Book Review and Giveaway: Rich Brother Rich Sister

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Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad catapulted him into the financial spotlight with his well-written way of helping just about anybody redefine their relationship with and views towards money: how to get it, keep it, and make more with it.

Since then a number of his other books have built upon this concept and financially enlightened yet more readers:

 

 

Rich Brother Rich Sister is a much more personal look at the life of Robert Kiyosaki, along with his sister: Emi Kiyosaki, now known as the Venerable Tenzin Kacho since being ordained as a monk by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

 

And…Wise Bread scored two copies to give away! Keep reading for more information…

 

Although Robert is a corporate tycoon of sorts, keeping company with the likes of Donald Trump and Steve Forbes, there are many similarities between him and his Buddhist monastic sister Emi. But those similarities are not apparent on the surface; Robert fought in Vietnam, while Emi protested the war and kept company with hippies. Robert went into business many times over, making (and losing, and making again) millions of dollars, while Emi – as a single mother and monk living in Los Angeles – was intent on making only enough money to survive, spurning material possessions in the name of her practice towards enlightenment.

 

But both Robert and Emi coincidentally learned from the same teachers (including and in addition to their parents) at different points in their lives. Both have found their own inner peace, spiritual families, and wealth, in very different ways. They have identified the ties that bind, some of which are harder to see than you may think.

 

The book is written in each of Robert and Emi’s voices equally. They address such topics as religion, spirituality, death, fear, and life. Some of their poignant life lessons are to be found: “Today, I meet many people who live in fear of dying rather than the joy of living,” Robert writes on the topic of Life and Death. “Many cling to job security, inadequate pay, abusive relationships, and live below their means, oftentimes in poor health and facing other challenges that seem insurmountable. In my opinion, many live in fear of some form of crucifixion, not realizing that their fear is already crucifying them”.

 

There are also some tough questions asked of the reader:

  • “If money were no object, would I continue to work at my job?”
  • “If money were no object, would I work at my job for free?”
  • “If the answers are ‘no’ to the first two questions, then what would you work at forever and for free?”
  • “If you are not willing to work forever and for free, then the chances are you have not yet found your soul’s purpose for your life. If there is something else you would rather do, maybe you should do it.”

 

The idea of working not for financial gain but for spiritual gain is well-addressed by both Robert and Emi. And despite their lives being apparently lived on opposite sides of the spectrum, both arrive at similar conclusions. Emi calls it Karma, and Robert simply calls it giving a gift to the world. Both acknowledge receiving gifts in return for their well-intended actions that far outweigh their original contribution.

 

Although the book was entertaining and an easy read, I must question how interesting it would be to somebody who is not already familiar with – and a fan of – Robert Kiyosaki. Discovering the life lessons and circuitous routes to a similar place of happiness and enlightenment of brother and sister Robert and Emi are intriguing, but then again, we all have an intriguing story to tell. The question is: Why should we read it?

 

I will say that the book helped me to better define my own place in the financial and spiritual spectrum; not as a result of their words or recommendations directly, but more as a function of simply reading somebody else’s definition of growth and journey through it. If you are a fan of Robert Kiyosaki and on a spiritual journey yourself, I imagine you will find Rich Brother Rich Sister to be a pleasurable read.

 

Are you intrigued? Would you like a copy to peruse yourself to compare conclusions? Great! Leave a comment below with your own thoughts on the parallel life journeys of siblings, or what being rich – financially and spirituality – really means. Two lucky commenters will receive a free advance copy of the book. Good luck!

 

Drawing will close on January 25, 2009. U.S. and Canada only.  Must be 18 or older to enter.

Wise Bread will not sell or use your email address for any purpose other than to contact the winner.

This drawing is closed. Congrats to Maria & Peggy!

 

Disclaimer: The links and mentions on this site may be affiliate links. But they do not affect the actual opinions and recommendations of the authors.

Wise Bread is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.


Guest's picture
Maura

I wasn't surprised to see that Buddhism has touched Roberts life. Many of his lessons have hints of Buddhism in them.

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Kaycee

This sounds wonderful! I had not heard of this book. I would love to be entered.

kayceewilliams AT gmail DOT COM

Guest's picture
Em

I find it so difficult to not compare with my sister. Who's more successful? Who's happier? Which one of us made the best decisions regarding our degrees, career paths, etc? I think it all really just depends on how you define success and what you want out of life. I wish there was a "turn off" switch for comparison because sibling rivalry and constant comparison suck the joy out of life. We need to learn how to be content with ourselves and our lives, and if we change anything, it should be because we want to, not because we feel like to we don't measure up to our siblings.

