No Such Thing as Over-Exposure

January 31, 2005
"The Donald" has been the subject of countless articles and monographs; what separates this book from the competition is Slater's level of access (over 100 hours of tape of the man himself), his doggedness (over 150 interviews with peers and others) and his experience—Slater has authored numerous business bios and profiles, from Saving Big Blue
to Jack Welch and the GE Way
. His approach to New York real estate's major mogul is a paradoxical warts-and-all hagiography, where Trump's flaws seem to play as much of a role in his success as his business acumen. Foul-mouthed asides are printed verbatim, and Trump is relatively forthcoming on his already much combed-over personal life (as he is in his own books like The Art of the Deal
). What Slater does best is dramatize the tension of high-stakes business deals, and there's plenty of that, from Trump's purchase and revamping of 1 Columbus Circle to the contract negotiations for The Apprentice
. Timed to be released with the third season of that hit TV series, this book's 100,000 first printing is a bet on the continuing appeal of this gruff, larger-than-life embodiment of venture capital—just another one of the many lessons on how Trump uses the media to increase the value of his properties and extend his name across his realm.

February 15, 2005
It's hard to imagine an ego larger than Donald Trump's. Before veteran business biographer Slater ("Jack Welch and the GE Way") had even put pen to paper, Trump threatened to sue him. But after Jack Welch gave Trump the thumbs up on Slater, Trump ushered the writer into his inner sanctum. Based on 100 hours spent jetting around with Trump, as well as 150 interviews with those in the know, this fully authorized biography outlines Trump's deals, business strategies, leadership style, and ability to craft his own image in the media. Trump's legendary status as a real estate and casino developer comes through clearly, and while there are a few moments of humility, like the real estate bust of the early 1990s, it's hard to understand why Slater is so smitten with his subject. Nevertheless, Trump's higher-than-ever profile will ensure this book's popularity in public library business collections. -Carol J. Elsen, Univ. of Wisconsin, Whitewater

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2005
Those 15 minutes of fame so generously allotted us all have been multiplied for The Donald. He thrives on all kinds of publicity--good, bad, and indifferent. Here veteran business biographer Slater gains the trust of Mr. Real Estate after initial e-mail threats of a lawsuit--and more than 100 invaluable hours of individual interview time. The result? Probably another best-seller, this one delivering a slightly different perspective on Trump. His daily routine is detailed, from a 7 a.m. start to the hands-on style of management he practices as the day goes on. His coming to adulthood is showcased, which was enlivened by a stint in military school and his espousal of--and adherence to--this four-step formula: get in, get it done, get it done right, and get out. His fascinating path to great success is well chronicled here, including the 2004 bankruptcy filing and the launch of his branded cologne and men's suits' line. A book that is easy to read and will be in demand, especially with the popularity of the TV show " The Apprentice." The man himself is " not" so easily understood, but this book helps.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)