Blockchain for Everyone: How I Learned the Secrets of the New Millionaire Class

by John Hargrave

From the author of Mind Hacking and founder of Bitcoin Market Journal comes the first book to explain the money-making secrets behind bitcoin and blockchain in a user-friendly format.

When John Hargrave first invested in cryptocurrency, the price of a single bitcoin was about 125 dollars; a few years later, that same bitcoin was worth 20,000 dollars. He wasn’t This flood of new money is like the early days of the internet, creating a new breed of “blockchain billionaires.”

Sir John has unlocked their secrets.

In Blockchain for Everyone, Sir John reveals the formula for investing in bitcoin and blockchain, using real-life stories, easy-to-understand examples, and a healthy helping of humor. Packed with illustrations, Blockchain for Everyone explains how (and when) to buy bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, and other blockchain assets, with step-by-step instructions.

Blockchain for Everyone is the first blockchain investing book written for the A guide that helps everyone understand how to build wealth wisely. It’s the new investing manifesto!

Genres: Finance, Nonfiction, Personal Finance, Business

Audible Audio

Published October 11, 2019

Reviews

[Pat Rolston · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an audio book I hoped to use to my advantage in learning more about blockchain and crypto fundamentals. This is not written for the purpose of fundamental learning, but entertainment. It is especially painful in the audio format as the reading is by the author who takes pleasure in the use of sound effects and sub par humour. Do not pick this up if your objective is an efficient blockchain education. If you want to get a leisurely story about a fellow and his financial antics with his blockchain exploits included give it a try.

[Hannah Laubach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I had an idea what blockchain was (something to do with bitcoin) when I started reading this book, but it made me realize that my understanding barely scratches the surface. This is a fun memoir that really showed me the depth of what I don't know about blockchain and the future of investing. John's story was entertaining (I read it in one sitting) and real (he's not selling some idealized get-rich-quick story, but the actual highs and lows of going all in on blockchain). I'd recommend it to anyone that doesn't know where to start and wants an accessible, fun, and educational read. Like the title suggests, blockchain is for everyone, and so is this book.

[Crystal (VanillaHearts62) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not what I expected at all. It read like fiction with flashbacks and dialogue. Dude, I didn't come here to eavesdrop on your LOTR game session. And while minor, it irked me how the graphics that looked like scribbles in his notebook had writing that floated - wasn't on the line or consistent between "entries" at all. Ugh, pass.

[Will Lord · Rating 3 out of 5]

Highly biased, but fairly entertaining.

This is just a story about John that is tangentially related to Blockchain (and he obviously makes things up for entertainment purposes). He does a decent job covering a lot of the basic ideas but really badly glosses over the weaknesses. Pitches many industries that Blockchain will revolutionize, but in reality their are a variety of factors that make those unrealistic; e.g. people's healthcare info should not (and likely never will) go on the Blockchain because of HIPAA.

I'm not surprised since he makes it clear he owns plenty of Bitcoin and other tokens, and his business is basically all in on this niche. I wouldn't expect him to provide an unbiased opinion. I also get the impression he only understands the big idea that sound good when giving keynotes, and nothing about the underlying technology. Still a fun read.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feeling about this book. The author did an excellent job of explaining some complex tech and concepts. It will also be understandable by everyone (as the title suggests). However, I didn't find it as useful as I'd hoped. It's mostly personal anecdotes (which are mildly entertaining) interspersed with info and diagrams.

The Investor Scorecard is a great tool and probably the most valuable few pages. Some of the potential implementations are also compelling.

If you know nothing or a little about blockchain, this may be for you. 3.5 Stars.

I really appreciate the ARC for review!!

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's no doubt that John Hargrave has written his "true life" experiences around the concepts of blockchain. In other words, I don't question these things happened to him or these types of conversations were had, but they're re-written here simply to serve how he explains blockchain ideas, and not the result of his interaction with blockchain (in fairness, he admits as much at the end of the book). Regardless, Hargrave makes the idea of blockchain simple, readable, easy-to-understand and at the same time has crafted a very funny and breezy read. His passion for this technology is indisputable and it shows and makes me want to learn more.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the worst audiobook I have ever listened to. I hate when they add music and annoying sound effects that become even more annoying when played at 1.8+ speed to audiobooks. When will these creators realize that audiobook listeners don't just sit around listening to there audiobook like it is a performance? Now, after that, you are probably wondering why I gave it four stars then; it's because the info is great. Blockchain is a very dry subject that is explained with funny stories in easy to understand chunks.