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gracie

This books sounds very interesting. I have not read any of his other books.

I can't compare my life with my brother's. He's married; I'm not. He has been a "house husband" for the past 13 years after he sold off our three-generation family farm because it was leaking money on a permanent basis. I am a late bloomer who got a masters degree in my mid-forties, struggled with demanding, low-paying nonprofit jobs for years, and finally landed a relatively decent-paying corporate job last year. What can I say? Would love to read the book though.

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EN

Kiyosaki always stirs up some controversy with his writing and I've been meaning to see what the story is about. Thanks for the giveaway!

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Jaxter

My husband gets caught up in comparing his (our) life with that of his sisters. I think a copy of this book would be very illuminating for him. And I would love to read it too!

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KelR1

As an only child I obviously don't have any siblings to compare myself to or compete with. However, I do have two brothers-in-law and one of them is a middle child who lives for attention and is always "bragging" about himself and his life. But I always tell myself "run your own race". I really don't worry about how much money other people make or how much stuff they own. As long as I have enough to live fairly comfortably I'm good. Money is nice, but health and happiness are by far the most important things in life.

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Marc

My sister and I are two years apart, and have always done everything in opposite ways. I think it's just a matter of birth order that the second child will resent comparisons to her older brother, and find her own way.

I was school-oriented, listened to my parents, followed the letter of the law, and always had all the best and brightest future ahead of me. I always thought we had the perfect childhood. Sure there were tough times, but you did what you had to to make the best of the situation.

She was more creatively bent, and did well in art, but she hung out with people my parents didn't approve of, and was always getting in trouble with money, curfews and relationships. She resented rules, and as soon as she could, dropped out of college to start working. When she talks about our childhood you would think she was abused and neglected.

Looking at our lives now, some might say "ah, yes of course..." Others might see no difference. We're both married with children, both have houses and jobs. She probably makes less than I do, but in the end does it make a difference? We both live in suburbia and fight to get by on what we make. We both love, live, laugh. Our lives mean just as much to the people we care about.

The real problem I see with our separate paths is that she and I don't keep in touch as much as I'd like. We have very different outlooks, memories of our past, and beliefs in what is good. It makes it hard to talk. We live on opposite sides of the country, and the distance is just a physical echo of what has come between us... all because we were compared as children.

Guest's picture
lisa

I think this will be a mind challenging read. Please enter me . Thanks!

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lisa

I think this will be a mind challenging read. Please enter me . Thanks!

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lisa

I think this will be a mind challenging read. Please enter me . Thanks!

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rbee

One of the life principles I receive/reflect light from teaches me that I can be happy only as i let go of building a citadel to self. I find that as I do that one of the promises I can count on is my daily needs are met, my desires remain in their proper perspective and fears of economic insecurities slip away...

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Elaine R

This sounds like a great thought-provoking book,please enter me.

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Therese Roth

Please enter me, I would like to read this book :)

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Just_Kelly

Being rich, both financially and spiritually means being at peace with your current situation.

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Pauly

I think one of great pieces of wisdom I ever got from Robert Kiyosaki’s other work was that typical people will purchase things that lead to expenses rather than purchasing assets that generate cash flow. One of the examples I remember is where someone might buy a new boat as a toy because after all they have the money for it. Next thing they know they're paying ridiculous costs for fuel, insurance, docking fees, storage fees, etc. So now the new toy has become a never ending expense.
It's interesting but not surprising he'd have a Buddhist sister and able to write a book that's probably related to this. I've been lately dipping my toes into Eastern philosophy and this theme keeps coming up over and over again...material things will never bring happiness.
Will defiantly have to check this book out.

Guest's picture
KCosta

I have 4 brothers and 4 sisters, and as far as I know we are all happy with our with how we all turned out financially. Two of my siblings are self-made millionaires, two are working in retail, two owns a small sign business, and my baby sisters and I are homemakers. My parents were immigrants from Vietnam so when we left our country with just the clothes on our backs and with what we can carry to come to America we had to start all over and worked very hard (every single one of us). We lived briefly with having a lot and then we lived with having nothing and back to having enough. We are all on our own now. I believe we all understand what it cost to have a lot (of money) and what you lose out on by not having much but we are each also content with what we have.

