Book Review:
"Betrayal, Lies, and Redemption: The Explosive Tell-All Memoir by Michael Cohen - Disloyal"
Disloyal: A Memoir is a compelling and shocking account of Michael Cohen's time as Donald Trump's personal lawyer. It offers an insider perspective on the inner workings of the Trump organization and sheds light on the controversial actions and decisions made by the former president.
What Is the Book About?
"Disloyal: A Memoir" is a book written by Michael Cohen, former personal lawyer and fixer for President Donald Trump. In this memoir, Cohen reveals his experiences working for Trump and the inner workings of the Trump organization. He details how he was drawn into a world of lies, greed, and corruption while working for the president.
Cohen's core message is that Donald Trump is a criminal who will stop at nothing to protect himself and his interests. Through numerous anecdotes and examples from his time as Trump's right-hand man, Cohen paints a picture of an unethical leader who values loyalty above all else. The book also sheds light on the tactics used by Trump to manipulate people and institutions in order to maintain power. Ultimately, "Disloyal" serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blind loyalty and unchecked power.
What Makes This Book Different?
Disloyal: A Memoir is a standout book in the category of political memoirs for several reasons. First and foremost, it is written by Michael Cohen, a former personal attorney to President Donald Trump who was known for his fierce loyalty to the president. In this book, Cohen breaks that loyalty and reveals shocking details about his time working with Trump, including illegal activities and unethical behavior. This level of insider knowledge makes Disloyal a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the inner workings of the Trump administration.
Secondly, what sets Disloyal apart from other political memoirs is its raw honesty. Cohen holds nothing back as he recounts his experiences with Trump, admitting to being blinded by power and money while also acknowledging his own mistakes and shortcomings. He does not shy away from sharing embarrassing or incriminating moments, making this book a candid and unfiltered account of his time with Trump. This authenticity adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story as readers are able to see beyond just the surface level events.
Lastly, Disloyal stands out due to its timely release amid ongoing political turmoil in America. As one of Trump's closest confidants during his campaign and presidency, Cohen offers unique insights into current events such as Russian interference in the 2016 election and impeachment proceedings against Trump. The book provides readers with a behind-the-scenes look at these significant moments in history through someone who was directly involved in them. This relevancy makes Disloyal not only an interesting read but also an important piece of literature that sheds light on contemporary politics.
Writing Style & Pacing
Disloyal: A Memoir by Michael Cohen is a tell-all book that details the author's experiences working as personal lawyer and "fixer" for President Donald Trump. The book is written in first-person narrative, with Cohen sharing his perspective and insights on various events and interactions with Trump throughout their professional relationship. The tone of the book is conversational yet serious, as Cohen recounts his involvement in controversial actions and decisions made by the president.
The structure of the book follows a chronological order, starting from Cohen's early days working for Trump to his eventual falling out with him. Each chapter focuses on a specific period or event, giving readers a clear understanding of how their relationship evolved over time. There are also sections where Cohen reflects on his own motivations and mistakes, providing deeper insight into his character and mindset during certain pivotal moments. Overall, Disloyal is a fast-paced read due to its candid writing style and intriguing subject matter. It offers an insider's perspective on one of the most polarizing figures in modern politics, making it difficult to put down once you start reading.
About the Author
Michael Cohen is an American attorney and author, best known for his role as the personal lawyer and "fixer" of former US President Donald Trump. He was born on August 25, 1966 in Long Island, New York to a Jewish family. Cohen attended American University in Washington D.C., where he earned a degree in Political Science before going on to receive his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. After graduating, he worked at several law firms before starting his own practice in 2003.
Cohen's credibility to write this book, Disloyal: A Memoir Book by Michael Cohen, stems from his close relationship with Donald Trump for over a decade. As Trump's right-hand man and confidant, Cohen was privy to many behind-the-scenes events and conversations that took place during their time together. He also served as the Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization and played a crucial role in various business deals for the company.
Furthermore, Cohen's recent fall out with Trump adds another layer of credibility to his writing. In 2018, he pleaded guilty to multiple charges including tax evasion and campaign finance violations related to hush money payments made on behalf of Trump. This led him to serve three years in prison before being released due to COVID-19 concerns. His firsthand experience working closely with Trump gives readers an inside look into the inner workings of one of the most controversial presidents in modern history.
