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Dear fellow explorers of stories and strategies,

When I first picked up the audiobook for *Trump: The Art of the Deal*, narrated by Donald J. Trump himself alongside Kaleo Griffith, I was intrigued by the promise of a firsthand look into the mind of one of America’s most polarizing deal-makers. What drew me in wasn’t just the allure of understanding Trump’s business philosophy but the curiosity to hear it directly from his voice—a voice that has been a fixture in public discourse for decades.

Listening to this audiobook reminded me of a moment years ago, driving through the Atacama Desert in Chile. I was immersed in García Márquez’s *One Hundred Years of Solitude*, its narrator weaving a tale so intertwined with the surreal landscape outside my window that it felt like the desert itself was speaking. Similarly, Trump’s narration brought an undeniably personal touch to this work. His cadence, his confidence, and his larger-than-life personality come through in every sentence, making this audiobook less of a lecture and more of a conversation—albeit one where Trump dominates the dialogue.

The book unfolds like a blueprint for ambition, structured around Trump’s guiding principles for success. From the opening chapter, where he boldly asserts, “I like thinking big. To me, it’s very simple: If you’re going to be thinking anyway, you might as well think big,” you can almost hear the echo of boardroom bravado. This isn’t just a book about business—it’s about the psychology of deal-making, the art of seeing opportunities where others see obstacles, and the audacity to chase them relentlessly.

As a travel writer, I found Trump’s stories of negotiating deals and navigating the intricacies of New York City’s real estate scene fascinating—not because I aspire to be a real estate mogul, but because his anecdotes highlight a universal truth about human connection and the power dynamics in negotiation. One particularly vivid tale of his interaction with a powerful city official reminded me of evenings spent in Oaxaca, listening to the grandmother of my host family tell stories about her youth. Her ability to sway emotions and command attention through storytelling was not unlike Trump’s knack for persuasion—each detail strategically placed to shape perception.

Kaleo Griffith’s contribution as a secondary narrator complements Trump’s voice well, providing a polished counterbalance to Trump’s natural bravado. Griffith delivers the more technical and explanatory sections with clarity and poise, ensuring that the listener stays engaged even when the content veers into the nitty-gritty of financial negotiations. Together, the two narrators create a dynamic listening experience that feels both intimate and authoritative.

The audiobook’s production quality is solid, with clear audio and seamless transitions between narrators. However, listeners who aren’t used to Trump’s distinctive speaking style may find his tone occasionally abrasive or overly self-assured. It’s important to approach this audiobook with an understanding of Trump’s personality and the context in which he operates; this is a man who thrives on confidence and charisma, and those qualities permeate every chapter.

In terms of content, *The Art of the Deal* offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike. Trump breaks down his strategies into digestible segments, covering topics such as the importance of focus, the art of negotiation, and the need for resilience in the face of setbacks. While some of his advice may feel dated or overly specific to the real estate industry, the underlying principles—thinking big, staying persistent, and understanding your audience—are universally applicable.

That being said, the book does have its limitations. It’s undeniably self-promotional, with Trump often portraying himself as the hero of every story. While this might inspire some listeners, others may find it lacking in humility or balance. Additionally, the book doesn’t delve deeply into failures or missteps, which are arguably just as important as successes when it comes to learning the art of deal-making.

For those interested in comparisons, *The Art of the Deal* shares thematic similarities with Robert Kiyosaki’s *Rich Dad Poor Dad*, though Trump’s approach is far more assertive and personality-driven. Where Kiyosaki emphasizes financial literacy and long-term planning, Trump focuses on the immediacy of the deal and the power of bold decision-making. Both are worth exploring for anyone navigating the complex world of business, but they offer distinctly different perspectives.

Ultimately, I’d recommend this audiobook to listeners who are curious about Trump’s business philosophy, enjoy personal narratives, or want to glean practical advice on negotiation and ambition. It’s an engaging listening experience that combines storytelling with actionable insights, though it’s best approached with an open mind and a willingness to separate the man from the methodology.

Reflecting on my own experience with audiobooks, I couldn’t help but think back to those evenings in Oaxaca. The best audiobooks, like the best oral storytellers, create a sense of intimacy and connection. While *The Art of the Deal* doesn’t quite achieve that level of warmth, it does succeed in capturing the essence of its author’s personality—bold, unapologetic, and undeniably influential.

Until our next literary adventure, stay curious and keep exploring.
Marcus Rivera