento mi hanno di fatto riconciliato...more
El horror. El libro narra presuntamente la vida de una "estrella fugaz" de las finanzas americanas de los 90. Jordan Belfort entró en el mundo de las finanzas, fundó su propia empresa de intermediación financiera, se montó en el dólar, se hizo drogadicto, se gastó un montón (un-mon-ton) de pasta en estupideces, se divorció, fue a la cárcel por manipulación de precios financieros y "volvió a nacer" siendo un hombre responsable. La historia podría tener interés (de hecho dicen que se está haciendo...more
I do not regret the day my friend, by giving away the book he did not finish, gave it to me. I do not regret forcing myself to finish what I have started; that day, I was just less than a 100-page read.
By the time I finished the book, I realised the book lived in me. I felt some kind of indescribable pain, a kind of pain reflecting the suffering of the author of the book. The TV was on, the music and songs were joyful; but I did not hear any of them for I was suffering. It was nighttime, I was...more
By the time I finished the book, I realised the book lived in me. I felt some kind of indescribable pain, a kind of pain reflecting the suffering of the author of the book. The TV was on, the music and songs were joyful; but I did not hear any of them for I was suffering. It was nighttime, I was...more
The title of Jordan Belfort's first autobiographical piece is misleading in that it compels would-be readers to think that they are picking up a memoir in which finance and market manipulation are central themes. Certainly the thickness of the paperback edition contributes to the assumption that there are some weighty ideas to be found therein and perhaps some useful insights into how Belfort became a self-made success.
Rather, this is a confessional, sensationalist tract that would have benefite...more
Rather, this is a confessional, sensationalist tract that would have benefite...more
This book begins with a disclaimer of sorts by Belfort about his memories of the events. He says that the events are to his best recollection. This gives him a certain degree of deniability if he is ever called on his memories about some of these events. It seems to be perfectly in line with the actions of the persona he uses throughout the rest of the book, lying about himself and even when he is doing terrible things still talking down to everyone.
One of my main problems with this book is the...more
One of my main problems with this book is the...more
Because every book by millionaires is about their struggles to get there, I found this book refreshing because for once I don't get to read about someone's struggles but the debauchery that comes with the million dollars - a reality that a lot of millionaires try hard to keep under wraps. It's okay to be human, to be so consumed by money that you forget who you are because as humans we err, no one is perfect. I respect people that can own up to their bullshit than those who only talk about their...more
Trashy all the way through (and sometimes guiltily funny) this book is essentially a massive ego trip for the author where he charts his blatent disregard for his wife, family, children and body.
Starting off on his first day on Wall Street you think the whole book is going to be about his rise to power, but then by Chapter 2 you've fast forwarded 5 years to where he is head of (we're told - by the author) one of the most notourious brokerage firms of the 90's - so 'wacky' in fact that they want...more
Starting off on his first day on Wall Street you think the whole book is going to be about his rise to power, but then by Chapter 2 you've fast forwarded 5 years to where he is head of (we're told - by the author) one of the most notourious brokerage firms of the 90's - so 'wacky' in fact that they want...more
"Boiler Room" is a major contribution to the small genre of modern Wall Street crime movies. Everyone knows vaguely that it is based on a true story. Usually the interaction of the audience with the truth begins and ends there. Not in this case. Going the Disney route, the main character of "Boiler Room," Jordan Belfort, has monetized his life's story several alternative ways. Prison and huge financial penalties makes one creative. But as you learn his story, you realize that he is exceptionally...more
The third act of this fast-money-fast-life autobiography salvages this story as it becomes something of a redemption song. Belfort's dubious rise in the finance world is almost legendary, and even a passing knowledge of his life would remind you to expect debauchery, drugs, and other excesses to the hilt in this book. However, something is amiss here: the story just isn't very good. The rock star tales come across very crude and almost silly, and not very credible. They don't even really titilla...more
I picked up this book after hearing that my main man Marty Scorsese was going to make it into a movie. I think it'll be one of those rare books that will be better as a movie, as the writing is subpar and the author (and main protaganist) is thoroughly unlikable. It's about the rise and fall of a luded and coked-out, hooker-obsessed stock trader. I know, sounds sweet, right? Eh, not so much.
