Although the media track him constantly, Buffett himself has never told his full life story. His reality is private, especially by celebrity standards. Indeed, while the homespun persona that the public sees is true as far as it goes, it goes only so far. Warren Buffett is an array of paradoxes. He set out to prove that nice guys can finish first. Over the years he treated his investors as partners, acted as their steward, and championed honesty as an investor, CEO, board member, essayist, and speaker. At the same time he became the world's richest man, all from the modest Omaha headquarters of his company Berkshire Hathaway. None of this fits the term "simple."
Never before has Buffett spent countless hours responding to a writer's questions, talking, giving complete access to his wife, children, friends, and business associates - opening his files, recalling his childhood. It was an act of courage, as The Snowball makes immensely clear.
Being human, his own life, like most lives, has been a mix of strengths and frailties. Yet notable though his wealth may be, Buffett's legacy will not be his ranking on the scorecard of wealth; it will be his principles and ideas that have enriched people's lives. This book tells you why Warren Buffett is the most fascinating American success story of our time.
©2008 Alice Schroeder; (P)2008 Books on Tape
"Fantastic!"
I debated on getting the 9 hour or 13 hour version but thought.. honestly a 13 hour book on Buffett... could I really listen to a story about him for that long?? Sadly I found that after purchasing the abridged version I wish I had purchased the unabridged version.. the content is fascinating and the narrator is fantastic.
The listener gains a deep understanding about what makes Warren Buffett who he is and provides great insight into what are truly the most important things in our lives from someone who could buy anything he wanted.
Shrewd business saavy, moral commitment and humbleness all combine to make Warren Buffett a unique and fascinating individual.
"Unlike all other Buffet books"
This is well narrated, and gives you information about Buffet's personal life that is not in any previous Buffet books. Really interesting!
"Great rear mirror view of a great business man"
The book really focuses on the many decisions Warren Buffett had to make and how, against all better advice sometimes he managed to change the world of business and the way many investors think. The story is great and the performance of the narrator is good as well.
"A Worthwhile listen"
I well done story about an interesting man.
I listened to the abridged version because I am not a business man and I expected the unabridged version would have been excessivley detailed. This abridged version was just about right for my level of understanding.
I can't sit for that long but it did pull me along quite well.
I wish someone had taken the time to explain business to me when I was younger.
"Great job by Schroeder"
Great book, get the full version. Hope in the future they add Buffet's role in the last financial crises.
"Simply Fantastic"
I was fascinated by with the simple, uncomplicated story of a complicated, lovable multi-billionaire that loves money, loving realtionships, and teaching others.
The book was very well read.
"A Balanced View"
Alice Schroeder has written a wonderful biography of Warren Buffett. This account of his life was more hard hitting than I expected. Schroeder shares the good without fawning and the bad without reservation. Through anecdotes and stories Buffett becomes a flesh and blood character. His private and public lives - they are here.
Well written and well read. Well worth the time.
"A great listen"
Fascinating book about the life of Warren Buffett and how his "snowball" got to where it is today. I highly recommend it.