audiobook The Fish That Ate the Whale: The Life and Times of America's Banana King by Rich Cohen in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. AN IMMIGRANT THAT MADE A DIFFERENCEBy Robert OngleyTo be fair; this is not my kind of book. I'm more of a fiction guy and if I read non-fiction; I prefer spiritual self-help fare. So; I wasn't fascinated by a biography of America's Banana King. It's a rags to riches story; which does appeal to my root-for-the-underdog inclination. Still; Samuel Zemurray created a pretty big corporation and eventually managed to take control of a mammoth one. That's not a spoiler. It's all right there in the title.This is definitely an interesting book about an interesting man. His drive; his ingenuity and his guts took him to amazing heights. His accomplishments on the world stage are difficult to imagine when you take into consideration his humble beginnings and relative lack of fame even today. Insights that came through extensive research provide an inside look at how big business and big government do their dirty work under the guise of progress or national security. Well-written and very readable; The Fish That Ate the Whale is a piece of American history worth your time.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. 5-Star Book; 3-Star Writing . . .By Bradley BeversAs far as business biographies goes; this is one of the most fascinating and storied lives I have ever read about. Samuel Zemurray led a fascinating life; and the author covers much of the material well and presents it a very engaging way. Unfortunately; there are also some choices the author makes that detract from the book and the story of Zemurray's life; but not enough to warrant skipping it.Sam Zemurray is accurately described by the author as a sort of quintessential American story. He was born in Russia; but moved to the United States when he was just fifteen years old. He knew that he wanted to be a businessman; and set off in search of a product. He fell in love with bananas; a brand new fruit to the United States; and started his business by buying the discards that no one else wanted. From there he built his small company into the second largest; best run banana company in the world. Bananas might not seem like much now; they certainly didn't to me; but the banana industry was one of the largest industries in his time; controlling governments; shipping channels; and entire continents. Sam himself had a hand in overthrowing governments; defying U.S. presidents; and using guerrilla warfare to grow his business. He eventually sold his business; retired; took over another business; resurrected the banana trade and saved it for years; helped Israel become a country once again; and much more. His life and his influence were unmatched in the South American world at the time; and he had a hand in almost everything. Fascinating story of someone who has been largely forgotten.By itself; the book is a great read and highly recommended. But there are several times the author takes his style of writing and pushes the envelope too far. He hypothesizes too often about Sam's thoughts; references his other books; and inserts himself into the story in an annoying way. He's a gifted writer who has really condensed Zemurray's life down and made it a great read . . . but it what it is a great; highly recommendable book could have been even better.Buy this book and read it; highly recommended.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Through and UniqueBy Brett B.Great read. Stale at times; but necessary to set the stage and picture of the times. Parts about his children and family were sometimes verbose- but I understand the author wanted to pain the entire portrait of a man; and what is a man without family?