I read the book once a year, have a signed copy, and am contact with the author's daughter, who wrote part II in 2018 (not as good as the original). I don't think anyone should be allowed to participate in the economy without reading this book! It was the second business/investing book I read after Rich Dad Poor Dad, and I can say the 2nd most important. I tell myself that no one is my true friend unless they've read the first half this book that I recommend to everyone. Truthfully, my frugal living/desire to be financially free has lost me friends, but, I knew it would and I'm okay with that.
I first read it over 10 years ago and I still live by it today. It is why I'm still frugal and I attribute my financial successes to this book. In summary, the book taught me that it's okay to not waste money like everyone else in my life does. Front wheel drive, Android, Smirnoff, 1500 sq ft, only 2 cars, rent things instead of buying.....all these things are the smart choices.
Anyone saying they don't need this book should realize that if Thomas Stanley (RIP) hadn't done all that research in the 80s and 90s, YOU might not be the person you are today, even if you've never read the book, because when it came it shocked the world and, well, taught the world who the millionaires are. "That guy drives a BMW, he's rich." Millionaires next door: "Wrong. Him buying that car is exactly why he'll never be rich."
God bless this book and what it's done for me!