First off, I don’t think I’ve ever read a book this long in my life. I got out of reading Grapes of Wrath and The Odyssey in high school but I actually chose to read this book. I had heard about Jobs over the years and then most recently when he passed from cancer. I’m a big supporter of the American Cancer Society so between this an his eccentric reputation he got my attention. I also love Apple products, I just wish I could afford more than just an iPod. So I picked up my Kindle and downloaded the sample. Then, I bought it.
The book is by Walter Isaacson. He is a wonderful writer. I enjoyed his perspective and how he came to write this book. He puts it out there pretty early that he wasn’t that interested in writing the book but after Jobs and his wife confirmed the rumors that Steve had cancer and not much longer to live Isaacson agreed. He agreed to write without holding anything back and Job’s wasn’t allowed to read anything before the book was published.
Isaacson establishes right off the bat that Job’s was extremely bright and easily bored. I wasn’t to interested in much of his early life especially because everyone interviewed seemed to have the same opinion that was burned into my skull; Job’s was a hot head and a jerk most of the time. The parts of the book I found most interesting were about Apple, Pixar and the music industry. He didn’t appear to be the most technical person as far as building the products but he could market the hell out of them and get people to do things that most thought would be impossible. He revolutionized the online music business with iTunes.
This book is worth its weight to read especially if you are interested in the products and companies. Pick it or click it, either way it’s a good read.