Welcome to a series that’s close to my heart. In these posts, I share the books that have truly shaped my thinking and influenced the way I live and work. These aren’t just summaries; they’re my personal reflections on the key ideas that have stuck with me and how I’ve woven them into my daily life. If you’re looking for inspiration or just a fresh perspective, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the ideas that have made a real impact on me—I hope they’ll do the same for you.
What I Got Out of What Makes Sammy Run?
I’ve got to start by saying I’m usually a non-fiction kind of person. If I’m reading a book, it’s typically something that’s going to teach me a skill, challenge the way I think, or help me grow in some practical way. But recently, a friend of mine convinced me to read What Makes Sammy Run? by Budd Schulberg. It’s a novel—a classic, apparently, though I’d never heard of it. And let me tell you, it absolutely blew me away.
This book turned out to be a powerful reminder that fiction can teach you just as much, if not more, than non-fiction. Sometimes, a well-told story has a way of sneaking past your defenses and making you reflect on things you might otherwise avoid. That’s exactly what What Makes Sammy Run? did for me.
The story revolves around Sammy Glick, an ambitious young man clawing his way up the ladder of Hollywood success. It’s narrated by Al Manheim, a journalist who watches Sammy rise from a nobody to a big shot. Sammy’s journey is as fascinating as it is unsettling. He’s a guy who stops at nothing—lying, backstabbing, and stealing ideas—to get ahead. At first, it’s almost impressive how determined he is. But as you keep reading, you start to see the toll his ambition takes on the people around him—and on Sammy himself.
I’ll be honest: Sammy is not a likable guy. He’s ruthless, selfish, and completely unrepentant. But as the book went on, I found myself asking questions like: How far would I go to achieve my goals? What am I willing to sacrifice for success? Sammy forced me to take a hard look at my own ambitions and the values that drive me.
One of the biggest things I took away from this book is how easy it is to justify cutting corners when you’re chasing something big. Sammy always has an excuse for why he’s doing what he’s doing—whether it’s stealing a coworker’s story idea or manipulating someone to get ahead. And the scary thing is, some of his excuses almost make sense in the moment. It’s a stark reminder to stay grounded in your principles, no matter how tempting the shortcuts might be.
The book also made me think about the kind of people I admire and want to emulate. At first glance, Sammy looks like someone to look up to. He’s ambitious, hard-working, and undeniably successful. But his success is empty. He doesn’t have real friendships or meaningful accomplishments to show for it. That really hit home for me. I don’t want to get to the end of my career—or my life—and realize I sacrificed the things that matter most for a hollow version of success.
Another thing that stood out to me is how relevant this story feels, even though it was written in the 1940s. The setting is Hollywood, but honestly, Sammy could be working in any competitive industry today—tech, finance, you name it. The way he maneuvers and manipulates feels like something you’d see on LinkedIn or in a boardroom. It’s a reminder that ambition and greed are timeless, but so are integrity and character.
Practically speaking, this book has inspired me to reflect on a couple of key areas in my own life and work:
Balancing Ambition with Integrity: It’s one thing to be driven, but it’s another thing to be ruthless. Sammy’s story made me think about the choices I make every day and whether they align with my values. Am I treating people fairly? Am I being honest and transparent? These are questions I want to keep asking myself as I pursue my goals.
Defining Success: Sammy is laser-focused on winning, but he never stops to ask himself why or what he’s actually chasing. That’s a trap I want to avoid. This book reminded me to think about the kind of success I want—one that includes strong relationships, a good reputation, and a sense of purpose.
The Importance of Mentorship: One of the things I appreciated about Al, the narrator, is that he tries to be a mentor to Sammy, even though Sammy doesn’t really listen. It made me realize how valuable it is to have people in your life who are willing to challenge you and hold you accountable. And it also made me think about the role I can play in mentoring others.
Staying Curious About Fiction: Finally, and maybe most surprisingly, this book reminded me how much value there is in reading fiction. Non-fiction is great for practical advice, but sometimes a story like Sammy’s can get under your skin and make you think in a deeper way. I’m definitely going to make more room for fiction in my reading list going forward.
At the end of the day, What Makes Sammy Run? isn’t just a story about one guy’s rise to the top. It’s a mirror that forces you to reflect on your own priorities, values, and definition of success. It’s not always a comfortable read, but it’s the kind of book that sticks with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
If you’re someone who’s ambitious, goal-oriented, or just trying to navigate the pressures of modern work life, I highly recommend giving this book a shot. Sammy’s story might not leave you feeling warm and fuzzy, but it will make you think—and that’s worth its weight in gold.