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TrumpNation: The Art of Being The Donald    by Timothy L. O'Brien Amazon.com order for
TrumpNation
by Timothy L. O'Brien
Order:  USA  Can
Warner, 2005 (2005)
Hardcover, CD

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* *   Reviewed by J. A. Kaszuba Locke

His men's cologne, Donald Trump The Fragrance, is described as 'persuasive, commanding, determined ... A passion for power.' He is often referred to as a real estate titan. Trump is more. He is a best-selling author (The Art of the Deal; Think Like A Billionaire) and TV star (The Apprentice). His Donald J. Trump Signature Collection of clothing hangs on store racks, and Trump: The Game is stocked on shelves, with 'It takes Brains to make millions. It takes Trump to make billions,' inscribed on the game box. He's referred to as a brand by Gary Brody (Trump's men's suits manufacturer). His name is identified with golf courses, hotels, casinos, a great deal of real estate (including Manhattan buildings, such as the Trump Tower on 5th Avenue, and the Trump International Hotel and Tower at Columbus Circle and Central Park West).

If you didn't know the name Donald J. Trump before, you most likely do now since the airing of The Apprentice reality show (brainchild of Mark Burnett). The phrase Trump uses at show-end each week, 'You're Fired', has become a cliché. New York Times business and investigative reporter Timothy L. O'Brien has been building his story of Donald Trump for fifteen years, offering his own take on the magnate's career, political associations, and some aspects of his personal and public life. This includes his Brooklyn / Queens family. His father, Frederick Christ Trump, was a successful builder, and there are also notes on his mother, Mary MacLeod, and his siblings. O'Brien begins his book with commentary about and by Apprentice candidates, including some nasty words about their experiences. He notes the Trump star on the Hollywood Hall of Fame sidewalk, and says, 'Donald J. Trump has emerged as the P.T. Barnum of the modern business world'.

In my opinion, Donald Trump has personality, and is not shy of having fun (I especially like his advertisement for a noted credit card company). I am slightly disappointed in this book's analysis of Trump, the person. However, I did gain details from it that I would not have known otherwise. TrumpNation should do well on the bookshelves as O'Brien has chosen a subject who draws attention. His book is well-written, and should not be missed.

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