Book Review:
and Rick Tetzeli
"Discover the Untold Story of Tech Icon Steve Jobs in 'Becoming Steve Jobs' - A Must-Read for Every Entrepreneur!"
and Rick Tetzeli
"Becoming Steve Jobs offers a refreshing perspective on the iconic tech leader, providing new insights into his life and career. The authors' extensive research and interviews with those closest to Jobs make this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the man behind Apple's success."
What Is the Book About?
Becoming Steve Jobs is the story of how a rebellious young man from California became one of the most influential and innovative leaders in the technology industry. The book follows Steve Jobs' journey from his early days tinkering with electronics in his garage to co-founding Apple with Steve Wozniak and ultimately becoming CEO of the company.
The core message of this book is that success is not always linear or easy, but it requires hard work, determination, and resilience. Through interviews with colleagues, friends, and family members, Becoming Steve Jobs paints a complex portrait of a driven individual who was constantly evolving and learning from his mistakes. It also highlights the importance of collaboration and surrounding oneself with talented individuals in order to achieve greatness. Overall, this book shows that anyone can become successful if they are willing to take risks and never stop striving for improvement.
What Makes This Book Different?
and Rick Tetzeli
Becoming Steve Jobs stands out among other books in its category due to the unique perspective it offers on the life of one of the most iconic figures in modern history. Written by two veteran journalists, Brent Schlender and Rick Tetzeli, this book is based on extensive research and interviews with people who knew Jobs personally. Unlike many other biographies about Jobs that tend to focus solely on his achievements as a tech visionary, Becoming Steve Jobs delves deeper into his personal struggles, relationships, and growth as an individual.
Another aspect that sets this book apart is its portrayal of a more human side of Steve Jobs. While he has often been portrayed as a difficult and demanding leader in other works, Becoming Steve Jobs presents him as a complex character with flaws and vulnerabilities. The authors shed light on how his experiences shaped him into the person he became, making him relatable to readers despite his larger-than-life persona.
Moreover, unlike some biographies that can be dry or overly technical when discussing business strategies or innovations, Becoming Steve Jobs seamlessly weaves these elements into a compelling narrative. The book not only provides insights into Apple's success but also explores how Job's leadership style evolved over time and how he dealt with failures along the way. This makes for an engaging read for both fans of technology and those interested in understanding what drove one of the greatest entrepreneurs of our time.
Writing Style & Pacing
Becoming Steve Jobs is written in a conversational and engaging tone, making it an easy and enjoyable read. The authors, Brent Schlender and Rick Tetzeli, draw from their personal experiences with Jobs as well as interviews with his colleagues, friends, and family to provide a unique insight into the life of this iconic figure. The book also includes anecdotes and stories that add depth to the narrative, making it feel more like a story than a traditional biography.
The structure of the book follows a chronological timeline of Jobs' life but also delves into different themes such as his leadership style, creativity, and relationships. This allows readers to understand how these aspects shaped Jobs into the person he became. The authors also incorporate quotes from various sources throughout the book which adds authenticity to their portrayal of Jobs. Overall, Becoming Steve Jobs is not only informative but also entertaining due to its well-paced structure and engaging writing style. It can be considered both a slow read for those who want to fully absorb all the details or a fast read for those looking for an overview of Jobs' life and career.
About the Author
Brent Schlender is an American journalist and author who has been covering the technology industry for over 30 years. He started his career as a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, where he covered Silicon Valley during its formative years in the 1980s and 1990s. He then went on to work for Fortune magazine, where he became one of their most prominent writers, earning numerous awards for his coverage of companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Intel.
Schlender's extensive experience covering the tech industry makes him a highly credible author to write about Steve Jobs. Throughout his career as a journalist, he had multiple opportunities to interview Jobs and closely follow his journey from being ousted at Apple in the mid-1980s to returning as CEO in 1997 and leading the company's resurgence. This allowed Schlender to gain valuable insight into Jobs' life and leadership style that would later inform his book Becoming Steve Jobs.
In addition to his firsthand knowledge of Jobs' story, Schlender also had access to exclusive interviews with many of those closest to Jobs including family members, colleagues, friends, and even competitors. These insights give depth and credibility to Schlender's writing as they provide unique perspectives on not just Job's professional achievements but also personal struggles that shaped him into the iconic figure we know today. With this wealth of information at hand combined with Schlender's expertise in reporting on technology leaders like Steve Jobs throughout their careers make him an ideal author for this book.
