Richistan

A Journey Through the American Wealth Boom and the Lives of the New Rich

By: Robert Frank

Narrated by: Dick Hill

The rich have always been different from you and me, but this revealing and funny journey through Richistan entertainingly shows that they are more different than ever. Richistanis have 400-foot-yachts, 30,000-square-foot homes, house staffs of more than 100, and their own "arborists". They're also different from Old Money, and have torn down blue-blood institutions to build their own shining empire.

Richistan is like the best travel writing, full of colorful and interesting stories providing insights into exotic locales. Robert Frank has been loitering on the docks of yacht marinas, pestering his way into charity balls, and schmoozing with real-estate agents selling mega-houses to capture the story of the 21st century's nouveau riche.

As Robert Frank reveals, there is not one Richistan but three: Lower, Middle, and Upper, each of which has its own levels and distinctions of wealth: the haves and the have-mores. The influence of Richistan and the Richistanis extends well beyond the almost ten million households that make up its population, as the nonstop quest for status and an insatiable demand for luxury goods reshapes the entire American economy.

©2007 Robert Frank; (P)2007 Tantor Media Inc.

Critic reviews

"Frank understands how great fortunes are made and how great fortunes are spent. I had a wonderful time reading this book." (Dominick Dunne)

awash in dough

Vibrant overview of today's wealth culture, from the wannabees to those who have made it. Entertaining as well as informative, with a narrator that is very easy to listen to.

More money, different problems

This book points out the blatant and inherent problems caused by wealth accumulation, living with excess and the fears associated with sustaining the subsequent lifestyle cheated therein. An interesting insight into the “problems” of the super rich… and the industries born to prop up their existence.

Enjoyable Read

I wouldn't exactly call it essential reading, but it does describe one of the effects of globalization on American culture. American workers who can be replaced by Chinese are becoming increasingly less valuable, while American entrepreneurs who develop products for the global market are able to generate considerable wealth. This book shows the reader how an emerging class of newly rich Americans is developing a distinctive way of life within the larger American culture.

I'd love to see an update

This came out in 2007-2008 long before Trump who is mentioned in the book became president and changed how we see the country, politics and money in general. During the COVID-19 crisis all economy is depending on people staying at home got bigger and the owners got richer, I'd love to hear Mr. Franks take on the post covid America and the state of Richstan now.

very entertaining

I loved it! A fascinating look at my future! I can't recommend it more! truly exceptional.