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1. A must read
   A riveting, can’t put the book down read. Alok’s 40 year career in finance provides him with a ring side seat to some of the most important business developments of the era , but no, more than that, he is in the ring as a cornerman, putting on the gloves and arming one of the most consequential business figures of our time. This is a man who inhabits a rarefied world of encounters with the good and the great and is in the center of some of the storied financial transactions of the past few decades. The narrative he weaves is self deprecating and witty, with an abundant dose of irony. His affectionate portrayal of Masayoshi Son as a modern day Gatsby, the you’ve- gotta -be- kidding me reaction to Adam Neumann of We Work and it’s jaw dropping valuation, are some of the book’s highlights. He is erudite and the book is littered with musical and literary references , which rather than pretentious and show-offy, enrich a narrative which could easily have slid off into self-congratulation. And while lovers of business and finance will enjoy the read, the book’s appeal is broader and I cannot recommend it enough.
   Sunil Khanna

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2. Enjoyable and informative
   This popped up on my radar because I like reading about SoftBank, there’s always interest drama and technology to learn about. This book delivers this but what impressed me most was the writing quality of the subject. The author had an enjoyable voice that really came through clearly. I found myself recommending the book to people I have never recommended nonfiction about finance to before.
   For people who are looking to learn more about the details of SoftBank here I think it’s worth mentioning: the author was not very involved in the Vision Fund and left SoftBank in 2019. While he does offer some insights to VF and other projects the deals he details the most are the ARM acquisition and Sprint merger.

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3. A must-read!
   The Money Trap offers a captivating glimpse into the high-stakes world of international finance through the eyes of Alok Sama, as he navigates the corporate labyrinth working for Masayoshi Son at SoftBank. The book is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the intricate and often volatile relationships that shape global venture capital and finance. Sama’s experiences and allegorical way of looking at the world are both insightful and riveting, making this book a true page-turner. With its vivid and often humorous portrayal of back-room dealings, high-risk decisions, and the personalities that drive them, The Money Trap is a must-read for anyone interested in the real-world drama of high finance. I couldn’t put it down.

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4. Entertaining with a caveat
   Enjoyable and well written. However, nothing really new here as it an aggregation of material already written. The writer seems to deliberately avoid offending others and adding a bit too much flattery. Otherwise it’s a good read.

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5. Exceptionally well written and a great story
   I was immediately drawn in and could not stop! Great writing, terrific combination of self-deprecation, cynical humour, grace where it counts, and a great story. Above all, distinctively and well written.

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6. A rare Must Re-read book
   I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. Alok Sama has written a unique one and his writing style is fun, witty, and engaging. While full of information and insight into the world of Investment Banking, the author colors his narrative with thought provoking segues and first person blurbs-ones that we all have, but never share. Alok also shares bits and pieces of his personal life that show an intensely grounded family man. This is a book that bears rereading after you have spent some time digesting all you can from the first time. I cannot recommend this book more highly. One more thing, kudos to the author for not pointing fingers regarding the attacks on him and Nikesh Arora…..the truth came out on its own.

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7. Captivating
   I’m not an avid reader. I read a book every other year. I ordered this book as it was written by a relative (full disclosure). I received it on a Sunday and finished it in a day. I just could not put it down. It is so captivating and interesting with a fair amount of humor thrown in. Alok makes what may be a drab subject to some into a masterpiece for all!
   P.S. I am reading it a second time and enjoying it.

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8. Sama is a master story-teller
   Alok Sama has written a dryly funny memoir that I just could not put down. He sets the scenes, includes validating (and juicy) detail and just pulls you into his world. In the end this is not actually a story about Masa Son or SoftBank or Nikesh or finance/venture….it is a story of a smart, ambitious, hard working and family-loving immigrant who earns a gilded life but remains cautious, thoughtful and sharply attuned to the dangers all around him.

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9. A must read for anyone wanting to reflect on their place in the world and understand both the forces shaping the economic headlines, but also shaping one’s own life and career. The scope of the book and the vantage point in the inner sanctums of global high finance can seem intimidating, but Sama is a witty and humane guide. There are, of course, delicious tidbits and scenes from the crazy world of high finance and tech investing – and an inside look into some of the biggest deals in history (peppered with Sama’s hilarious one-liner reactions). However, any person can find a reflection of their own humanity and human experience in Sama’s inner monologue. You can fly through the story as it is paced very comfortably, however you’ll find yourself pausing to reflect and digest Sama’s ruminations, which span from dissecting the never ending search for *more* to identity and belonging as an immigrant and many more.
   Highly recommend. Even if you just want to read the crazy inside story of the deals everyone has heard of and wondered – how the f did they happen?

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10. I purchased this book after reading about it somewhere and bought it. the moment I started reading I was hooked. this book makes you feel that you are sitting with Alok on his journey all along.
    what an amazing writing style. Alok’s way of telling the story to us as reader makes us feel that we are peeking into every single meeting in the book from behind his shoulders and being part of those conversations as a listener. just superb weekend read. Loved it.

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11. This a riveting story of people who have shaped the modern internet/AI era. Alok brings along the reader on a journey which has everything – innovative deal making, billions of dollars, smear campaign and the future of VC industry

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12. I couldn’t put the book down. Having watched SoftBank and The Vision Fund over many years, the various mega deals etc it was just fabulous to have an inside seat into their operations and participation/influence on the major Technology bull market. Very eye opening.
    Having not been an investment banker, nor privy to what happens in the largest deals, it was amazing to get an insight as to what’s happening in the room with all the various parties. This book is a must read for any aspiring finance professional.
    The author’s humanity shines though and there are some surprisingly moving personal parts to the story.
    The only downside is I left wanting a G550/650!

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13. Alok Sama was on the SoftBank stage with Son-san and an elaborate ensemble of irresistible characters. Masa will be undoubtedly be seen as one of the greatest technology investors of our time with an appetite for combining strategic, operational and financial risk which not even a handful of our generation has had the courage or talent to emulate. Sama has captured the essence of the moment, the craziness and the beauty of hope in the future.

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