Historical or Topical Context
and Rick Tetzeli
The book Becoming Steve Jobs takes place in the tech industry of Silicon Valley during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. This region, located in Northern California, is known for its concentration of high-tech companies and innovation. During this time period, there was a rapid growth of technology companies, fueled by advancements in personal computing, the internet, and mobile devices.
Steve Jobs himself played a crucial role in shaping this landscape as one of the co-founders of Apple Inc. His quest for perfection and innovative ideas helped propel Apple to become one of the most successful tech companies in history. The setting also includes other major players such as Microsoft, IBM, and Google who were competing with Apple for dominance in the market. With fierce competition and constant changes in technology trends, it was an exciting yet challenging time for all involved in the tech industry during this era.
Additionally, another important aspect of the setting is Jobs' personal life. The book delves into his upbringing and family dynamics that shaped him as a person. It also explores his relationships with key figures such as Steve Wozniak (co-founder of Apple), Bill Gates (founder of Microsoft), John Sculley (former CEO at Apple), and Tim Cook (current CEO at Apple). These relationships had a significant impact on Jobs' career trajectory and ultimately his legacy.
Overall, Becoming Steve Jobs takes place against a backdrop filled with technological advancements, fierce competition between major players in Silicon Valley's tech industry ,and personal struggles faced by its main subject - making it an intriguing read for those interested not only in business but also human nature itself.
Most Powerful or Memorable Moments
1. The early days of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak's partnership: Schlender highlights the dynamic between the two Steves in their early days, showcasing how their different personalities and skills complemented each other to create a successful team.
2. Jobs' return to Apple: One of the most impactful moments in the book is when Steve Jobs returns to Apple after his time away from the company. Schlender explores how this comeback changed not only Apple's trajectory, but also Jobs himself as a leader.
3. The development of iconic products: Throughout the book, Schlender delves into the behind-the-scenes process of creating some of Apple's most iconic products, such as the iPod and iPhone. These insights give readers a deeper understanding of Jobs' vision and dedication to innovation.
4. The influence of Pixar on Jobs: Many people know about Steve Jobs' involvement with Pixar, but Schlender goes into detail about how this experience shaped him as an entrepreneur and leader in ways that ultimately benefited Apple.
5. Reflections on mortality: In one poignant chapter, Schlender discusses how facing his own mortality due to cancer changed Steve Jobs' perspective on life and work. This insight offers a touching glimpse into Job's personal growth throughout his journey at Apple.
Lessons or Takeaways
and Rick Tetzeli is a captivating biography that offers readers an intimate look into the life of one of the most influential figures in modern technology. Through extensive research and interviews with those closest to Jobs, Schlender and Tetzeli paint a nuanced portrait of a complex man who revolutionized not only the tech industry but also our daily lives.
After reading this book, readers can learn about Steve Jobs' relentless pursuit for perfection, his unwavering vision, and his ability to inspire others to think differently. They will also gain insight into how his upbringing and experiences shaped him into the leader he became. The book delves deep into Jobs' personal life, exploring his relationships with family, friends, colleagues, and competitors. Readers will come away with a better understanding of what drove Jobs to succeed and the impact he had on society.
Furthermore, this book allows readers to reflect on their own personal growth journey. Throughout the pages of Becoming Steve Jobs, we see how he faced numerous failures before achieving success. Despite being fired from Apple in 1985, Jobs never gave up on his dreams or stopped pushing himself towards greatness. He constantly evolved as a person and as a leader throughout his career. This serves as an inspiring reminder for readers that failure does not define us; it is how we handle it that matters most in our journey towards self-discovery and success.
Reader Reactions and Critical Acclaim
and Rick Tetzeli is a highly acclaimed biography of the late Apple co-founder. The book has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from readers, with many praising its in-depth look at Jobs' life and career.
Readers have described the book as a "must-read" for anyone interested in Steve Jobs or the history of Apple. Many have also noted that it offers a more balanced and nuanced perspective on Jobs compared to other biographies, painting him as a complex and flawed but ultimately visionary leader. The writing style has been praised for being engaging and easy to follow, making it accessible even for those who are not tech-savvy.
In addition to reader reviews, Becoming Steve Jobs has also received praise from industry experts and was named one of the best books of 2015 by various publications such as Forbes, Business Insider, and The Wall Street Journal. It was also chosen as one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year in Non-Fiction category. This recognition further solidifies the book's reputation as an authoritative source on Steve Jobs' life and legacy. Overall, Becoming Steve Jobs is highly recommended for its well-researched content, compelling storytelling, and valuable insights into one of the most influential figures in technology history.