Rather juvenile at the start, in the vein of "you won't believe how crazy my life is - so outta control dude!" but the the most interesting (and redeeming) quality of the narrative is the fact that the guy names names and goes into minute technical detail about how he ran his bucket shop, laundered his money, and tried to avoid the FBI. If one gets past the cheese factor (he is, after all, the caricature of a trader) and avoid passing judgement, there's insight here in the inner workings of a pu...more
I finally finished this book. It was a really interested read. I normally dont particularly like non fiction but if you are interested in learning about the excesses of wall street and the like than you might want to try this one. I will say this much the chapter about rehab is classic and very funny.
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What did I think? I thought this book was terrible.
I read "The Wolf of Wall Street" after my husband finished (and assured me I would enjoy it), while on holiday far far away from a decent bookshop.
This whole book read like the wet dreams of an aspiring stock market king. There is no self reflection, no sense of remorse- Jordan seems unwilling or unable to take responsibility for his actions. Which I probably would have been able to deal with, had the story been interesting enough and well writt...more
I read "The Wolf of Wall Street" after my husband finished (and assured me I would enjoy it), while on holiday far far away from a decent bookshop.
This whole book read like the wet dreams of an aspiring stock market king. There is no self reflection, no sense of remorse- Jordan seems unwilling or unable to take responsibility for his actions. Which I probably would have been able to deal with, had the story been interesting enough and well writt...more
self-indulgent tale by the former head of pump-n-dump shop Stratton Oakmont. Belfort and his minions served as the muse for the 1999 film "Boiler Room". An entertaining rainy day read and also a cautionary tale for those looking for a quick buck.
Jordan Belforts story is sooooo crazy its unreal. The money, drugs, scams and women seemed like it just came out of a Scorsese film(no suprise Scorsese has been directing the film.
It would have been good to see what he did wrong to loose his first company and where and how he got the money to start Statton Oakmont. I was very interested in him having the ability in being able to transform kids who were "thick as rocks" into master sales closers so I bought his straight line theory multimedia pa...more
It would have been good to see what he did wrong to loose his first company and where and how he got the money to start Statton Oakmont. I was very interested in him having the ability in being able to transform kids who were "thick as rocks" into master sales closers so I bought his straight line theory multimedia pa...more
I never quite finished this book. I left it in a Holiday Inn room. It was a book length version of something we would read in the National Inquirer or Letters from readers in Penthouse.
I guess he describes the profligate lifestyle of the stock con man who believes he deserves more money than brains. And he does keep things moving. But I kind of wondered how he got all the money in the first place and how he got to own a semi-legit boilershop stock brokerage. He starts the book when he begins as...more
I guess he describes the profligate lifestyle of the stock con man who believes he deserves more money than brains. And he does keep things moving. But I kind of wondered how he got all the money in the first place and how he got to own a semi-legit boilershop stock brokerage. He starts the book when he begins as...more
Most of the book was about how he spent his millions instead of how he became a multi-millionaire. There was definitely nothing about him going to jail except for a few brief pages. I do tend to think some parts were exaggerated.
Well, you’re either going to love this book or hate it. It’s not going to give you an education on the mechanics of the stock market. However, it will give you an entertaining education on what took place on Wallstreet in the 90’s and the over the top characters that flourished within it.
I personally loved the book and I couldn’t put it down. From the start it takes you on a nonstop ride of debauchery and Quaaludes. Maybe it’s because I work in a similar industry and these type of characters and...more
I personally loved the book and I couldn’t put it down. From the start it takes you on a nonstop ride of debauchery and Quaaludes. Maybe it’s because I work in a similar industry and these type of characters and...more
Thought the book was ok overall but excellent in places.
He missed too much out that would have been of interest. Why did his first business go tits up? How did he start out in Wall Street and what did he learn?
What made him set up his own brokerage firm and how did he do it?
Then at the end, why did the FBI get him? Who ratted him out? What was the trail like? Prison? What's he doing now?
He could have done this and kept his chapters on drugs addicition etc to a minimum. I skim read the last 50...more
He missed too much out that would have been of interest. Why did his first business go tits up? How did he start out in Wall Street and what did he learn?
What made him set up his own brokerage firm and how did he do it?
Then at the end, why did the FBI get him? Who ratted him out? What was the trail like? Prison? What's he doing now?
He could have done this and kept his chapters on drugs addicition etc to a minimum. I skim read the last 50...more
Great story and amazing jargon makes the book very authentic. The F-word is frequently used as I guess to be common in wallstreet. The author talks openly about the whole drug and glory thing which often can go together with money..
I am reading that book since months since. Its quite a long story and I mostly read prior bed when I am too tired to read more than 20-40 pages at the time.
