Andrew Pignatare

This is a wonderfully uplifting story that describes how an individual's values evolve through life experience. The character of JoJo MacBean and his life story are a metaphor for what we think represents "success" and the struggle to realize it - but it really can be a map for personal and financial ruin. In the end, much is lost by JoJo yet he ultimately achieves a joy that he was unable to attain in his early quest for traditional wealth/success. Kinga Martin's cover illustration of JoJo is perfect in that he is really a cartoonish character - there is so much more depth to him beneath the surface than you see. I enjoyed that the book is peppered with interesting historical facts and financial milestones, with a wonderful end page of the five most important "Rules for Knuckleheads"! I am personally recommending this book to my son, who has entered the world of cut-throat finance after seven years in service as a US Army Ranger and then earning an MBA from an Ivy-league school. The goal to reach the summit of success needs to be tempered by a reminder of our humanity and what really matters in life. Andrew Pignatare has done a bang-up job of describing the journey for JoJo.

-Boston Joan

I read this book because my friend is the author. The life of JoJo Macbean is real, funny and humbling. I could personally relate that making money is never more important than relationships. If you need a cool book to read as a reality check on how we can re-evaluate our priorities, this is the one. Enjoy!

-C.E. Johnson

Helpful

For JoJo MacBean life is a game, games are about winning, and this Wall Street wunderkind wins big. He is wrapped up in money – making it for others, buying whatever he wants, using it as a stand-in for love. Eventually the voices of people in his life get loud enough for him to hear that something’s missing. But still he has to learn to listen. Just when he thinks he understands, life deals him a cruel blow. His way back and beyond - his journey of finding himself, as a former girlfriend urges him to do - is surprising and often humorous. I wanted to hug MacBean, shake him, take his hand and lead him, but like all of us, he has to do it on his own. His story kept me engaged and reading right to the end.

-Susan Martinello

Andy, I finished your book earlier this week. It was a great read, and I really enjoy it. I thought you wove several life lessons around an interesting story. You showed the importance of living a productive life but never forgetting basic humanity! Job well done!
-Dan

This was a great book! The timing of it's debut is perfect since the economy is shut down and people have slowed their pace down and appreciate the relationships they have in their lives and are learning to live without a lot things they took for granted before. It's a story of how money and greed doesn't bring happiness and how to learn from those mistakes by appreciating family and friends. With all of the down time everyone has these days it's a good time to "find yourself". This story is about that and so much more. I didn't want the book to end. I especially enjoyed that some of it took place locally (West Springfield). Highly recommend. One of the best books I have read in a long time. I hope you are planning to write another book soon, Andy.  

-Pam

This was a great book and I enjoyed reading it from cover to cover. Couldn't wait to finish it. It was
very enjoyable and I recommend it to anyone looking for a good book to read. It keeps you very
much interested all the way to the end. Congratulations Andy.
-Regina Ekmalian