Guest's picture

This is the true 'secret' of wealth ... find your soul purpose, then use the formulas in this site to help you turn that into your Number (i.e. the amount that you need to live your Life/Soul Purpose:

http://www.shareyournumber.com/

Guest's picture
Arnold

Sounds like a good read, thanks for the contest

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Maria

I love this title as it could be interpreted in many ways.
The balance between fiancial and spiritual freedom is a fine line indeed. I have been working to get my life into a harmonious balance.
If money were no object.......how delicious is that? I love what I do and if money were no barrier I would probably start my own foundation to help people who struggle with life.

Guest's picture
KC

Thanks for the review I hadn't hear of this book before.

Please enter me in the give away.

Thanks!

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ryan

i am the middle of three children. My younger sibling is more professionally successful, though with high expenses. the older is more creative, makes less money, and is equally borderline insolvent.

I do not worry about where I rank, only that they are both taken care of as I am the only male. As long as they do not get into trouble, I let them live their lives.

Guest's picture

I have not read any of Robert's books but have seen him on PBS. This book intriges me. I am more interested in Emi's point of view. I don't think I could become Buddist but many of the beliefs strike a cord with me.

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Debi Salanitro

I can't compare with a sibling, but I do have a friend that I feel we live parallel lives .
I've not read him before and frankly the book sounds intriguing, then again anything that hints of promises to help in these troubling times.
dsalanitro1967 at yahoo dot com

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JeanAnn

Another only child...I have vacililated between the desire to be materially rich or spiritually rich and questioned whether they can both be attained by the same person. Kiyosaki's book may provide some insight. Would love to read it.

Guest's picture

I struggle with working towards financial stability while striving for enlightenment and simplicity in my life. While these two can perhaps coexist, in a general sense it seems when the balance is shifted more towards one, it is difficult to achieve the level desired of the other. Being in a family filled with some more practical and some more inclined towards the spiritual, I think this book would be a great asset to me as I try to find balance in my journey in life. It may just help me see how financial stability and spiritual enlightment could perhaps be interlinked and exist in harmony.

Thank you for the giveaway! And a happy and successful 2009 to you!

Guest's picture
Pal300

I just saw this book at a major retailer and thought it would be a great read, especially as I am at the point in my life where these have become relevant questions. My kids are grown and we are paying off all the old debts so what now?

Also, I can understand the comparisons. My brother and I share a similar trait: determination, AKA bullheadedness. Both of us are the type to never give up, never give in, and just keep moving. However, I tend to be more flexible. If something doesn't work, I analyze the problem, and then try an alternate path. My brother continues running his head into the same wall over and over and over. If anyone on earth could use some spiritual peace, it's him.

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peggy

My older sister is decidedly more practical. That is not to say I am a spendthrift; I am rather strict with my spending/saving as well. But whereas she is able to see longterm goals, I have trouble alotting money to retirement accounts. I focus on putting money in CDs and money markets; she invests in stocks and mutual funds. Guess she sees more of the big picture since she's older...will I one day "get it?"

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Paul

This looks very intriguing, thank you for the chance to win!

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Lee R.

My sister and I have been comparing ourselves to one another forever. She's a great person so the comparisons aren't always easy. There are aspects of life which we both acknowledge she handles better than I do, but there are other areas of life in which I excel. But that raises more questions for me, rather than less: is that the norm? That one sibling would excel in a given area (such as finance) while another achieves in a totally unrelated field (such as spiritual practice)?

Guest's picture
Luara

it is hard to find the balance between obsessing about money and being responsible but not letting money control you. this sounds like a great look at that very issue!

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DB

This looks like a great book! Hope I win one!

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Le

I hope in the end they define their riches by their happiness. Looks like a good read to start the new year.

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Kate

Fascinating topic, and it sounds very well thought out. I would love to read this book.

Guest's picture
dianna

i answered "no" to the first two questions and "nothing" to the third, unfortunately. i would definitely say that i've never found my soul's purpose, and it is easily the greatest regret and frustration of my life so far.

i will have to check out his writings.

Guest's picture

Rich Dad, Poor Dad was one of the first books I read when I started on my personal development quest. Not sure exactly how it fell into my hands; I do remember it was a book I checked out from the library! I thought I could answer yes to the questions (forever and for free) to my current position, but in my heart, I can't. So while I feel rich financially, with my modest income that provides me with everything I need, I don't always feel rich in spirit - I'd love to hear with the Kiyosakis have to say! Thanks for the contest!

Guest's picture
TheDIvingBelle

as I emailed lunch menu choices to my boss while standing at his favorite take-out place, I couldn't help but think, "gee, is this really where I want to be and what I want to be doing?"

well, "no" and "no" are the short answers. . .

please enter me in the drawing, I'm very intrigued to read more

Guest's picture
Guest

Kiyosaki is far from being a tycoon. Playboy bunnies also hang around rich people, it doesn't mean you should listen to them. He also claims his desertion from military duty.

