Rating: 
Summary: A fast-moving report of an epic achievement
Review: With a young blonde wife, a showy yellow car, and obvious great wealth, it's amazing that Rogers was able to have made it through some of the world's most violent, desperate, thug-infested areas without being assaulted, much less kidnapped or harmed. The guy obviously is a savvy judge of risk and a brilliant master of adventure travel, and, for that stunning achievement alone as well as his concise summaries of 116 countries, the book should be worth every bit of 5 stars. What bothered me enough to delete a star is that a man ingenious enough to have pulled off this stunning feat chooses to taint his absorbing account with the insertion of so many glib, unsupported judgments and predictions, e.g. Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan, according to Rogers, is so inept at doing his job that if he were to leave his post, he would be unemployable in the private sector. I began to wonder whether the pressures of all that treacherous travel may have led to burnout, mania or worse; particularly unsettling were his many fevered rants against, and dire predictions, for the U.S. -- all the more surprising given the endless corruption, tyranny, suppression of personal freedoms, dire poverty, violent insurrections, economic/political upheavals and other ills Rogers observed in one form or another in every other part of our planet; how any sane American could have seen as much man-made trouble as Rogers did everywhere else and not bless the unique political and economic stability and freedom enjoyed by US citizens is stupefying. In Rogers's view, all the virulent anti-Americanism targeting our country from abroad is purely a result of our own government's failures. Could it possibly be that our enemies envy our wealth and freedom? not according to Rogers, who uses exactly one sentence to cast aside that suggestion -- Singapore, Switerland and Japan are richer than we are, and no one is attacking them, writes Rogers, so it can't be the case that envy of America is what drives our enemies. My bet is that after considering several overseas choices to consider retiring to, Rogers will be all too happy to take away from his travels an enhanced appreciation for the miracle of peace, prosperity, and liberty that is available in America, but so rarely elsewhere.
Rating: 
Summary: dissapointing trip
Review: Foe those of you who have yet to buy this book-don't waste your money. Rogers writes his typical negative, the US sucks and I'm the smartest guy in the world book. Anyone who's followed his advice over the years has earned a sub par return. He's been bearish on Russia forever and it's the #1 market in the world the past five years! Another example that "guru's" aren't worth listening to.
Rating: 
Summary: road worrier
Review: I found this one "paired up" on the page for John Soltez's "Only in America" (why it was I'm not sure). One is excellent fiction, the other a "real life" story of a financial raconteur's risky exploits. Rogers doesn't come off as cocky on his CNBC appearances, yet it's interesting how many (especially non-Americans) find him arrogant in the extreme. Was it the car, or the attitude?
Rating: 
Summary: Book synopsis: arrogant airhead makes lightweight travelogue
Review: This guy is not only arrogant and provincial, but has about as much depth as a soap dish. At least he's consisent: I've had the misfortune to observe that his other writing is also not worth spending time on.
Rating: 
Summary: Good read
Review: I enjoyed reading this book almost as much as Investment Biker; and while I wish he would have provided more detail, having 340 pages in which to review 116 countries doesn't leave one with much space to go into many specifics.This book is an entertaining read with a 30,000-foot overview of state of the world along his route. Like some reviewers, I'm sure I could pick apart bits and pieces and criticize him for not talking to every faction of every political and socio-economic group in every country he visited; or the fact that he didn't provide enough of empirical data to support his claims about the over-valued dollar or other economic forecasts. But let's be real, who wants to write a tome that covers the economic and social impact on each socioeconomic/ethnic group for every public policy decision in history in all 116 countries he visited. It's impossible. Even if you could write it, no one would read it! This book will make you question what you're hearing in the press, and will alert you to many things you aren't hearing. This book will keep you entertained. Read it and enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Of Visas, Border Crossings, Blood, Exotic Food and Brokers
Review: The trip described in this book is undoubtedly the best investing adventure that anyone has ever experienced. The trip experience is a worthy sequel to Investment Biker. This time he travels in a bright yellow Mercedes with a trailer . . . accompanied by a camera crew in another Mercedes. The book itself is extremely superficial, and has little to do with investing. Most of the material is about getting visas, crossing borders, bribing officials, eating foods you won't find at home, the local sexual tourism activities, the state of the buildings, whose picture he took with a Polaroid camera, and whether or not Mr. Rogers had to hire a military convoy. In most countries, he notes how wrong his opinions were on his last visit during Investment Biker. So why will he be right this time? Where he does draw conclusions, there is little support for his findings. A major theme is the start of a new upward commodity price cycle upward. You'll look long and hard without finding any evidence to support that conclusion. The most interesting parts come, however, where he draws the opposite conclusion from what you have heard reported. For instance, Mr. Rogers found religion to be freely practiced by all faiths throughout China. He says that tourism is better in Tanzania than in Kenya. He recommends avoiding the climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. He reports well on the many ways that Americans annoy the rest of the world, and the harm done by nongovernmental organizations. The scams involving charity from the United States will also be an eye-opener. This book will be most appealing to those who are considering driving through some of these countries. It's the only book I know of that provides realistic information about the road conditions and personal safety issues for such a large number of countries. You'll learn that it's best to drive a Mercedes because of the amazing string of dealerships that are described in the book (because all of the corrupt officials and most successful criminals around the world favor Mercedes-Benz automobiles). For the most part, though, this is just a self-indulgent book about how a rich man uses his wealth and ingenuity to amuse himself. If you want to read an intriguing book about investment-oriented travel, I recommend Investment Biker over this one. After you finish the book, if you decide to read it, I suggest that you think about how you can help someone be a better investor. Who needs that help? What do they need to know? How can they learn those important facts?