Despite initially defending Trump fiercely during investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election and other controversies surrounding him, Cohen eventually turned against him after facing legal consequences himself. This change of heart shows that he is not afraid to speak out against someone who once held great power over him.
In addition to his insider knowledge about Donald Trump specifically, Cohen's background as an attorney lends further credibility to his writing about political affairs and legal matters discussed throughout the book Disloyal: A Memoir Book. His education and experience in the legal field provide him with a unique perspective on the events that unfolded during his time working for Trump, making him a reliable source of information.
Overall, Michael Cohen's personal experiences and expertise make him a highly credible author to write this book. With his insider knowledge about Donald Trump and his background as an attorney, readers can trust that they are getting an authentic account of what really happened behind closed doors during one of the most controversial presidencies in American history.
Historical or Topical Context
The story of Disloyal takes place in the political landscape of the United States, particularly during the rise and presidency of Donald Trump. The setting is one filled with power, corruption, and scandal as Michael Cohen recounts his time working for Trump as his personal attorney and "fixer." The events described in this memoir span over a decade, from when Cohen first met Trump in 2006 to his eventual imprisonment in 2018.
Throughout this period, America was deeply divided politically with a growing sense of disillusionment among its citizens. As a wealthy businessman turned president, Donald Trump promised to shake up the establishment and bring change to Washington D.C. However, his unconventional methods and controversial policies sparked intense debates and polarizing reactions from both supporters and critics. Against this backdrop of political turmoil, Michael Cohen shares his inside perspective on the inner workings of the Trump organization and their involvement in various scandals such as Russian interference in the 2016 election. This adds another layer to understanding not only Cohen's personal story but also sheds light on larger issues within American politics at that time.
Most Powerful or Memorable Moments
1. Point 1: The Introduction - In the introduction, Cohen sets the tone for his memoir by describing himself as a "fixer" and how he was drawn into Donald Trump's world. He also highlights their close relationship and how it eventually turned sour.
2. Chapter 4: The Apprentice Years - This chapter delves into Cohen's time working with Trump on the hit reality TV show, The Apprentice. It reveals behind-the-scenes moments of Trump's behavior and attitude towards women, as well as his obsession with ratings and fame.
3. Insight 1: Loyalty Above All Else - Throughout the book, Cohen emphasizes how loyalty was seen as the most important trait in Trump's inner circle. He shares personal experiences where he had to choose between being loyal to Trump or doing what he believed was right.
4. Chapter 12: Stormy Daniels Scandal - One of the standout chapters in Disloyal is when Cohen details his involvement in paying off adult film star Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about her alleged affair with Trump. This chapter sheds light on the lengths that were taken to protect President Trump from any scandals.
5. Point 2: Betrayal & Prison Sentence - Towards the end of the book, Cohen reflects on his decision to cooperate with federal authorities and testify against President Trump, ultimately leading to his own prison sentence for crimes committed while working for him. This moment showcases a major turning point in their relationship and highlights just how far Cohen was willing to go for loyalty before ultimately choosing honesty over blind devotion.
Lessons or Takeaways
After reading Disloyal, readers will likely come away with a deeper understanding of the inner workings of the Trump administration and the character of President Donald Trump. Cohen's firsthand account provides insight into the unethical and corrupt behavior that took place behind closed doors, as well as his own role in it. Readers may feel shocked, disgusted, or even outraged at some of the revelations presented in this book. They may also reflect on their own beliefs and values regarding loyalty, integrity, and accountability in leadership.
Additionally, readers may also gain a better understanding of how power dynamics operate within political circles. Cohen's story sheds light on how individuals can become entangled in toxic environments and make decisions that compromise their morals for personal gain. This book serves as a cautionary tale about blindly following charismatic leaders without questioning their actions or holding them accountable for their wrongdoing. Ultimately, Disloyal encourages readers to think critically about who they choose to support and hold those in positions of power accountable for their actions.
Reader Reactions and Critical Acclaim
Based on reader reviews, the general sentiment towards Disloyal: A Memoir by Michael Cohen is mixed. Some readers praise the book for its detailed account of Cohen's time as former President Trump's personal lawyer and fixer, calling it a "riveting" and "eye-opening" read. Others criticize Cohen for his role in Trump's actions and question his motivations for writing the book.