His books tend to be filled with platitudes and have little concrete information. He might be good at selling books but has provided no proof about his financial abilities.

Guest's picture
Laura

Throwing my name into the hat for this book! I could use a read that has a bit of optimism and points me towards change in this poor economic climate and uncertainty over whether I will have a job a couple of months from now.

Guest's picture
Mary

Please enter me for the draw.
I'm really interested to read this. As an immigrant to Canada in 1970 I left behind my UK family, including my brother who followed all the traditional family rules and expections. I broke the family rules: I became an art teacher, emigrated, became a Minister of religion, hospital Chaplain, art therapist and now retired on a small income follow my own spiritual and artistic path ( the same thing).
Thanks and Blessings..I love your site

Guest's picture
Joy Smith

I remember reading rich dad poor dad when I was in my late teens. I was very intrigued and still am with his books. I would love to read more about his personal life in his latest book!

Guest's picture

Thanks for being willing to share your thoughts with us. I think it's great that two people, in the same family, with different experiences can arrive with the same philosophies and ways of thinking.

Guest's picture
mindy

life never runs on an a parallel path with any one else even a sibling, as one of 4 i can honestly say, that all of us where different

Guest's picture
Melanie Judd

Of the three of us, my youngest sister chose to live in a trailer on rented property and start her family off soon after graduating from high school. She is now "momma" to two wonderful, charming, healthy children. I earned an associates in paramedicine, am now working on becoming a registered nurse, have a nice home on 23 acres, two cars and my husband and I think we may try for a family in a few more years. I'll be 35. She had her first at 22. Sometimes things are really tight for her, I'm more well off, however, I really think she's richer and perhaps even made the "right" decisions. Now I think wealth is legacy, and legacy is who, not what you leave behind. That said, the book sounds interesting and I'm sure I'd enjoy it. Have a great day!

Guest's picture
Kristin

Please enter me in the drawing also.

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Jeanette

My husband believes in karma and if you treat others respectfully, they can sense your sincerity and reciprocate. It's amazing to see how he interacts with others and enriches his life just knowing that he's always done the right thing.

Rich Dad Poor Dad was a financial eye-opener for me, this new book sounds interesting and I can't wait to read it.

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gail

I'm especially interested in reading this book because I would like to learn more about Buddhist simplicity and focus. Some years back I attended a weekend meditation session at a Zen monastery and I can still remember how sparse and simple the furnishings were, not only in the zendo (meditation hall) but in the public rooms and kitchen. Emi's and Robert's life paths souind like they make an interesting contrast, and I would like to know more.

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Guest

The old platitudes about true riches are right! I'd love to be inspired by this book.

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middle child

Nothing seems more a part of human nature than sibling rivalry and the inevitable comparisons. I am interested to see how these two handle the subjects of both that rivalry/comparison, finances and sprituality. Can't wait to read the book!

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Dannielle schreurs

I've read alot of his books and enjoyed them, so I would love to read this one too. My sister and I chose different paths but are discovering that despite this we are alot alike and have alot of the same longterm goals.

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Adam

I'm in the middle and I see a difference and similarities with both my older and younger brother. After reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad I got heavily into reading more about investing/money handling. I even changed my major from engineering to business. My older brother and I went looking at Real Estate and I realised that I could not go into a deal with him until he understood where I was coming from. Inevitably the deal would never have worked.

As for the religious side of things, my family doesn't really go to church and still in College I am exploring many different parts of who I am. I come across many religious references in investing books written by other investors and my aunt and uncle who are RE investors whom push there religious views on me.

I think this book would allow me to see how siblings with such different views communicate and also an insight to a religious lifestyle that I am still unsure of my view on for my own life.

With paying for college and such, it would be nice to win this book so I don't have to go buy it and spend money so please enter me.

Sorry this was so long for those of you who have read it.

Guest's picture
Kim V

Sounds like a great rea. Thanks for the giveaway.

kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com

Guest's picture
Nikki

Being rich is having choices. This could mean you have millions of dollars and choices or $10 and choices. There are many people in this world that have worldly riches but very few choices - or - are so cosumed by riches that they won't make choices. It's sad really....

Guest's picture
Flow

I have Rich Dad, Poor Dad waiting for me. Rich Brother, Rich Sister would make a great addition. Thank you in advance. F

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winner27

This book sounds really interesting - I would love to read it. Thanks for the chance!

