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4.39 AVERAGE
4.39 AVERAGE
This is a very good book, despite the author.
Find the title annoying? It was done as an example of the few bad things about this book. Hint: sensationalist. More on this later, first the good.
This book chronicles the incredible story of fraud, deliberate mismanagement, harassment and institutionalized intimidation perpetrated by Theranos (a medical startup).
Indeed, the "reality distortion field" (a la Steve Jobs) that Theranos' founder seems to exude, duping many seasoned people, who should have known better, is quite amazing. To the point where in a fantasy novel, the reveal would be that she was a vampire or sorceress.
The chronicle of events is well told, has good narrative flow, and mostly sticks to the facts.
My main complaint is that, despite being unnecessary, the author engages in hyperbole and sensationalist turns of phase often enough to actually weaken his points.
One example of this is near the beginning, when the author cites an example of excessive "paranoia" the fact that Theranos not only requested nondisclosure agreements from employees, but also from visitors. This practice is incredibly common in the valley.
Still, it's a good tale overall, despite the occasional overstatement.
Find the title annoying? It was done as an example of the few bad things about this book. Hint: sensationalist. More on this later, first the good.
This book chronicles the incredible story of fraud, deliberate mismanagement, harassment and institutionalized intimidation perpetrated by Theranos (a medical startup).
Indeed, the "reality distortion field" (a la Steve Jobs) that Theranos' founder seems to exude, duping many seasoned people, who should have known better, is quite amazing. To the point where in a fantasy novel, the reveal would be that she was a vampire or sorceress.
The chronicle of events is well told, has good narrative flow, and mostly sticks to the facts.
My main complaint is that, despite being unnecessary, the author engages in hyperbole and sensationalist turns of phase often enough to actually weaken his points.
One example of this is near the beginning, when the author cites an example of excessive "paranoia" the fact that Theranos not only requested nondisclosure agreements from employees, but also from visitors. This practice is incredibly common in the valley.
Still, it's a good tale overall, despite the occasional overstatement.
challenging
informative
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing
informative
reflective
informative
I was bit nervous picking this book up. I am not a biology savvy person and I was afraid much of the details would be lost on me; but, I was wrong.
This book is how non-fiction should be written. It explains the concepts really well and in a very non-didactic manner. It feels as if someone is talking to me directly and was explaining things in such an easy way that I never felt frustrated.
One of the other issues that happen for books like these is when different threads lead to a same event. Often authors end up explaining that event again and again. Much to the author's credit, he dealt with this problem masterfully and never does he need to tell you the same event multiple times. It is a very tightly planned and well thought out book and the diligence shows as you just cannot stop reading it.
The biggest heroes of this books are those lab technicians, doctors and graduates that worked at Theranos and just could not keep working on it because of their conscious. They are the champions. Without them the author would not have been able to blow Theranos's cover and millions would have suffered.
It is one hell of a book and I would highly recommend it you to read it. Seriously do!
One minor issue though: sometimes I mixed names and had to go back and check who was who. Other than that, it was perfect!
This book is how non-fiction should be written. It explains the concepts really well and in a very non-didactic manner. It feels as if someone is talking to me directly and was explaining things in such an easy way that I never felt frustrated.
One of the other issues that happen for books like these is when different threads lead to a same event. Often authors end up explaining that event again and again. Much to the author's credit, he dealt with this problem masterfully and never does he need to tell you the same event multiple times. It is a very tightly planned and well thought out book and the diligence shows as you just cannot stop reading it.
The biggest heroes of this books are those lab technicians, doctors and graduates that worked at Theranos and just could not keep working on it because of their conscious. They are the champions. Without them the author would not have been able to blow Theranos's cover and millions would have suffered.
It is one hell of a book and I would highly recommend it you to read it. Seriously do!
One minor issue though: sometimes I mixed names and had to go back and check who was who. Other than that, it was perfect!
dark
informative
medium-paced
fast-paced
FInally, a book I enjoyed. We never got to find out why she did the things she did because she did not grant an interview but overall I think it was a fair book from third party accounts and i recommend it.
You can see my full review of the book here - https://twonightstands.com/2018/07/23/we-chit-chat-bad-blood-secrets-and-lies-in-a-silicon-valley-startup-by-john-carreyrou/
You can see my full review of the book here - https://twonightstands.com/2018/07/23/we-chit-chat-bad-blood-secrets-and-lies-in-a-silicon-valley-startup-by-john-carreyrou/
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced
Interesting and informative. Switched to the audiobook pretty early on because the physical book wasn’t holding my attention.