Despite the mixed reception from readers, Disloyal has received widespread attention and acclaim since its release in September 2020. The New York Times named it one of their top ten best-selling nonfiction books of that month, while also praising Cohen's writing style as "blunt and evocative." In addition, Time magazine included Disloyal in their list of the best political books to read in 2020, recognizing its impact on understanding Trump's presidency. Overall, while not universally loved by all readers, Disloyal has garnered significant recognition and sparked important discussions about loyalty and accountability within politics.
Who Is This Book For?
1. Political enthusiasts: This book would appeal to readers who closely follow current events and have an interest in the inner workings of American politics. The author, Michael Cohen, was a long-time personal lawyer and fixer for former President Donald Trump, making this memoir a must-read for those interested in the behind-the-scenes actions of the Trump administration.
2. True crime aficionados: With its themes of deception, betrayal, and corruption, Disloyal reads like a gripping true crime novel. Readers who enjoy delving into scandalous stories filled with intrigue and drama will find themselves engrossed in Cohen's account of his time working for Trump.
3. Non-fiction lovers: As a memoir, this book is based on real-life experiences and events. It offers insight into the personal thoughts and motivations of someone deeply involved in one of the most controversial presidencies in US history. Fans of non-fiction books that explore current events or biographies will appreciate this raw and revealing read.
4. Critics of Donald Trump: For those who are critical or opposed to former President Trump's policies and actions while in office, Disloyal may serve as validation for their beliefs. The book exposes numerous instances where Cohen witnessed unethical behavior from Trump firsthand, making it appealing to readers looking for further evidence against him.
5.History buffs: While Disloyal primarily focuses on recent political events surrounding Donald Trump's rise to power, it also provides historical context on how he got there through anecdotes from Cohen's past work with him before his presidency. Readers interested in understanding how certain key players influenced significant moments throughout modern history will find this book insightful.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
1. Raw and Honest Account: Michael Cohen's book is a raw and honest account of his personal experiences working for Donald Trump. He does not hold back in sharing his thoughts, feelings, and actions during his time as Trump's lawyer and fixer.
2. Insight into Trump's Personality: Cohen provides readers with an insider perspective on Trump's personality, behavior, and tactics. He shares details about the president that are not commonly known or understood by the public.
3. Behind-the-Scenes Look at Political Events: The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at some significant political events such as the 2016 election campaign, negotiations with North Korea, and interactions with world leaders.
4. Revelatory Information: Disloyal contains many revelatory pieces of information about Trump's business practices, relationships with women, financial dealings, and more. These insights shed light on the president's character and decision-making processes.
5. Redemption Story: While Cohen has faced criticism for his past actions as Trump's loyalist enforcer, this book serves as a redemption story for him. He takes responsibility for his mistakes but also exposes corruption within the administration while advocating for accountability in government.
Cons:
1. Cohen's credibility is questionable: Given that Cohen has a history of lying and criminal activity, readers may find it difficult to trust his version of events in this memoir. His involvement in various scandals and his conviction for multiple crimes make him an unreliable narrator.
2. Lack of new information: Many critics have pointed out that the book does not reveal any significant new information about Trump or his administration. Most of the content has already been covered extensively in news articles and other books.
3. Self-serving narrative: Some readers may feel that Cohen uses this book as a platform to justify his own actions and shift blame onto others, rather than taking full responsibility for his role in Trump's inner circle.
4. Poor writing quality: Several reviewers have criticized the writing style of the book, noting that it is often disjointed and lacks coherence. This can make it difficult for readers to follow along with the story.
5. Biased perspective: As a former personal lawyer and fixer for Trump, Cohen likely has a biased perspective on their relationship and interactions. This could potentially skew certain events or portrayals in the book.
Final Thoughts:Should You Read It?
"Disloyal: A Memoir" is a gripping and eye-opening account of Michael Cohen's time as Donald Trump's personal lawyer and fixer. It offers an insider's perspective on the inner workings of the Trump organization, including details about shady business practices, lies, and corruption. Cohen also reveals his own role in facilitating these actions and his eventual fall from grace.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the current political climate and the true nature of the Trump presidency. With its shocking revelations and candid storytelling, "Disloyal" provides valuable insight into one of the most polarizing figures in modern American history. Whether you are a supporter or critic of Trump, this book will challenge your beliefs and make you reconsider what you thought you knew about him. Overall, "Disloyal" is a powerful memoir that sheds light on important issues while keeping readers engaged with its fast-paced narrative.
Where to Buy?
Buy "Disloyal: A Memoir" on Amazon
Buy Now
