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zinelib's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Author/narrator Carrie Sun isn't the most likable narrator. She makes poor choices, at least in her own life. As the executive assistant to a billionaire hedge fund founder/manager, her work is unimpeachable. I've read a few memoirs of women of color who seek their fortune in fortune 500 companies and ultimately leave to save their lives. There is an undeniable appeal to making a gazillion dollars, living luxuriously, and taking care of one's immigrant parents (and giving them something to brag about even while they criticize and disown you on the regular, in Sun's case). However, Sun ultimately realizes that helping billionaires and the billionaire business is pretty much the same thing as fucking over the poor, and she wants out. Plus she's depressed, in poor physical shape, flirting with an eating disorder, and goes back to a controlling ex-fiancé.
lulu_reads_books's review
Carrie Sun's memoir "Private Equity" delves into the captivating yet perilous realm of high finance.
"No one…Yes, that’s right, no one has ever voluntarily left Carbon." So says the pseudonymous billionaire who orchestrates a Manhattan hedge fund poised to catapult him into the realm of trillionaires. Author Carrie Sun recounts her tenure as a personal assistant to the enigmatic billionaire whose insatiable need for control dictates her every move. As she navigates the relentless demands of the corporate fantasy world, Sun grapples with her own complicity in sacrificing her dreams for financial gain.
With candid introspection, Sun exposes the soul-devouring nature of the corporate landscape, where success often comes at the expense of personal fulfillment. Drawing parallels to the iconic "Devil Wears Prada," the narrative reveals the insidious grip of modern capitalism and greed. It's truly confounding to comprehend how this exceptionally talented woman transitioned from her role as a "quant" at Fidelity Investments to become the chief of staff at a top-tier investment firm, all while holding onto the belief that she would encounter something beyond the relentless pursuit of profit.
Despite its potential, the narrative fails to redeem itself through the meticulous details shared throughout the book, offering little in the way of genuine insights or dramatic revelations. Instead, it merely presents the mundane reality of working for a demanding boss in a high-pressure industry, devoid of any surprises or enlightening moments. Despite the promises made by the cover copy of a scathing critique of wealth accumulation, the book ultimately delivers what one would anticipate, with clumsy attempts at cultural and socioeconomic commentary that lack depth and resonance within Sun's privileged context, highlighting her reluctance to confront her own circumstances.
Regardless of its flaws, "Private Equity" offers valuable insights into the corrosive effects of capitalism and the collective complicity that perpetuates its power. While occasionally veering into self-indulgence, Sun's story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the pitfalls of unchecked ambition and the price of compromising one's integrity for monetary gain. As Sun aptly observes, the convergence of trauma and capitalism underscores the urgent need for introspection and resistance in a world where success often comes at a staggering cost.
"No one…Yes, that’s right, no one has ever voluntarily left Carbon." So says the pseudonymous billionaire who orchestrates a Manhattan hedge fund poised to catapult him into the realm of trillionaires. Author Carrie Sun recounts her tenure as a personal assistant to the enigmatic billionaire whose insatiable need for control dictates her every move. As she navigates the relentless demands of the corporate fantasy world, Sun grapples with her own complicity in sacrificing her dreams for financial gain.
With candid introspection, Sun exposes the soul-devouring nature of the corporate landscape, where success often comes at the expense of personal fulfillment. Drawing parallels to the iconic "Devil Wears Prada," the narrative reveals the insidious grip of modern capitalism and greed. It's truly confounding to comprehend how this exceptionally talented woman transitioned from her role as a "quant" at Fidelity Investments to become the chief of staff at a top-tier investment firm, all while holding onto the belief that she would encounter something beyond the relentless pursuit of profit.
Despite its potential, the narrative fails to redeem itself through the meticulous details shared throughout the book, offering little in the way of genuine insights or dramatic revelations. Instead, it merely presents the mundane reality of working for a demanding boss in a high-pressure industry, devoid of any surprises or enlightening moments. Despite the promises made by the cover copy of a scathing critique of wealth accumulation, the book ultimately delivers what one would anticipate, with clumsy attempts at cultural and socioeconomic commentary that lack depth and resonance within Sun's privileged context, highlighting her reluctance to confront her own circumstances.
Regardless of its flaws, "Private Equity" offers valuable insights into the corrosive effects of capitalism and the collective complicity that perpetuates its power. While occasionally veering into self-indulgence, Sun's story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the pitfalls of unchecked ambition and the price of compromising one's integrity for monetary gain. As Sun aptly observes, the convergence of trauma and capitalism underscores the urgent need for introspection and resistance in a world where success often comes at a staggering cost.
thetonipages's review
3.0
Executive Assistant works for a toxic CEO and writes a memoir. There could not have been more red flags from before the first interview even happened. Juicy but so repetitive.
bethovensmuse's review
dark
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.25
I usually avoid biographies and memoirs, but Carrie Sun‘s writing style drew me in from the first page. It is very succinct, sharp, and fact-based; in her recounting of her own life story, the author is surprisingly polite and often withholding judgement to allow the reader to draw their own conclusions.
It was also quite interesting to read about her difficult upbringing and her reflections on how it shaped her thinking and self-image. I‘m sure her experiences in the industry resonate with a lot of high performers in the business world.
I did not care much for the more technical aspects (investing, stock trading, etc.), hence the slight deduction in rating.
It was also quite interesting to read about her difficult upbringing and her reflections on how it shaped her thinking and self-image. I‘m sure her experiences in the industry resonate with a lot of high performers in the business world.
I did not care much for the more technical aspects (investing, stock trading, etc.), hence the slight deduction in rating.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Racism
Minor: Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
megpie3's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
3.25