Monkey Business : Book Review

"Monkey Business" by John Rolfe and Peter Troob provides readers with a captivating and candid glimpse into the world of investment banking. The authors share their personal experiences working at a renowned Wall Street investment bank, shedding light on the chaos, competition, and excess that define the industry.

What sets this book apart is the authors' witty and satirical writing style. They recount their unbelievable adventures and mishaps in a humorous and engaging manner, from outrageous office pranks to wild late-night escapades on the trading floor. This lively narrative style keeps readers entertained while providing an insider's perspective on the high-pressure and demanding nature of investment banking.

In addition to the entertainment factor, "Monkey Business" offers compelling insights into the moral and ethical challenges faced by young professionals in finance. The authors explore the tension between loyalty to clients and the pursuit of personal success, as well as the troubling consequences of the industry's relentless focus on profit above all else. This introspection is thought-provoking and raises important questions about the ethics of the finance world.

Furthermore, the book serves as an educational tool, demystifying complex financial concepts and explaining them in a clear and accessible manner. This makes it appealing not only to finance professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the industry but also to anyone interested in comprehending the inner workings of Wall Street.

Ultimately, "Monkey Business" presents a candid and sometimes shocking portrait of the investment banking world. It dispels the glamorous facade often associated with Wall Street and exposes the flaws and absurdities within the industry. By blending humor, adventure, and introspection, this book offers an engaging and enlightening read for anyone curious about the reality behind the scenes of high finance.

What are readers saying?

"Monkey Business" by John Rolfe and Peter Troob is a comedic memoir that recounts the authors' experiences working in the fast-paced and cutthroat investment banking industry during the late 1990s. The book has received a mix of positive and negative reviews from readers on Goodreads.

Many readers found "Monkey Business" highly entertaining and amusing, with its humor and wit being highlights. The authors' storytelling abilities were praised for effectively bringing to life the absurdity and drama of the investment banking world. Some readers appreciated the behind-the-scenes look at the industry, which shed light on its high-stress and competitive nature.

However, not all readers were equally fond of the book's humor. Some felt that it was excessively forced and overdone, tiring them out and detracting from the storytelling experience. Criticism was also directed towards the authors' perceived narcissism and arrogance, which some believed overshadowed the overall message of the book. Some readers felt the authors' experiences were not relatable to the average person, as they were focused on the elite world of investment banking.

Another common criticism was the lack of depth and insight into the financial industry. Readers anticipated more in-depth analysis and commentary on industry practices and ethical dilemmas faced by the authors. Instead, the book was deemed superficial and lacking substance by some. Repetitiveness was also cited as an issue, with similar anecdotes and themes recurring throughout the chapters.

Overall, "Monkey Business" was praised for its comedic elements and ability to entertain readers with outrageous and absurd anecdotes from the investment banking world. However, the book's humor was not universally appreciated, and some found it lacking in depth and substance. Opinions on the book were divided, with some loving it for its entertainment value and others feeling disappointed by its limited insight into the industry.

#MonkeyBusiness #BookLovers #GreatReads