This book provided some understanding that I did not have before about our now President Elect (PE) Donald Trump. With the inauguration set to occur exactly one week from today, I feel more at ease regarding his transition into leadership.



It seems to me the only difference, at times, in whether or not you accept someone or otherwise lies in if you choose to take the time to get to try to get to know and understand that individual.



"The Art of the Comeback" allowed the reader the opportunity to p

This book provided some understanding that I did not have before about our now President Elect (PE) Donald Trump. With the inauguration set to occur exactly one week from today, I feel more at ease regarding his transition into leadership.



It seems to me the only difference, at times, in whether or not you accept someone or otherwise lies in if you choose to take the time to get to try to get to know and understand that individual.



"The Art of the Comeback" allowed the reader the opportunity to peak behind the eyes and into the brain of Mr. Trump as he was nearly 20 years ago. And, honestly, I am not disappointed in the person I had the opportunity to learn about. At first, I'll admit, in the first 20 or so pages I felt as though it would be a thrill ride; A piece that would further exemplify the image that the media paints of a womanizing, uncontrolled, insensitive and out of touch rich guy. But to the contrary, I was thankfully surprised and persuaded otherwise.



While the book was written by Trump himself, I am still comfortable with my changed impression of him.



In regards to the public image of a man who is somewhat of an inappropriate perv who objectifies women, I, however, recognize in him a person who honors, upholds and appreciates beauty in all things and people, both female AND male. Trump acknowledges the attractiveness and beauty of men in his book just as he does women. (Note: And, I don't question his sexuality as a result.)



Specifically, in The Art of the Comeback, he speaks of Eddie Malloy (now deceased but once the president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of NY from 1992 to 2008), describing him as "Angel eyes ...because he [had] the most beautiful eyes you've ever seen." It is in these words and examples written two decades ago that cause me to no longer see him as a womanizer, but rather someone who appreciates the relief offered to us in things and people that display true beauty.



As relates to the image of him being an an uncontrolled and somewhat unrefined person, I now see him to be someone who is brutally honest and a example of a harsh dose of reality. As many witnessed the widely disseminated image of Donald Trump mocking disabled reporter, Serge Kovaleski, who was not able to recall certain details, I did as well. And I think like most Americans, I too was turned off by this image and other seeming antics put on display by the media because we expect and demand that our American President be somewhat super human with the best etiquette training and political acumen money can buy. But the truth of the matter is that PE Donald Trump is indeed human as well as a true beneficiary of "White Boy Privilege" as so eloquently and recently described in the aforementioned titled poem by young, white teen Royce Mann.



As an educated Black woman and a product of the US subsidy system, I for a short period of time felt slighted that PE Trump would be President Obama's successor. But the truth is that although I voted for Hilary, I do not believe she is what our country needs. I now know that I just wanted something, anything to hold on to to prove that our country is indeed and truly progressing.



As someone with an advanced education who still fights for acceptance and understanding and a seat at the table, not only striving to prove my worth to whites, but shamefully to middle class educated blacks as well, I'm happy that Trump has been elected. I believe that the election of Mrs. Clinton, while she won the popular vote, would have been another four years of a masquerade that these United States continue to hide behind and pretend that disadvantaged people are being given a fair shake.



I, for one, am happy to face, as I do each day, the harsh reality of White Privilege rather than to go along with the belief that the United States is now primed for it's first female President, particularly when we just witnessed the artistically displayed film "The Help" just five years ago in 2011. I find it illogical to think that immediately following the track of the first black President that the first white female president is appropriate and suitable.



It unnerves me to hear women compare their (our) plight of acceptance in these United States comparable to racism. While it's true that the progress of women and our equal rights were delayed, the truth of the matter is that their white men ran the country while black families were subjected to slavery, desegregation and continual oppression. So even if women weren't given the right to vote until 1920 and we continue to demand equal pay and leadership opportunities that are on par with men, the truth of the matter is that the men who are at the helm remain of our country are your husbands, brothers, uncles and cousins. White women have not had to endure the challenges of being black and female AND endure the pain stakes that come with having the HEADS and PROVIDERS of our families hung from trees, whipped like animals, and forced to work for free all while having their family structures destroyed.



As relates to PE Trump being an insensitive and out of touch rich guy, The Art of the Comeback shows otherwise. In the book, the reader experiences someone who has the decency to point out the absurdity behind excessive media coverage of the trivial affairs of an American billionaire during the release of Nelson Mandela, a world figure and glaring example of the oppressive tendencies of humans upon their own kind. The reader also is shown a man who demonstrates love and cares for his family and children. Even amidst the turmoil of divorces and the women in and out of his life, he clearly makes his children a priority in his life through his actions. As a reader, we are shown someone who has a sense of grounding and who is not afraid to call to action, execute and deliver. Trump's action to improve upon the Nation's Parade, for example, in an effort to give the honor he deemed worthy to our veterans and men and women of the armed forces is worthy of noticing. The reality of his self awareness is shown in statements in which he remarks and acknowledges that "I guess I am [materialistic]." These such statements are, in fact, humanizing and calls you to realize that like most of us he can be made aware of the reality of his flaws.



Lastly, while I didn't particularly care for the random hourly run down of his daily dealings in the chapter entitled "Dealing: A week in the life of the Comeback," the pointers provided in "Ingredients for Success" were graspable and relatable. We are reminded of a few things, namely,

1) that hard work pays off

2) there is such a thing as luck

3) it's okay to have a sense of guardedness and paranoia

4) Fortunes can be lost so it is important to preserve what you have and know what you're good at

5) Having a love and passion for what you do is key

6) have good Managment skills

7) demand respect from yourself and others

8) keep your eye on the ball

9) Drive, stamina and focus are important



There is great benefit to be received in having the desire to not only choose to read, but in having the appetite for certain topics with good timing. I'm so glad that I picked up this book at the time I did. I look forward to watching PE Trump execute and deliver as he has clearly demonstrated he is capable, experienced and educated enough to do so.