Dealing with the Devil

My Mother, Trump, and Me

De: Tony Schwartz

Narrado por: Tony Schwartz

Why are we the way we are? Who can we become? What stands in our way?

In Dealing with the Devil, Tony Schwartz investigates these sweeping questions by fiercely reckoning with his own life choices, regrets, and aspirations. He confronts the shame that arose after he helped craft a persona for Donald Trump in The Art of the Deal that 30 years later aided in his election as president. He provides a window into understanding our complicated relationship with Trump, and the Trump in each of us. Finally, Schwartz explores how the experience of writing The Art of the Deal prompted him to take an entirely different path in his life.

This path led Schwartz to a lifelong exploration of the factors that shape our beliefs and identity, the influence of our early caregivers, and the ways that we can heal and grow by accepting and acknowledging both the best and the worst in ourselves. Schwartz’s story is defined not by his time with Trump, but rather by his lifelong quest to become a better human being - as a husband, a father, a grandfather and as the CEO of a company devoted to helping others more skillfully and wisely manage their lives.

©2020 Tony Schwartz (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.

More Than Just "Art of the Deal"

I have always loved the book "Trump: Art of the Deal", even knowing that Donald Trump had actually nothing to do with its writing. Tony Schwartz, that book's ghostwriter, did a magnificent job creating a interesting compelling narrative about Donald Trump, portraying him as an endearing character with boyish charm (which of course bears no resemblance to the real Trump). The book was a million-seller, and made Trump a household name by the end of the 1980's.

Schwartz regretted his involvement with the book, feeling guilty for having helped create the image that launched Trump into celebrity status. As Trump grew in power, Schwartz viewed his royalties as "blood money", donating it to immigrant groups and other charities to help those who have been badly impacted by Trump. This is the story I wanted to read about, when I got this book.

But this book is much more than that; it's essentially an autobiography of the man, from childhood to today, with great emphasis on his current work with the Energy Project. And his career is certainly interesting, particularly to those who are curious of the man himself. But I was disappointed by the few small chapters that I was hoping would be highlights of the book. Although references to Trump are sprinkled throughout, particularly from the point of view of finding atonement, it failed to meet my expectations. The one small chapter on his 18 months working with Donald Trump could have been (in my mind) multiple chapters and its own subsection of the book. And the penultimate chapter about Trump's 2016 Presidential campaign, and Schwartz's writings and efforts to parry it, was also equally brief.

I gave the book 4 stars, because I fully admit that it was *MY* faulty expectations that were not met; others coming to this book wanting to know about the life of the author, may not feel so let down. What I was hoping for was something like a tell-all "The REAL Story Behind 'The Art of the Deal'", or "The Donald Trump I Was NOT Allowed to Write About" or something along those lines. This is definitely not that. (Although in fairness, you will learn some new things about those aspects, but just not a book's worth.)

Perhaps Schwartz might still be persuaded to write something along those lines, at some point in the near future? However, his grief is quite palpable, even in this book, that I can understand if he could not bring himself to do so. As I write this, the election is just around the corner, and if Trump loses (fingers crossed), then window of opportunity may already be too late. If Trump wins re-election, then I suppose Schwartz will have more time (assuming he, or any of us, can stand the next four years).

So yes, 4 stars overall. Great performance (5 stars), but the story not as much (only 3 stars), as this reader felt that much less time was spent on the more interesting parts of his life, relative to the rest of it.

Fascinating

A tale of reckoning with ones conscious and what it means to be a truly mindful and accountable adult. If you're looking for a juicy Trump expose this is not it, this is a reflective piece on one man's journey to realization in complicity.

Wow! The one book I've needed my whole life.

I didn't expect to like this book, thank goodness the title made me curious enough to listen. I am so far from a fan of Trump, and I know this has made me less mature and less kind. Schwartz has a handle on why, how, and what to do about it. His knowledge and wisdom, surpassed only by his writing skill and devotion to the next generation are a balm to this world. I'm grateful he's used his experiences to learn, grow and do better, and shared it through this book!

Truth & Justice

Mr. Schwartz confirmed the inability of Mr. Trump to lead ANYTHING. It also shows that everything New Yorkers have said about Trump for years is true.
It is a great read - a must in this perilous time. Thanks, Tony for being one of the brave to tell the REAL truth.

thank you Tony for your candor

I gained great insight into my own childhood and wounds still to heal. thank you to Tony fo being so open.

Brutally honest , insightful !

Tony has opened his life in a brutally honest story. His childhood experiences with his mother is an insight into many of that era who believed they were giving the very best for their children, while not supporting them in a positive way- which proves “battered children make battened parents”. His journey to fulfillment and peace is compelling and cathartic. Many readers will find help and sympathy here.

Honesty

Fearlessness of the author, really enjoyed the story though it must have taken serious consideration to tell all.

Vulnerability and dare devil honesty

One man’s spiritual rags and riches mirrors many of us who are on the similar path, yet still haunted by unraveling emotional trauma in our psyche.

Honestly it’s not to project to our parents , Trump or any one else. They are just mirrors to evoke ‘uncooked seeds’: our evolutionary genetic make up.

Meditation is a kind of regress therapy; if we could all regress our wound beyond this generations, we found our answer. The author explores this unconscious path in such a brutal honesty fashion that inspires me. I completed reading in one day & cant help it going back listening it again & again.

Re-listening his work brought so much clarity to my own life journey. Thank you

more than you expect.

very good book, you follow him from early life to selling his soul for money. all the while trying to understand how he fell for trumps mythos, and what makes people tick.

Much better than I expected.

I thought I was just going to be listening to a critique of Trump, but was given so much more. Vulnerable, and honest examinations of how to live a better life shine at the heart of this book. I learned so much valuable information from this.