In "Graft," Apprentice star and sales expert Tom Skinner shares his no-nonsense approach to success. Born and bred in Romford, Skinner's journey from market stalls selling everything from monkeys to mattresses provides a hilarious and insightful look at the world of a true grafter. This isn't your typical self-help book; it's a raw, entertaining account of Skinner's entrepreneurial adventures, filled with hard-won lessons and motivational mantras. From the importance of a hearty breakfast to the inevitability of mistakes, Skinner reveals the strategies he uses to navigate the ups and downs of life, inspiring readers to chase their dreams with grit and determination. Get ready to embrace the "Skinner way" – a journey of hustle, resilience, and laughter.
Review Graft
Okay, so I just finished reading Tom Skinner's Graft, and honestly? It was a bit of a whirlwind. Going in, I had mixed feelings. I’ve followed Tom since The Apprentice, and while I enjoy his Instagram persona, I wasn’t sure if a whole book dedicated to his "graft" philosophy would hold my attention. Turns out, I was pleasantly surprised.
The book is exactly what the description promises: a raw, honest, and often hilarious account of Tom's journey from Romford market stalls to… well, wherever he’s ended up! It’s less of a structured self-help manual and more of a rollicking, entertaining story peppered with genuinely useful advice. Think less "ten steps to millionaire status" and more "here's what I learned surviving on the streets, selling mattresses, and generally hustling my way to success (and occasionally failing spectacularly)." And that's what made it so captivating.
I particularly appreciated the relatable aspects. Tom doesn’t shy away from the setbacks, the mistakes, the times he completely bombed. He portrays his struggles with a self-deprecating humor that makes you feel like you're having a beer with a mate, sharing war stories. This honesty, this vulnerability, is what makes the motivational aspects of the book so effective. It’s not some preachy, unrealistic vision of success; it’s a gritty, realistic portrayal of hard work, resilience, and learning from your screw-ups.
The book's structure is quite informal, mirroring Tom’s conversational style. It’s a quick and easy read – I practically devoured it in a single sitting, much like other reviewers. As an ex-salesperson myself (though nowhere near the level of Tom's entrepreneurial ventures!), I found myself nodding along to many of his anecdotes. The descriptions of his early days, the challenges, the sheer grit required to survive – it all resonated deeply.
While the book isn’t a deep dive into business strategy or financial planning, it’s packed with invaluable nuggets of wisdom. From the importance of a hearty breakfast (Dino’s Cafe gets a solid shout-out!) to the power of positive self-talk, Tom offers practical tips wrapped in an entertaining package. It’s less about specific techniques and more about cultivating a mindset – a “graft” mindset – that values hard work, adaptability, and a refusal to give up.
Ultimately, whether or not you enjoy Graft depends largely on whether you already connect with Tom Skinner's personality. If you’re a fan of his social media presence, or simply enjoy a good underdog story, you’ll likely find this a worthwhile read. If you’re seeking a highly structured, academic approach to self-improvement, you might be disappointed. But for a fun, motivational, and surprisingly insightful read that leaves you feeling inspired and entertained, Graft definitely delivers. It's a feel-good book, a "BOSH!" of positivity, and frankly, a welcome escape from the usual self-help clichés.
Information
- Dimensions: 5.08 x 0.87 x 7.8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 288
- Publication date: 2024
- Publisher: HarperCollins