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Marlana

I am intrigued! I find it interesting to contrast and compare siblings raised together. Being all that Robert Kyosaki is and has to offer, this will be an enjoyable read.

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Samantha

When I first read rich dad poor dad, I knew that things would be different. I got a renewed sense of purpose.

I'd very much like to read this new book!

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Nancy R

Facing foreclosure on some rental property we own. Not a bright picture right now. Am open to new concepts.

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Shandra

Please consider me for this book. The relationship between my brother and myself is...well, dysfunctional. We are complete opposites. He is older and was (and still is) always in some sort of trouble (school, law, girl-drama, money, etc) so I tended to go in the complete opposite direction from his choices. I knew that his bad decisions caused our mom so much grief (dad was not around) and I didn't want to add to that.

I would love the opportunity to read a book that shows siblings in a healthy relationship. Thank you.

Guest's picture
ammenon

Being a strong believer in kismet, I find myself looking for signs and meaning in all daily acts often to a fault. Consequently it's no surprise to me ( or my wife ;) that i apply this same principle to blogs and searches esp. on the financial and spiritual end. This seems like another such result. Reading books on the 2 subjects of finance and spirituality has become a daily habit and having completed my Paulo Coehlo series and now the Tracy Kidder book ( plus all the buddhist/hindu books my sister recommends) I'm completely intrigued by this one. Marrying the two concepts of materialism and spirituality is so difficult. After a spiritual experience on a trip to india in 2001, i remained consumed by guilt upon returning to the US and it's strong sense of consumer-driven culture. I love being an american yet my heart pulls me in that direction as well. This seems like a fascinating book to check out and see what guideposts it can lead me on my journey as it has impacted so many others. thanks for sharing.

Guest's picture
Scott

Kiyosaki is an interesting combination of inspirational leader, and full-of-it pompous businessman. Reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad, I sometimes felt he was on to an interesting concept (E,S,B,I) which opens your eyes to an idea. And then only a few pages later feel like he's trying to fool over the reader, like this Rich Dad who he refuses to identify and could not possibly exist.

But a book that more spiritual - balancing ambition with nourishing your soul - should be interesting. I wouldn't mind getting a copy.

Guest's picture
Wendy

No matter that I live far away from my sisters I still feel as if they are just right around the corner anytime that I need them. We've shared our ups and downs, problems and joys. Of course our journeys through life are parallel to one another. I've always felt that my sisters will be the people in my life for my whole life. Parents may pass away, kids grow up and leave home, husbands may pass away or grow apart and part ways. Siblings are forever, cherish them always and they will cherish you in return.

I've never been rich financially. I've read lots of books and blogs about getting rich, keeping it, and losing it all. I don't think I'll ever be rich but hope to be comfortable enough to not worry over money when I'm old and no longer want or am unable to work. That is what being financially rich means to me. I think that we all have our own vision deep within our heart of hearts that tells us what it is we need to achieve in order to reach that peaceful place where we no longer feel the need to worry over money issues.

I've never been particularly a spiritually rich person. My belief is that God exists, but I also believe that the teachings that God created the universe for us and us alone are a bit skewed. I think that the universe is just too vast and to think that we are the only occupants is something that I don't agree with. So, I have faith in that which cannot be seen and I have a belief that one day we will find that we are not alone in our vast universe.

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BJLD213

I think any philosophy worth haveing can be applied to different aspects of life.

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Jenna Puckett

I have a twin sister, so we were inevitably compared as we grew up. My parents tried to help us be very individualistic, and we are. We were always there for each other, but we drew apart in our teenage years. But when my sister broke her leg while we were at boarding school, she needed me and I was there for her. We have regained that close friendship.

Guest's picture

Sounds very interesting! The idea of life purpose vs. facts of life (in terms of personal economics) is a very challenging one in American society. I live in a houseful of artists ... who have not found ways to make enough money by pursuing their passions. My sister's family is the same, actually. We defer our passions for our spare time, or hope to pursue them later. But will later be enough?

Guest's picture
karen

I know that Robert Kiyosaki is a prolific writer on financial freedom. I am thoroughly impressed that his sister is also financially free. I know that through positive and steady desire to be financially stable one can be successful.

Guest's picture
Guest

Just found your website, and the review of this book. I have been on a quest for financial education since my divorce and trying to raise 5 children alone. Robert's books are a great part of my financial library. I would love to glean what I can from wise people and would love to read this one. Thank you.