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A review by szachary
American Icon: Alan Mulally and the Fight to Save Ford Motor Company by Bryce G. Hoffman
4.0
This was a surprisingly interesting book about a American Manufacturing Icon and what would eventually become on of the greatest executive leaders of all time. Some call Alan Mulally the "turnaround artist". It's hard to argue with that, given the enormity of his accomplishments. Saving both Boeing and Ford from some of the worst times not only in their history, but in American history (9/11 and Great recession respectively) is due of enormous respect.
The book is well organized and narration is clear. Two things a casual reader might notice. First, this isn't a suspense book. You know the ending LONG before the beginning and middle, that is, unless your involved in Finance or Manufacturing (car) industries. Mulally does save the day, white horse and all. Ford does survive and comes out with its pride in tact.
The book is written well enough that you wince when the house of cards starts to fall. Most shockingly was the perpetual arrogance of Wagner & GM. I suppose I should pickup a book on GM & Chrystler next to get a full picture of the North American auto industry. There are some mentions of the UAW in this book, but not enough to add substance to the complexities of one of the most successful labor disputes of the last 20 years.
I felt the book was a bit stretched. The length itself didn't bother me, but it seemed to end around 80% of the way in, and suddenly we reached a new story to carry us on. Regardless the book is a well researched, narrated and intellectual study of Ford Motor Company. You'll be surprised how much there is to know that you don't and how interesting it truly is!
The book is well organized and narration is clear. Two things a casual reader might notice. First, this isn't a suspense book. You know the ending LONG before the beginning and middle, that is, unless your involved in Finance or Manufacturing (car) industries. Mulally does save the day, white horse and all. Ford does survive and comes out with its pride in tact.
The book is written well enough that you wince when the house of cards starts to fall. Most shockingly was the perpetual arrogance of Wagner & GM. I suppose I should pickup a book on GM & Chrystler next to get a full picture of the North American auto industry. There are some mentions of the UAW in this book, but not enough to add substance to the complexities of one of the most successful labor disputes of the last 20 years.
I felt the book was a bit stretched. The length itself didn't bother me, but it seemed to end around 80% of the way in, and suddenly we reached a new story to carry us on. Regardless the book is a well researched, narrated and intellectual study of Ford Motor Company. You'll be surprised how much there is to know that you don't and how interesting it truly is!