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lburden03's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this book! Despite the negative comments that it spurred shortly after its publication, I enjoyed learning more about the creation of Apple, where it came from, where it started, and how the company works. I also felt like this book had some cool background stories and interesting facts that occurred throughout the building of the company.
For a more in depth review, check out my new book blog, A Nook of Blankets and Books!
http://anookofblanketsandbooks.blogspot.com/2013/06/steve-jobs-book-review.html
For a more in depth review, check out my new book blog, A Nook of Blankets and Books!
http://anookofblanketsandbooks.blogspot.com/2013/06/steve-jobs-book-review.html
nangerecht's review
informative
slow-paced
4.0
I'm in the camp of Steve being a jerk. He was mean, arrogant, driven, emotional, ruthless, a cheat, a showman, and controlling. Sad that he had to suffer so with his cancer. He made his goal of building a lasting company. He was not driven by money. The book was well written.
jesslolsen's review
3.0
The main thing that stuck with me from reading this book, was how different my perception was of Steve Jobs from reality. I had little knowledge of who Steve Jobs really was and his role as a businessman, so was really surprised to hear about his abrupt personality and sometimes bizarre personal hygiene.
I admire him for allowing a biography so honest and forthcoming about all his achievements and short-comings - both in his view and of others. This biography was really well-rounded thanks to so many interviews with people he came in contact throughout his life, both good and bad, and you got the feeling that nothing was held back, but surprisingly little was given from Steve's wife, especially with regard to their marriage, so it would be really interesting to hear how she coped being married to him for 20-something years.
Another thing I found really interesting was the role he played in both Apple and Pixar. After reading the book I realise he was a really great business executive, rather than an engineer, and he was able to make great imaginative leaps while valuing the end-to-end process of a product, and this is what sets Apple apart from its competitors. You really do need to admire his ability to evolve and advance technology, and in the book he often says that "people don't know what they want until I show them".
I found the second part of the book more engaging as I was more familiar with the products and company. Steve seemed to be portrayed more harshly in the first half of the book.
I would recommend this book for anyone who is a fan of technology or Steve Jobs, but it is not an easy biography to read if you are not a tech-head, and I found myself skim reading some paragraphs due to this. I'm glad I read it its but probably not one I would ever read again.
I admire him for allowing a biography so honest and forthcoming about all his achievements and short-comings - both in his view and of others. This biography was really well-rounded thanks to so many interviews with people he came in contact throughout his life, both good and bad, and you got the feeling that nothing was held back, but surprisingly little was given from Steve's wife, especially with regard to their marriage, so it would be really interesting to hear how she coped being married to him for 20-something years.
Another thing I found really interesting was the role he played in both Apple and Pixar. After reading the book I realise he was a really great business executive, rather than an engineer, and he was able to make great imaginative leaps while valuing the end-to-end process of a product, and this is what sets Apple apart from its competitors. You really do need to admire his ability to evolve and advance technology, and in the book he often says that "people don't know what they want until I show them".
I found the second part of the book more engaging as I was more familiar with the products and company. Steve seemed to be portrayed more harshly in the first half of the book.
I would recommend this book for anyone who is a fan of technology or Steve Jobs, but it is not an easy biography to read if you are not a tech-head, and I found myself skim reading some paragraphs due to this. I'm glad I read it its but probably not one I would ever read again.
marieintheraw's review
4.0
I enjoy this author's biography skills. I always feel like I learn something new and fun even if it is a bit long.
celtic_oracle's review against another edition
4.0
Steve Jobs was really a fascinating man. I spent most of my time listening to this book wishing I could have worked with him, and thanking my lucky stars that I didn't.
I also appreciated the insight into Apple as a company, particularly under Jobs. It was interesting to see how the different products evolved, and I had always been rather anti-Apple because I thought that Apple insisted on closed systems for profit reasons. Knowing it was more about Jobs's passion for the perfect product, and how end-to-end control made this possible, I feel a little more lenient. :)
A really interesting read.
I also appreciated the insight into Apple as a company, particularly under Jobs. It was interesting to see how the different products evolved, and I had always been rather anti-Apple because I thought that Apple insisted on closed systems for profit reasons. Knowing it was more about Jobs's passion for the perfect product, and how end-to-end control made this possible, I feel a little more lenient. :)
A really interesting read.