My Vast Fortune: The Money Adventures of a Quixotic Capitalist

Ah, the elusive and mysterious world of personal finance. I first heard of Andrew Tobias from his website, where he dissects and explains all mutual funds expenses. Not all no-load funds are created equal, and I realized that thanks to him. This book is great to get a sense of who Andrew Tobias is, what his core investing philosophy is, and be entertained in the meantime (he has lived a fascinating life). I can see where those readers who know a couple of things about personal finance might be a bit frustrated with the book, which is more than anything an autobiography. It was certainly worth my while to read it, and I recommend it.

The other reviews cover the contents quite well. This is a book that has tidbits which have stuck with me over time, such as Tobias' account of how he purchased air-time in Russia to warn people there about the dangers of smoking and foreign cigarette companies. Probably the most influential chapter for me in this election year is the one on auto insurance reform, in that it paints a picture of Ralph Nader as someone who is all-too-human on this issue. Mr. Nader appears to make up his mind early on to support his lawyer friends, and has a "please don't confuse me with the facts" attitude. Obviously this is Tobias' own view of the world, but as a liberal and a man whose father helped Nader first become famous, he is sad to see Nader refuse to even discuss the issue with him.The book occasionally meanders through topics and areas with little focus, such as his account of protracted real-estate headaches. That said, it is enjoyable overall in many ways and I definitely recommend it.

This is an amusing and readable book, and worth reading. To the reviewer below that accuses Tobias of bragging about his "vast fortune,": the title of the book is meant IRONICALLY. It's like calling a bald guy "curly." Tobias obviously has money, but as he put it in his column recently, he's a "minor millionaire" which in the new world of billionaires might make a millionaire think he doesn't have much to brag about. And I don't see that Tobias brags at all: what makes his writing so funny, is he is a master of self-deprecating humor. He puts himself down a lot in endearing and funny ways. So those who think he's arrogant, etc., here, must have minds that aren't very good at comprehending subtleties in life. This is mainly a collection of previously published articles, which results in some dry patches, depending on your interests, but I think you'll find a lot of it worth your time. And, hey, I'm a heterosexual who always votes Republican and I STILL love Tobias' writing (a gay man who is treasurer for the Democratic National Committee, or whatever the heck that organization is called.)

I enjoy Andy Tobias, and have since I read his adventures as a Harvard Business School student. This guy is funny and smart.My Vast Fortune is, as noted in some of the prior reviews, somewhat of a rehash of some of Andy's prior books. But I always learn something, and I like to be up to date on what he is doing.No, I am not on his payroll, but if Andrew reads his own reviews, (He should) and sales jump 500%, and he sends me a check, I will cash it.Even if it is for five million, I will cash it. To get that joke, you need to read the book.Bill White Los Angeles, CA

Tobias writes an amusing autobiographical book detailing the origins of his "vast fortune" often with his tongue firmly in his cheek. His social consciousness shows through although his employs vast common sense. He takes on the scourges of modern society...the parasitic lawyers.