Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Not Success. Survival: A Real Story of Building, Losing, and Rebuilding a Business by Jakub Blaszczyk is a business memoir that traces the author’s path from a young man growing up in post-communist Poland to a successful entrepreneur facing challenges few people ever see from the outside. The story begins with his childhood observations about money, opportunity, and the difference between stability and freedom. Blaszczyk builds his first legitimate business, a psychological testing center, and gradually expands into driver training and related services. Through determination and long hours of work, he builds a growing company and experiences the rewards of financial success. However, the heart of the memoir focuses on what follows. Trusted employees establish competing businesses, clients are redirected, and the company becomes the focus of increasing scrutiny from regulatory authorities. What begins as a story of ambition evolves into an account of mounting pressure, uncertainty, and personal struggle.

Jakub Blaszczyk’s writing is direct, conversational, and highly personal. He frequently uses repetition for emphasis, particularly when describing emotional states, business pressures, and moments of realization. This technique reinforces the weight of important events and gives the narrative a steady rhythm. The pacing moves quickly through years of experiences while still allowing room for reflection on key turning points. Readers who enjoy memoirs that focus on real-world business experiences will appreciate the practical observations woven throughout the story. Not Success. Survival also explores themes of trust, ambition, accountability, and perseverance in an honest and unfiltered way. The straightforward language makes the book easy to follow, while the personal anecdotes provide insight into the author’s mindset during both prosperous and difficult periods. Readers interested in entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the realities behind business ownership will find much to enjoy in this engaging account.