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I’ve read quite a few books about white men doing ridiculous things, but The Wolf of Wall Street takes the cake. And when it comes to memoirs about drug addiction? This one is hands down the most insane of them all. I’m honestly shocked that Jordan Belfort is still alive to tell his story.
What’s even wilder is that some people don’t realize this is a true story. And let me tell you—it’s very true. The level of excess, the reckless decisions, the absolute chaos of Belfort’s life—it’s all real, and it’s all packed into this book in the most jaw-dropping way.
I originally picked this up after hitting a bit of a reading slump. I had just finished Katie Couric’s memoir, Going There, and I loved it so much that nothing else was really clicking. But The Wolf of Wall Street had me turning the pages fast.
What I appreciated most about this book was Jordan’s raw honesty. It would have been easy to water down the narrative, to downplay just how unhinged his life was, but assuming he kept it real, he admitted to things that most people would be ashamed to even think about.
And now, having served his time, I can at least appreciate that he seems to be coming to terms with what his life once was.
After finishing the book, I watched the movie, and I was actually surprised by how much background information it included.
The book doesn’t really explain how Belfort started his own firm—it jumps right into the story after he’s already making a lot of money. The movie fills in some of those gaps, giving a clearer picture of how it all began.
Overall, I’m so glad I read this book. It’s a wild, sometimes horrifying ride, but it’s an undeniably fascinating one. If you’re into stories of excess, power, downfall, and redemption—especially when they’re true—this one’s worth the read.
Have you read The Wolf of Wall Street or watched the movie? Let me know your thoughts!
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