Who Is This Book For?
and Rick Tetzeli
1. Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs: This book would be most enjoyed by business leaders and entrepreneurs who are interested in learning more about the life of one of the most successful businessmen in history. They will find valuable insights and lessons from Steve Jobs' journey to success.
2. Technology Enthusiasts: For readers who are passionate about technology, this book provides a deep dive into the world of Apple, its products, and innovations under Steve Jobs' leadership. It offers a unique perspective on how he transformed the tech industry with his vision and determination.
3. Fans of Biographies: Those who enjoy reading biographies will find this book engaging as it delves into Steve Jobs' personal life, including his upbringing, relationships, failures, and triumphs. The authors have conducted extensive research to provide an accurate portrayal of Jobs as a person rather than just a businessman.
4. Creatives and Designers: As someone known for his exceptional taste in design and aesthetics, Steve Jobs has always been an inspiration to creatives and designers around the world. This book showcases how his passion for simplicity influenced Apple's iconic designs that continue to shape our modern world.
5. Individuals Seeking Motivation: Becoming Steve Jobs is not just a story about success; it also highlights the challenges faced by Jobs throughout his career – from being ousted from Apple to battling cancer – yet still managing to achieve greatness against all odds. Readers seeking motivation or inspiration can find solace in this compelling narrative of resilience and perseverance.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
and Rick Tetzeli
1. In-depth insight into Steve Jobs' life: This book offers a deeper understanding of Steve Jobs as a person, beyond just his role as the co-founder of Apple. The authors have conducted numerous interviews with people who knew him personally, providing a more intimate look at his personality, motivations, and struggles.
2. Balanced perspective: Unlike other books about Steve Jobs that paint him either as a genius or tyrant, this book presents a more balanced view of the man. It acknowledges both his flaws and strengths, showing how they shaped him into the leader he was.
3. Insider information: Brent Schlender was one of the few journalists to have covered Steve Jobs for over 25 years. He had direct access to Jobs himself and many others in his inner circle, giving readers insider information that can't be found elsewhere.
4. Well-researched and detailed: The book is thoroughly researched with over 100 interviews conducted by the authors with key figures in Steve's life including family members, friends, colleagues and competitors from all stages of his career.
5. Easy to read: Despite being a biography about an influential figure in technology, this book is written in an engaging manner that makes it easy for anyone to follow along. Even if you're not familiar with tech jargon or business terms, you'll still find yourself engrossed in the story.
Cons:
1. Lack of Objectivity: The book has been criticized for being too sympathetic towards Jobs and not providing a balanced view of his life. This lack of objectivity can make it difficult for readers to fully understand the complexities and flaws of Jobs as a person.
2. Limited Perspective: The authors, Brent Schlender and Rick Tetzeli, were both personal acquaintances of Jobs which may have influenced their portrayal of him in the book. As such, their perspective is limited to their own interactions with him rather than a comprehensive look at his entire life.
3. Repetitive Content: Some readers have found that certain parts of the book feel repetitive or rehashed from other sources such as previous biographies or articles about Steve Jobs.
4. Missing Key Events: Despite its length, some critics argue that the book fails to adequately cover important events in Steve Jobs' life such as his early years at Apple and his time outside the company during NeXT and Pixar.
5. Unanswered Questions: While the authors do provide insight into many aspects of Steve Job's personality and leadership style, there are still many unanswered questions about his motivations and actions throughout his career that may leave some readers feeling unsatisfied with this biography.
Final Thoughts:Should You Read It?
and Rick Tetzeli is a must-read for anyone interested in the life of one of the most influential figures in modern technology. This book offers a unique perspective on Jobs, delving into his personal struggles and growth as a leader rather than just focusing on his achievements.
The authors have done extensive research and interviews with people who knew Jobs personally, providing intimate insights into his character, motivations, and decision-making processes. The writing is engaging and well-paced, making this biography an easy read despite its length. Whether you are a fan or critic of Steve Jobs, this book will give you a deeper understanding of the man behind the legend.
Overall, I highly recommend Becoming Steve Jobs to anyone looking to learn more about the complexities of this iconic figure. It goes beyond surface-level facts and paints a nuanced portrait that humanizes Jobs while also highlighting his innovative genius. Even if you think you know everything there is to know about him, this book will surprise you with new information and perspectives. Don't miss out on this insightful read.
Where to Buy?
Buy "Becoming Steve Jobs" on Amazon
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