Not exactly what I was hoping for/expecting. A leader is not going to find many tips from a book therefore, I didn't care for the tips and ideas. I waNot exactly what I was hoping for/expecting. A leader is not going to find many tips from a book therefore, I didn't care for the tips and ideas. I was hoping for a book that gave me a bit more insight into Richard Branson and the way he "works". At the end of it... It's just too many anecdotes to exemplify leadership ideas. I guess part of this is my fault - the book doesn't promise to be a biography but, that's what I was hoping for....more
Two words adequately describe this book - Simply stupid. For those that prefer an elaboration... This must be written for the brain dead. It is a seriTwo words adequately describe this book - Simply stupid. For those that prefer an elaboration... This must be written for the brain dead. It is a series of pathetic and tired cliches on an unimaginative and predictable trajectory. ...more
Interesting collection of essays and viewpoints. A few are thought-provoking... I like his curiosity but, sometimes thThis is really a 3.5 star book.
Interesting collection of essays and viewpoints. A few are thought-provoking... I like his curiosity but, sometimes things are a little too general. ...more
To be honest... I would not have read this book if my husband hadn't bought it. He liked it more than I did but, he has a bias in favor of military stTo be honest... I would not have read this book if my husband hadn't bought it. He liked it more than I did but, he has a bias in favor of military stories and history. I didn't care for the writing style. I felt as though I were reading a bad movie script. The background information is an interesting glimpse into the world of a SEAL but, the writing and story-telling leave a lot to be desired....more
This was an audiobook for me and, since Tina Fey recorded it herself - a better way to experience the storytelling. I didn't read a synopsis of the boThis was an audiobook for me and, since Tina Fey recorded it herself - a better way to experience the storytelling. I didn't read a synopsis of the book or reviews prior to listening to this book so, the only expectation I had was for it to be funny. This isn't as funny of a book as I thought it would be however, I don't believe she was intending to recite SNL or 30 Rock skits into her chapters. What I did enjoy about this book was her "normalcy". She didn't have a tragic childhood, bouts with drug addiction, etc etc *yawn*. She was/is a regular nerdy girl who worked hard, balanced what she needed to and made her way. This book is an enjoyable biography, funny though not hilarious, and really more of a 3.5 star book....more
As you can tell by the author, this book was written quite some time ago and several references are out-of-date. However, the book is a quick and inteAs you can tell by the author, this book was written quite some time ago and several references are out-of-date. However, the book is a quick and interesting read. The general attitude and personality of the public has changed a bit since the 1930s and, as a result, not all of Carnegie's lessons are applicable. But, the essence of this book is still good and useful. ...more
This is the first book from Michael Lewis I have read and I liked it. It is mostly a retrospective that tries to explain how we arrived at the currentThis is the first book from Michael Lewis I have read and I liked it. It is mostly a retrospective that tries to explain how we arrived at the current state of this complex global economy. Lewis took a topic that some might find dry, and turned it into an interesting recount/story. I like his writing style and use of (travelogue-type) anecdotes. He made the debt crises around the world comprehensible with a bit of humor, and a little bit of judgment mixed in. It is clear which side of the line he is on so, if you are on the other side then, drop the book unless you can be open-minded about the opposite perspective.
Lewis’s provided recounts, his perspective, and his insight are thought-provoking and entertaining. I appreciated the depth of information he provided but, felt he could have provided greater detail and context without losing the reader. The provided statistics and figures prove he has done a great deal of research, and he discusses the cause-and-effect (that resulted in these details) in a captivating style. He breaks down the current economic environment by country and brings it back to what he thinks will be the next wave to hit the US. He discusses corporate and government relationships, corporate and personal relationships, and personal responsibility. Towards the end, he brings his travelogue back to a potential nation-state-city issue. It’s a very interesting perspective that I find plausible. However, although he mentions contextual situations that are affecting the U.S. economy, I felt his prediction was still presented in a bit of a vacuum. He gave just enough context to make it plausible but, not enough detail to be impactful. Is this a cliff-hanger until his next book? Does he not have enough information to back up his prediction? Is this just the end of his travelogue? Who knows but, it does grab my attention. ...more
I am going to give myself a gold star for getting through this book. I found this book to be utterly boring. I didn't get the point of Larson's attentI am going to give myself a gold star for getting through this book. I found this book to be utterly boring. I didn't get the point of Larson's attention to trivial details in a Nazi-era book. I naively hoped the details were for some poignant commentary on the reaction, realization, and response to Hitler by non-Germans but, sadly that seems to have been far from his intentions. The story was simply pointless and painful for me to get through. Save yourselves......more
This book took an interesting premise and made it pedestrian. Do not pick up this book expecting a Stephen King-esque story. This is a predictable romThis book took an interesting premise and made it pedestrian. Do not pick up this book expecting a Stephen King-esque story. This is a predictable romance novel that drones on and on. With its historical context and focus on the JFK assassination, I was hoping for a thought-provoking thriller. The reason I gave it two stars is that it was interesting in the beginning, slightly better tan a grocery store romance novel, and eventually the book ended - for which I was grateful. ...more
Perusing other reviews, it surprised me how many people were alarmed at the personality of Steve Jobs. No, he isn't a nice guy, and, no, the book doesPerusing other reviews, it surprised me how many people were alarmed at the personality of Steve Jobs. No, he isn't a nice guy, and, no, the book doesn't hide it. Before I further disect the book let me say that Steve Jobs is a subject I find compelling for his influence in the business and design realm. I don't care that he was rich but, I do care that he was successful. I really enjoyed the book for its story telling but, also its intimate glance at his business sense, foresight, and the numerous ways he demanded perfection.
All that being said I found the book to be a bit of a puff piece at times. My definition of a "puff piece" is anything written in a light the subject wants to be portrayed in. For most people a "puff piece" is all positive and benevolent. For Steve Jobs it is relishing in the straight forward, no bullshit, jerk he was.
The man was a visionary and he wanted a book that collected every single brazen action and brilliant thought he ever had. Clearly you cannot write a book about Steve Jobs without highlighting these things but, for a book that wasn't supposed to have his influence, it seems to have his perspective on things. I bet if I asked Walter Isaacson what he thought of Jobs he would say he was enraptured by him. ...more
As all other reviews have states this is a novella for the Kindle... Nothing spectacular, short, and fun to zip through. I didn't find it terribly imaAs all other reviews have states this is a novella for the Kindle... Nothing spectacular, short, and fun to zip through. I didn't find it terribly imaginative and it felt like a prequel - probably to his latest novel. ...more
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