There is an expression that goes to the effect as follows: if you brag but if you can do it you are not boasting. That pretty well sums up this book.
Here is a guy that came from a competitive neighborhood in Boston. Went to Boston Latin and excelled, then went to Harvard and excelled. It is an upward success story. After the war and his law degree he joins his father and never looks back. Step by step they expanded and expanded from humble movie drive in theatres to chairman of Viacom. He has a sense for business, how to negotiate, who to trust, when to cut, when to litigate, and when to take a chance. Like him or not one must admire what his tenacity and his business smarts have accomplished.
Some people will be critical, but does it matter? He did what he wanted to do and he is a media giant and he accomplished his goals. One cannot deny that fact. It all makes for a fascinating and inspirational story.
Good read Four stars.
Jack in Toronto
Reading about people like this, you can't help but be inspired. Whether you agree with Mr. Redstone's tactics, you will admire and respect his fortitude and resilience. He takes you through a journey of his life, and you see how successful people overcome the obstacles in their lives. I don't want to give away everything in the book, but Sumner faced many "obstacles". What's nice is he also names the names of the people who have infuriated him throughout his career. He has guts!
I recommend this book. Honestly, though, it may not be for someone who has already "made it" in life. I think the best person to read this book is a recent high-school or college graduate who has his/her whole life ahead of them. This book will make an excellent gift to someone and will definitely inspire them.