Highly recommended, also as eye-opener to show a different part of society which one might not know personally a...more
I am reading that book since months since. Its quite a long story and I mostly read prior bed when I am too tired to read more than 20-40 pages at the time.
Highly recommended, also as eye-opener to show a different part of society which one might not know personally a...more
Fascinating read as it is amazing to see how money, power, fame, can change one person's view on the world. I couldn't put this book down. I love reading real life stories.
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Wow, and I thought James Frey was a ridiculously self-indulgent addict. JB, as his friends call him, takes drugs, power, money and extreme living to epic proportions. I almost couldn't get through the first fifty pages: I wasn't impressed with the writing style or the gross emphasis on how much everything he owned cost. Then he started to get into the meat and potatoes of the story: the money laundering, stock schemes, dodging the SEC and FBI. I'm glad I finished it, though, and in the end, it i...more
Jordan Belfort's memoir about making millions in the stock brokerage game is too wild to believe. This is the yuppie "American Psycho"/"Wall Street [the movie]" era, but it's a real account. I didn't realize it was possible to make that much money. What is even more jaw dropping is reading what Belfort does with the money once he has it: a 165 foot yacht, gold watches for all hospital employees in the wing when his children are born, prostitutes galore, and drugs, drugs, drugs. I have no idea ho...more
Jun 26, 2012
Luis
is currently reading it
Some of it is really interesting, especially his business tactics. The guy is a trainwreck from the get-go, but manages to summon enough smarts and steam to motivate a bunch of misfits into making him rich. I like how he does at times manage to step back and see what he's doing even as it happens, mr. Belfort really is a terrific blend of introspection and ferocity, but sometimes instead of just leveling with the reader it almost sounds like he's pining for forgiveness in a way that almost seems...more
A very interesting novel as Belfort's life could just as easily be a story of fiction and it would still be an entertaining read. The novel is well paced and Belfort is not afraid to be completely honest, something few authors do well. At times the novel gets repetitive as you feel Benfort is bragging about how much money he wasted, how many drugs he consumed and how attractive his wife is though this does not detract from the overall story. I enjoyed reading this novel but didn't find it that g...more
I picked this up at a used book store for $1 and knew that it is currently being made into a movie with Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorcese so I thought it was another a read. It wasn't. I couldn't get past the first three chapters. The writing is so bad and ok, I get it: the plot surrounds the excesses of stock brokers in the 80s and yes, there were drugs and sex etc. etc.
But I felt that the author was trying to shock the reader initially and it didn't shock me--it just made me book the book...more
But I felt that the author was trying to shock the reader initially and it didn't shock me--it just made me book the book...more
518/518
The Wolf of Wall Street by Jordan Belfort is probably not the best, but the most interesting book I have ever read. The book is a memoir of Jordan Belfort's experience as a Wall Street man. His experiences with drugs and prostitutes that led him to jail and to complete isolation from his friends.
It is about several business men, friends at first, that break their friendship in order to succeed in the market. As the novel progresses the money being held gets to their heads. The wealth an...more
The Wolf of Wall Street by Jordan Belfort is probably not the best, but the most interesting book I have ever read. The book is a memoir of Jordan Belfort's experience as a Wall Street man. His experiences with drugs and prostitutes that led him to jail and to complete isolation from his friends.
It is about several business men, friends at first, that break their friendship in order to succeed in the market. As the novel progresses the money being held gets to their heads. The wealth an...more
A case study for the value of a talented ghost writer, The Wolf Of Wall Street misses the mark on so many levels. One of the few books that I have abandoned in the last few years.
The story telling starts with promise, as a young Belfort is inducted into the Wall Street community in expected fashion, but the insider narrative is neglected from this moment on. The appeal of The Wolf Of Wall Street is to explore how Belfort's experience differs from the reader. For those of us from corporate backg...more
The story telling starts with promise, as a young Belfort is inducted into the Wall Street community in expected fashion, but the insider narrative is neglected from this moment on. The appeal of The Wolf Of Wall Street is to explore how Belfort's experience differs from the reader. For those of us from corporate backg...more
Didn't manage to get to the end of this one... too many exclamation marks blocking my journey from start to finish. I imagine Jordan Belfort has a good story to tell but he shouldn't be the one telling it... I think he should've commissioned someone to write his biography, or at least someone with a basic grasp of story telling. Also, what's with all the gratuitous, overly-detailed sex scenes? Goodness, I'm going to start blushing again.
Terrible. Hours of my life wasted, never to be seen again....more
Terrible. Hours of my life wasted, never to be seen again....more
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