Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
Read for a work bookclub, so this may not be a book I naturally would have been pulled to. 2 stars for finishing it, but very close to a dnf at a few points in the novel. Maybe 1.5
This book fails on a few levels for me. I don't view Spikes as an outsider, and he doesn't give any novel insights to the power of being an outsider. Most importantly, it's a lackluster memoir. It doesn't offer a truly venerable portrait of self reflection. It reads like a detailed Wikipedia article - emotionally removed from the subject. It's off-putting.
It doesn't offer any personal revelation, and it doesn't offer any unique entrepreneurial perspective. Have a mentor, see things through, run, mediate, religion. Perserve through tough times.
The chapters don't align thematically. I could understand if the chapters amalgamated to prove a greater point, but all I'm left with is a few sentences every third chapter of the most generic advice that may not even be relevant. Maybe I'm age-ist, but his story is so genx. I genuinely don't think his career is replicable. I know people will say it's not about replication; it's about the process, but what process? Falling upward?
I get so irrationally mad. How are you an outsider. Because he's black? The one time in the book he mentions race....it's pandering. It reads like a great first draft it lacks emotional weight and/or industry relevance. It's sad because there is something here, but you have to do so much independent analysis and critical thinking to get some kernel of anything...it feels like panning for gold on the moon.
Reading this book is a tedious exercise in hopes for something worthwhile that ultimately leaves you empty-handed. But you can mine the intro chapter for 🔥 Motivation Monday quotes on Facebook. I digress.
This book fails on a few levels for me. I don't view Spikes as an outsider, and he doesn't give any novel insights to the power of being an outsider. Most importantly, it's a lackluster memoir. It doesn't offer a truly venerable portrait of self reflection. It reads like a detailed Wikipedia article - emotionally removed from the subject. It's off-putting.
It doesn't offer any personal revelation, and it doesn't offer any unique entrepreneurial perspective. Have a mentor, see things through, run, mediate, religion. Perserve through tough times.
The chapters don't align thematically. I could understand if the chapters amalgamated to prove a greater point, but all I'm left with is a few sentences every third chapter of the most generic advice that may not even be relevant. Maybe I'm age-ist, but his story is so genx. I genuinely don't think his career is replicable. I know people will say it's not about replication; it's about the process, but what process? Falling upward?
I get so irrationally mad. How are you an outsider. Because he's black? The one time in the book he mentions race....it's pandering. It reads like a great first draft it lacks emotional weight and/or industry relevance. It's sad because there is something here, but you have to do so much independent analysis and critical thinking to get some kernel of anything...it feels like panning for gold on the moon.
Reading this book is a tedious exercise in hopes for something worthwhile that ultimately leaves you empty-handed. But you can mine the intro chapter for 🔥 Motivation Monday quotes on Facebook. I digress.
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Racism, Pandemic/Epidemic
Amazing life story, glad to have learned it. Life lessons and advice were very common — agreed with everything! — but the writing just didn’t jump off the page for me. Largely picked it up to hear more about Moviepass debacle but glad to have learned about Urbanworld!
Black Founder is an inspiring memoir by Stacy Spikes, a trailblazing entrepreneur who has shattered glass ceilings and defied stereotypes throughout his career. Spikes faced numerous challenges and setbacks but persevered by harnessing his resilience and unique position of power as an outsider.
This book is a personal account of Spikes' journey and a practical guide for others who aspire to break barriers and build their own success. Spikes provide insights into the complexities of being an outsider in the tech industry and offer practical steps to overcome prejudice and achieve personal and professional fulfillment. "Black Founder" is an empowering memoir that inspires and motivates readers to pursue their dreams and create from a place of confidence.
This book is a personal account of Spikes' journey and a practical guide for others who aspire to break barriers and build their own success. Spikes provide insights into the complexities of being an outsider in the tech industry and offer practical steps to overcome prejudice and achieve personal and professional fulfillment. "Black Founder" is an empowering memoir that inspires and motivates readers to pursue their dreams and create from a place of confidence.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
"Black Founder" is Stacy Spikes's story of working up through the music and movie industries until he was able to found MoviePass and how that company failed (and maybe is about to rise again?). I didn't know who Spikes was or even what MoviePass was before picking up this book. I also haven't read a book about entrepreneurship like this one. It was all extremely fascinating to me. Spikes is resilient and stands firm with his morals and business practices. I learned some interesting things (even if some of the stock information went over my head). I would recommend this book to people interested in business, movies, and stories about strong leaders.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing for an early copy of this book.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing for an early copy of this book.
challenging
inspiring
medium-paced
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
This was a wonderful book to read and I enjoyed getting to know more about Stacy Spikes and his roles outside of MoviePass. I wanted to read it to see how and why everything happened like it did but I was plesenlty surprised to learn how he grew and developed as a leader and founder in an industry that seems to be hesitant of "outsiders".
I remember back in early 2018 joining MoviePass, it was amazing! I was never one to go to the movies often (read: at all), I felt they were always way too over priced. Then seeing a Netflix type model to see movies it was exactly what I needed! I saw more movies in-person during those 2-4 months than I have in my entire life. I was sad when I saw it desovle and I think I can count on one hand how many movies I have seen in person since they have gone under. Getting the opportunity to read about everything that happened right from the source was such an enjoyable experience that I was looking forward too.
There were points in the book that were confusing, it would vear into self-help territory abruptly after having a long section about his life. I personally was much more interested in learning about Stacy and how he grew and navigated his life rather than getting the occasional tip for other entrepernures. I can see how others would like that, it just wasn't for me and that's ok.
His writing was well done and descriptive. I felt like I was in the meeting rooms with him and could feel the nerves or giddyness that he did when he won or lost. This was also a quick read but don't let the size fool you, there is so much jam packed in here you will be on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.
Final Thoughts: Overall an enjoyable quick read that shed light on a topic I found very interesting. I am looking forward to keeping up with Stacy and MoviePass and hopefully I might start going to the movies again soon!
Disclaimer: Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.