The Gold Standard: Rules to Rule By by Ari Gold (2015-05-12) Hardcover – January 1, 1864

Rarely do I come across a book that makes me say, "this changes the world." Now I don't know who wrote this thing. Was it Jeremy PIven? Was it a screen writer from Entourage? Was it Joe Schmichle who lives in Chug Water, Wyoming? I simply don't know. But the information inside is literally worth its weight in gold (no pun intended). I don't even know the aim of the book. Is it a parody of of the character Ari Gold? Is it comedic genius? Is it meant to give actual advice to success? Again, I have no idea and don't care. What I do know is that it offers up advice on success that blows any bullshit MBA program out of the water. Today, one of the most overrated and watered down piles of feces is the five year degree that proclaims to make you an expert at business. A dime a dozen, yet creating a half million in debt to the owners, I can save you the peril by buying this $15 book. Whether parody or not, the actions suggested will take a person closer to success in life than any Ivy League lecture can manage; and at a cost of .00000083%, Art of the Deal? Throw it away. Zig Ziglar? Use it as a door stop. Tony Robbins? Run away and laugh. Rich Dad Poor Dad? Lifetime poverty. The list goes on and on. There are no authors, there are no lecturers, there are no self help people that will lead you to success. But a shove it in your face, brash review of the realities of life like this book will guide you to making the decisions, and putting forth the effort that will leave you in tears laughing, and going to the bank....

Having bought both the book and audiobook I definitely, hands-down, recommend the audiobook version. Piven's in character improvs in between chapters as well as the candor in which he reads it make this worth every penny.I have to confess that I have never watched Entourage or know anything of the character Ari Gold (I intend to give the series a watch now though) but I was fully entertained for the duration of this book. The metaphors used in the stories as well as the tales themselves made my daily commute enjoyable enough.Now I know the premise of this book is based purely on fiction- most of the advice in this "playbook" is not. In fact coming from 10+ years working in the corporate service industry in Las Vegas (then to own my own business) I can tell you, first-hand, that all the advice given in this book is sound- if not spot on. If you're in any sales, guest service, tip- based occupation, where the bulk of your take home depends on a happy guest/customer instead of a fixed salary, then this gem is for you. You won't be sorry.

This is an interesting book, it is an autobiography by a fictional character. If you are a fan of entourage or of the character Ari, this is what amounts to a peak behind the curtain of the man/the myth Ari Gold. While this a book full of Ari "stories" they are wrapped around rules that he lives by. Despite none of it being true there are some good nuggets of wisdom in there, and if you love the fast talking, sharp tongued agent there is no better way to hear these nuggets.I am a big fan of the show and his character, so I really liked the book.

This book is exactly what you think (and hope) it is – Ari Gold being himself from cover to cover. Part way through, I realized I was reading it as if I was Jeremy Piven, with the same tone and rhythm.

If you are a fan on Entourage this is a must read. Basically and extension of the series and gives you the inside of head of the best character in the series. Loves it from the start to the end. Reading the reviews of the people who thought Ari was a real person, is gold.

Nothing new. Recycled advice with fake stories. “People will forget what you said but they won’t forget how you made them feel”I feel like I overpaid by 12.95 for this advice.....

Amazing book for both pleasure and education. While the book is written in the character of Ari Gold it has some good tid bits of information that can be used the real world. If you are a fan of entourage or business books than you should definitely pick this up. Quick and enjoyable read! Loved it!

If you love Entourage and loved Ari Gold then this book is a must. Jeremy Piven portrayed from an authors standpoint the perfect depiction of Ari Gold to the readers. From Chapter 1 til the end he will have you on the edge.

Great read if you watched his tv program

I'm an Entourage fan so I ordered this book as a fun read and didn't really expect much from it but I can say I was impressed because the book has some great tips which can be used in any business.

Great book. Tons of sarcasm and wit, purely out of the mind of Ari Gold. Definitely a must have for fans of Entourage, Ari Gold and/or fans of great individuals!

Spoken like the man himself

Very funny and enjoyable. Cant beat Ari Gold!