NEWS FLASH - My Book Released!

Among the many finance books to be released in the new millennium, Rich Dad, Poor Dad stands out as a breath of fresh air. The book, written by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter, deals solely in financial independence and strongly advocates becoming economically independent through business ownership, real estate, investments, and other strong plays in the financial market.

Although much of the world is experiencing a recession, Rich Dad, Poor Dad’s free-market principles are still being used today. The 207-page novel released in 2000 by Warner Books Ed is still relevant and respected.

Rich Dad, Poor Dad does have its fair share of critics, however. Even though many people have been inspired, and many champion this whimsical, satirical look at real life, some others find the tactics used—maybe even the idea of the market and independence—a despicable notion. The book is sometimes touted as a scam. Fans of the novel tend to feel inspired from its pages.

The reason for the difference of opinion is as obvious as the book’s subject matter: the mindset of a wealthy, successful person is wholly different from that of its opposite. Different worldviews and attitudes are held by those who’ve become rich using Rich Dad, Poor Dad’s tactics. The book attempts to inspire individuals to think as a fortune 500 businessman; to be cutthroat and ruthless and to take what you want. Now one can understand why some do not like the subject matter and would have the novel thrown in the burning pile.

While the book is inspirational and deals with finance, it’s actually based on a true story. Robert’s father was a public administrator, and when Robert was a young child, he and his friend Mike wanted to become rich. To accomplish this, the boys printed out counterfeit money. Robert’s father, the “poor” dad, explained to the boys that this activity was both immoral and illegal. He had no answers for the children with big dreams, so told them both to ask Mike’s father, an independent, wealthy businessman – the “rich” dad.

Mike’s father took on the role of mentor, and a young Robert grew up having two dads, a rich one and a poor one. The book covers this story in detail and injects some much-needed humor. Robert illustrates the lessons he was taught to become financially independent. He points out that the educational system is great at producing employees, but not so great at turning out people with the drive and passion to become wealthy. Robert, apart from penning the book, also teaches the principles he was taught to others wishing to learn.

Rich Dad, Poor Dad is similar to many other financial books in terms of the motivation and ruthless attitude required to achieve an ultimate goal in an ultra-competitive marketplace, but the book also offers advice on finances that goes against the grain of accepted wisdom. Robert’s take on assets and liabilities is different from most, and with this twisting of the logic, he teaches that one can succeed by viewing some liabilities as assets and vice versa.

The novel opens up the mind to new financial possibilities. Instead of beating the dead horse, Rich Dad, Poor Dad has a fresh, exciting take on financial independence.