This incredible memoir describes a work life so insane that it could be a nightmarish fictional story. The author, who graduated from MIT with a dual degree, worked in finance as a well-paid investment manager and analyst but makes a career swivel when she takes an assistant position (for which only women are hired) with the CEO of a top hedge fund. The billionaire founder, here named Boone, is a completely demanding boss, who basically outsources every responsibility that does not involve direct solicitation of new accounts to Carrie. At first, she is exhilarated by her enormous workload and by Boone's reliance on her wide variety of skills, but as a year goes by, she realizes that the firm does nothing other than produce more money for privileged individuals who don't need it. Boone refuses to acknowledge Carrie's request for her own assistant, and, struggling with physical deterioration and mental exhaustion, she reaches a crossroad when the markets falter and Boone's seeming invulnerability is threatened. The portrait of Carrie shows the influences of her difficult immigrant childhood, parental pressures, and her own relentless need to achieve. The reader admires her but, way before Carrie recognizes it, knows that her work life is not sustainable. This is a most personal and revealing read of an incredible experience that should be shared with anyone attending business school as a cautionary tale.

Quote: "They were the ones with the luxury of time to wait out storms in palatial shelters, while the rest of us, with no areas of refuge, watched the weather to stay alive." ( )

I’m not typically a fan of workplace reads, whether biographical or otherwise, but there is something endearing about Private Equity and the way that Carrie Sun tells about her climb up the corporate ladder, focusing primarily on her time at Carbon working as an executive administrative assistant to the founder of the company, Boone Prescott.

From the beginning, it was like listening to a friend tell me a story. It is very engaging and surprisingly thought-provoking, especially for someone who is the furthest from being financial or corporate-minded herself. I got heavy The Devil Wears Prada vibes as far as the assistant job that is like a succubus to your existence, completely taking over Carrie’s life before she even realizes it’s happening. She was living to work not working to live, and it always breaks my heart to see people give up so much for a job. I know it had to be hard for her too because I could see how this would be a dream job to some, but at what cost?

My heart hurt for Carrie and what she endured yet I also feel inspired by reading her story. I am currently at a personal crossroads myself and seeing how she jumped and took a leap of faith, plus where she eventually landed, gives me confidence and courage to do the same. This is a story not only comes from experiences but also has personal reflections as it’s clear that Carrie was trying to process her life during that time through writing and self-reflection.

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to like this novel as much as I did but I was pleasantly surprised and read it relatively quick. I really enjoyed the overall cadence of this novel, with the authors expert weaving of past and present personal experiences with information and education about varying subjects in the financial sector, so there is truly something for everyone. Highly recommend!

*I have reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the publisher through NetGalley. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. ( )

She survived and awakened to a different reality. An overachiever by nature and upbringing she eventually survived toxic work situations that hid behind the need to gain wealth for company and self. She also survived the kind of toxic personal relationship where the man felt that she should serve him as he felt that he/his work was of greater importance. The writing was a bit pedestrian and rarely cohesive, but her struggles after awakening to her true value is of great importance.
I requested and received an EARC from PENGUIN GROUP The Penguin Press/Penguin Press via NetGalley. ( )