Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet

The book is a scathing critique of the cutthroat world of real estate sales. It follows a group of desperate salesmen in Chicago who are willing to engage in a range of unethical and illegal acts—from lies and flattery to bribery and burglary—to sell undesirable real estate to unwitting buyers. The story is a snapshot of their lives over two days, highlighting the intense pressure they face from their company to close deals by any means necessary in order to survive in a merciless, competitive environment. The narrative delves into themes of capitalism, desperation, and the corrupting influence of a high-stakes sales culture, all while presenting a darkly comedic portrayal of the characters' struggles for success and self-preservation.

The 6578th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 65

Since this book was first published in 1984, there is a penalty of 16.0%. The age adjusted score is 54.6.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.