5 books Donald Trump might have read - or not
Donald Trump's hit memoirs from 1987, "The Art of the Deal," helped to create his myth. Now, his ghostwriter regrets having written the book. He believes Trump doesn't read at all - with a few rare exceptions.
The Art of the Deal - Donald J. Trump with Tony Schwartz
The "Art of the Deal" combines Trump's memoirs and business advice. It was a huge best-seller in 1987. Though he's said he wrote it himself, his ghostwriter Tony Schwartz recently discussed the writing process in "The New Yorker" and claims Trump didn't pen it all. The former journalist now regrets having helped create the myth of the charismatic businessman - now presidential candidate.
The Bible
Trump has often said that he only has one book he prefers to "The Art of the Deal," and that's the Bible. He might skip over that Commandment about not lying, though. Spending 18 months with Trump to prepare the book, Schwartz quickly realized he lied all the time, without remorse. To make his dishonesty sound more acceptable, the ghostwriter came up with the euphemism "truthful hyperbole."
All Quiet on the Western Front - Erich Maria Remarque
Many feel this 1929 masterpiece on the pointlessness of war should be mandatory reading in school - and it often is. Last May, Trump quoted this work when asked on Fox News if he had a third favorite book. The host asked about more recent reads, and Trump finally admitted, "I don't have the time." While doing his long research, Schwartz never saw a single book in Trump's office or apartment.
Advertisements for Myself - Norman Mailer
This collection of short works by Mailer promoting his cocky persona is definitely not a book in Trump's nonexistent library. However, its title perfectly describes the content of "The Art of the Deal," writes "The New Yorker." Critics say one deceitful aspect of Trump's 1987 memoirs is how he claims to be a self-made man. His father, Fred Trump, was a politically influential multi-millionaire.
Trump Nation - Timothy L. O'Brien
The investigative biography "Trump Nation: The Art of Being the Donald," by award-winning journalist O'Brien, debunks many aspects of Trump's public image and his famous business deals. Donald contributed interviews - and unsuccessfully tried to sue O'Brien, too. The 2016 re-edition of the book opens with a typical quote of the self-aggrandizing man: "I can be more presidential than anybody."