Rating:
Summary: Nothing New--just worthless drivel!!
Review: I am amazed how thw the author is able to perpetuate his image of being a market seer. His insight in this book barely penetrates the pages upon which the print is written. It's the same old harangue he presented in his previous books. Just empty gibberish amd platitudes. Given his wide exposure and attempts to market himself, I would like to think his ghost writer would be able to disclose some of hbis thoughts that I believe would be more perceptive than the pseudo author markets. I am tempted to return this one or give it to someone I do not like.
Rating:
Summary: still mulling
Review: i've read all the negative reviews. I agree there is something missing when you look at the world from just a limited economic and selfish perspective. His former business partner George Soros hit on an idea of "reflexivity". While mocked, I would agree that profiting from the blood on the streets lacks compassion. Jim Rogers provides astute insight to how countries are being run. I would have preferred some coments on the degredation of the environment as well as devaluing the currency. Worth the price I paid for the book. An enjoyable read.
Rating:
Summary: Not a story of self-discovery but still a good read
Review: I really enjoyed this book. Okay I found it in the business section NOT the travel section so even the publishers are not sure what type of book it is. Is as good as 'Jupiter's Travels'?The definative journey book? Yeah I think so. Ted Simon's book got me started in travel and changed my life. But just because Jim Rodgers can't write as descriptively as Ted or go through the same sorts of angst and self discovery as him doesn't lessen its value. This is not an odyssey. This is not a story of self-discovery or for that matter an exploration of new cultures. It is a personal story, told through the eyes of one person. Jim is doing something he really wants to do and I for one take my hat of him. Having been on the other side of the Congo war, over in Uganda and seen the men and weapons I have to say to all those armchair critics- this guy put his money (and life) where his mouth was, can you say the same? All the criticism levelled at the book misses the point. This is an opinionated book written by someone who has undoubted some influence. Read the title for god's sake "Adventure Capitalist". The last chapter alone should be compulsory reading for every American. I don't agree with a lot in the book and sure there are some really big errors (the one about moving glaciers is a hoot) but it certainly seems to me to have a lot more merit than a lot of 'real travel books' and beats the pants of Michael Palin's self indulgent nonsense.
Rating:
Summary: Highly superficial and lack of Truth
Review: One of the very few books where I really felt was not even worth mentioning. But the fact its out now, I have to warn any potential readers of the superficiality of the authors writing. Before I start why I dont like. Let me say what I like. The fact that the author was able to travel is an achievement in itself Apart from that I wished the author has kept his musings to his personal diary. Because this book not only has so many wrongs about facts, but attempts to misinform. I have travelled quite a few countries and the analysis in the book is no where close to reality or scholarship. Example: At one place book says " in 50 years there will be only 30 languages in the world..." In India itself there are 2000 languages as of today and more than 500 with scripts. Just add the other thousands and dialects in Indonesia, China etc.. The authors statement does not hold ground.
Secondly, I am not sure how a weeks travel in India, makes the author an authority on the 5000 year old nation and the worlds biggest functioning democracy, to predict that the its going to split into small countries. So shallow and complete demonstration of pure ignorance. I would save the money on this. [. . .]
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