The Real Deal

This memoir by the former chairman and CEO of Citigroup is a fascinating retrospective of the facts and personal strategies that projected him to the highest levels of achievement in the corporate and philanthropic worlds. A big reason for the appeal of this autobiography is the rich interpretation of actor Harry Chase. He sounds deeply connected to the soul of this story as well as to its particulars. He makes even the self- congratulatory segments flow smoothly enough for them not to get in the way of the broader lessons of the author's achievement-oriented life. The last segment is a recorded interview in which Citigroup's current head talks with the author about some of the topics covered in the book. T.W. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

October 1, 2006
More than an autobiography, CitiGroup CEO and renowned philanthropist Weill delivers an ambitious project that spans more than 50 years of business history and provides real-world advice for investment neophytes and market insiders alike. Weill, a Brooklyn native, started his career in 1960 with a $30,000 loan and a dream, and slowly created an empire; at present, CitiGroup is the largest financial institution in the world, its share price having grown 2,644% since its initial public offering in 1986 (when it was known as Commercial Credit). An inspiring story told with subtlety and candor, Weill's memoir offers something for everyone-from his ten golden rules of leadership to a first-hand explication of the 1990s bull-bear battles on Wall Street, and a candid interview with his wife Joan (complete with her advice for the "Corporate Spouse"). At times emotional and self-congratulatory, this book's purpose is always clear-to celebrate and enshrine Weill's successes. Nonetheless, it also includes salient criticism, and some painful explication of his mistakes along the way. Like the man himself, this book tells it like it is, and has little to hide.

November 27, 2006
More than an autobiography, CitiGroup CEO and renowned philanthropist Weill delivers an ambitious project that spans more than 50 years of business history and provides real-world advice for investment neophytes and market insiders alike. Weill, a Brooklyn native, started his career in 1960 with a $30,000 loan and a dream, and slowly created an empire; at present, CitiGroup is the largest financial institution in the world, its share price having grown 2,644% since its initial public offering in 1986 (when it was known as Commercial Credit). An inspiring story told with subtlety and candor, Weill's memoir offers something for everyone-from his ten golden rules of leadership to a first-hand explication of the 1990s bull-bear battles on Wall Street, and a candid interview with his wife Joan (complete with her advice for the "Corporate Spouse"). At times emotional and self-congratulatory, this book's purpose is always clear-to celebrate and enshrine Weill's successes. Nonetheless, it also includes salient criticism, and some painful explication of his mistakes along the way. Like the man himself, this book tells it like it is, and has little to hide.

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.