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A review by jesslolsen
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
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.