I read this book while in an Entrepreneur phase. On one hand, it is rather inspiring, in a John Madden sort of way. You see, John Madden (American football broadcaster) always makes everything sound easy, which may be how he coached the Raiders to the superbowl. He'll say something like "now what they need to do here is score a touchdown. I think that if they can do that, they will turn this game around".

I still recall a memorable game where a quarterback's contact fell out, and while he and the refs looked for it, Madden said "now here's a guy who when he wears glasses, he can see better". When it's explained in such a simple way, it really seems like the easiest thing in the world. Unfortunately, one must remember that the 6'5 defensive line is not just going to roll over and say 'uncle'.

And real estate isn't any easier. There's always some conflict around the corner to trip you up and send you back to square one (or even square negative one). So, while this book gives you such excellent advice as "learn from failure", "make profitable deals", and "work hard for yourself", it doesn't actually give you a system or method to make money.

This seems a strange irony to me, as this book is clearly marketed to people who are not smart enough to realize that they should 'work hard and not give up' if they want to succeed, but who are smart enough to be able to figure all the rest of the logistics out by themselves.

Now, there are supplementary books that give a lot more in-depth information, but they still tend to fall into similar traps. It seems to me that you are either the self-motivated entrepreneur-type, or you aren't, and that difference will show itself often and early. The self-made may use this book, but to continue projects they are already working on, not to start their 'dream business' from scratch.

There is another option for the marketability of this book, but it is not one I like to think about: depressed people who feel their lives going nowhere and stave off depression by clinging to untenable dreams. For these types, self-help and new age books act like a surrogate (or additional) religion: bolstering their self-esteem and making them feel as if their dreams are truly within reach.

Then, years go by and the dream draws no nearer. They get depressed. Then they whip out this book (or another one) and suddenly feel like their millionaire retirement is only 6 months away! Then they do nothing again.

I'm not saying people shouldn't have dreams, and I'm definitely not saying not to follow them, and I know people get attached to their denial, but it's not going to make your life any better.

Now, I know that most people who (don't say 'peddle', don't say 'peddle') market these self-help (or new age) products are not usually scam artists. Most of them believe in what they do; they believe that they are helping people; and I hope sometimes they do.

However, there is a difference between being a doctor and telling someone they have cancer to help them move on and lying that there is no cancer because it seems more 'kind' or 'uplifting'. The latter, is, of course, morally reprehensible (said the atheist).

Kiyosaki has built an empire off of this book, and made himself a pretty penny. He has also been researched by some critics who have challenged his assertions about his wealth, real estate successes, and the very premise of the book. There is no evidence that his 'rich dad' ever actually existed, and Kiyosaki has said in interviews that the character is, at best, a combination of people. However, at other times he has stated that he definitely does exist. And that doesn't even go into his support of Casey Serin.

Maybe I'm wrong, maybe you will buy this book and it will turn your life around, maybe Kiyosaki is relating a true story of struggle and inspiration, but maybe not, maybe it will just be another $5 in his pocket and less room on your bookshelf for Chekhov. ( )

Trash

Well I have tried to read this numerous times, but last week I made the effort. On reflection it was what I thought it would be in the first place. We all need more education when it comes to money so write another book, the message is a good one for me. ( )

Five stars. A classic. A book with wisdom and foundation. Kiyosaki explains things that are easy to understand. This should be a starter business book. I highly recommend all of Kiyosaki's books. A must read. ( )

This changed thinking about wealth generation in many ways. The math is flawless and simple enough for everyone to understand.

Perhaps the consistent example of owning homes and renting them out, and some other examples, are too focused. I wouldn't be surprised if many readers of this ran out to buy a 2nd home to rent out and slowly gain equity on an asset, funded by renters. The backstory of having a second father is a bit of a stretch and I found this a bit smarmy, and detracting from the main value, and distracting. Once beyond the 'two fathers' backstory however, it becomes not only factual, but motivational. The last third of the book talks a lot about why readers of the book won't use its principles to create wealth, and ways to break through them. I would say this is a must read, and the earlier in life and more consistently, the better. ( )