[Nicolle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version, read by the Author. It was very entertaining, it was fun storytelling. If you are looking for more of a didactic style, this may not be for you, but it did help demystify blockchain concepts somewhat. I would have fared better, perhaps if I had checked out the text version. This is first and foremost an entrepreneurial story, and one worth reading, but it's not a textbook about blockchain.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook. The production is a bit theatrical with lots of sound effects and "voice acting". The sound effects (and later music) grew on me. The book consists mostly of stories from the author's life and is extremely light on educational/informative content. Good start for someone who wants a light hearted story and knows nothing about blockchain but wants to find out.

[Riccardo Lo Monaco · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read. It’s super duper entry level and almost goes out of its way to make sure it’s accessible to everyone... but then that’s the point, right? I enjoyed it. I learned from it. It didn’t feel stuffy. It was devoid of jargon. Would recommend to anyone who literally has no idea what blockchain means. And to those who say they do, but really don’t.

[Jon Jurgovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I watched a few bitcoin/blockchain related videos before reading this, but this was my real primer on the subject. This book is not very technical but serves as a great introduction to the vast potential of blockchain technology. Topics covered include: how to invest, how to analyze a blockchain investment, decentralization philosophy etc.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have this book to thank for completely changing the way I view cryptocurrencies, blockchain and even the internet. If you consider yourself to be someone who might be apprehensive to familiarise yourself with the digital world, read this book. I cannot stress enough how important it was for me to face my fear of the internet; this book sparked a new interest in me I had no idea existed.

[Tyler Lukey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun and entertaining but was for beginners, he did a great job of skimming over things in an understandable way. The book leaves it to you for more in depth research. I’d say it is a good start into what the blockchain is while mentioning some meme references you can often hear when in a Bitcoin conversation.

[Larry · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book adds nothing to one’s understanding of Blockchain or cryptocurrency. It’s a lighthearted look at the author’s journey in a Blockchain adjacent industry. Aside from a few jokes and nerd jokes this is not worth the time.

[Saibalan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a special skill to take a technical concept and be able to explain it in a fun and understandable way. The author has done a great job on that. Would recommend the book to anyone who is new and want to learn blockchain

[Paige Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offered a really good entry point into the world of the blockchain and I’d definitely recommend for people new to the space. As a bonus, the audio version is amazingly well done and endlessly entertaining so if you have the chance to listen to it you totally should!

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the number of cryptocurrencies exceeding 15K as of January, 2022 (according to several sources on Google search), the foundational narrative of Blockchain provided by John Hargrave, provides rational structure for assessing and engaging in the value of these emerging asset classes.

[Thomas Chau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pro: blockchain technology is explained with lots of easy to understand examples weaved within a larger story. It gives some ideas on how blockchain can be ised: storage of value (currency), health record, insurance profiling, etc.

Con: there are a lot of fillers

[Gabrot · Rating 2 out of 5]

not really useful, easy to read. 2.5

[Kacper · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's basically a narrative of someone trying to make money from bitcoin and not doing so well. It's pretty entertaining, although not all that informative.

[Billie Reutter]

I think I learned just a small bit about blockchain; however, I was really hoping to learn even more. I am thankful for the intro to its conception though!

[WT · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a joke. Funny author (listened to audiobook) while the content is so shallow.

[Chris Earley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just really has a gift for engaging people. I nearly read it cover to cover. Thanks for the entertaining and enlightening read!

[Kevin Houng · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Perception dictates reality."
For those that may be interested in the subject, this is a good book to start.

[Tommy Tang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read, introductory book for anyone who is interested in blockchain

[Kira Huiqi Ho · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a simple introduction to blockchain for the layperson, with Hargrave sharing his experience of propagating the benefits and potential applications of what blockchain technology.

[William Bookman III · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good book. Simple to understand. Great for young adults.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read. Somewhat informative but all over the map in terms of concepts and key messages. Not entirely sure why the author wrote a book other than to pitch blockchain to the world.

[Scott McKellar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book for learning about blockchain and what to look for on the horizon…has bitcoin content but mostly about blockchain. Well written.