This book was fascinating... and surprisingly critical of Jobs throughout. The passion, vision, focus Jobs had were inspiring... but the control that...moreThis book was fascinating... and surprisingly critical of Jobs throughout. The passion, vision, focus Jobs had were inspiring... but the control that he felt he had to have over every aspect of his life, including his own body, was a bit sad. He was definitely the kind of human you only hear about once in a lifetime. Walter Isaacson did a brilliant job, in my opinion, putting together this chronology of the life and death of Steve Jobs. This is one of those books that has made me rethink the priorities of my life, my work, and my family. What a great book.(less)
If you're a fan of Bill O'Reilly, the book doesn't hold any surprises. I am a fan... but was really hoping for some stories I wouldn't find discussed...moreIf you're a fan of Bill O'Reilly, the book doesn't hold any surprises. I am a fan... but was really hoping for some stories I wouldn't find discussed on the show.(less)
I've been a fan of the Twitter account for a while and it's brought quite a few laughs. The book was light-hearted and really provided all the color ...moreI've been a fan of the Twitter account for a while and it's brought quite a few laughs. The book was light-hearted and really provided all the color that led up to the TV show and the fame. It was a nice read and I enjoyed how warm the later chapters got. (less)
What an inspiring and incredible story. To read this book, you wouldn't imagine that the events actually happened and the characters are still alive. ...moreWhat an inspiring and incredible story. To read this book, you wouldn't imagine that the events actually happened and the characters are still alive. I don't believe many people realize the extent of the damage that Hitler caused us BEFORE we joined the war. I couldn't imagine having German U-boats sinking merchant ships off our coasts... incredible.(less)
So many social media books are light on examples but full of opinions. Shel Israel has written an incredible book that documents the birth and growth...moreSo many social media books are light on examples but full of opinions. Shel Israel has written an incredible book that documents the birth and growth of Twitter in the business community. Shel walks through examples for profitable businesses, non-profit and charitable businesses and even touches on government use of Twitter. As well, he includes remarkable stories of humanity and how Twitter is changing the world we live in.
This book is a must read for any social media or marketing professional.(less)
When I first picked up this book, I thought "Oh no... a book on branding." I believe the world has seen a transition from a marketer owning ...moreWhen I first picked up this book, I thought "Oh no... a book on branding." I believe the world has seen a transition from a marketer owning the brand to the world (via Internet) owning a brand. However, James Connor tells a compelling story about the value of brands.
That's only a portion of the book, though. The book isn't a step for step guide, rather it's told in a story format, as if James was consulting with a real client (which it could have been). This makes the book easy to read and much more memorable - with time to bring up all the arguments that a typical CEO might have.
Connor walks through all the important factors in planning your corporate marketing strategy - including SEO, the web, and most importantly - measuring Return on your Marketing Investment. It's a fantastic book that every CEO, President or CMO should pick up.(less)
Growing up, I was a huge fan of Stephen King. Somewhere along the line, I felt like his stories were being rushed, though, instead of special. Renee...moreGrowing up, I was a huge fan of Stephen King. Somewhere along the line, I felt like his stories were being rushed, though, instead of special. Renee Pawlish has written a frightening story. I bought the book a year ago but only had the time to start reading it recently. I'm glued to it and haven't put it down!(less)
As a Christian who's found himself at odds with the Church, this book may be one of the most important books I've read on self-discovery and self-impr...moreAs a Christian who's found himself at odds with the Church, this book may be one of the most important books I've read on self-discovery and self-improvement. I suppose it's ironic that the book is written by someone who was not a Christian himself but studied the bible to get a better understanding of who Jesus was and what we should be learning from Him.
Fundamentalists will likely discard this book since it takes them to task for pulling bits and pieces of the Bible - rather than the entire message - to teach with. Chopra also adds his personal beliefs regarding Christianity and abortion, gay rights, politics, etc. I may not agree with everything he says, but I believe the message is still important.
I recently became friends with an independent coffee shop owner, http://www.thebeancup.com - The Bean Cup, and the owner worked at Starbucks for many ...moreI recently became friends with an independent coffee shop owner, http://www.thebeancup.com - The Bean Cup, and the owner worked at Starbucks for many of the early years out in California. I noticed immediately that the expresso was much richer and smoother and was amazed at the difference in flavor and even the smell of the brew.
Chris started teaching me how to pour shots properly and the science behind the beans, the grind, the packing of the shot, the temperature of the water (and the steamed milk) - and how long the shots took to pour. I was amazed that I could see and taste such a difference. Truth be told, I still like 'Charbucks' and love the hustle and bustle of the stores as well as the blast of caffeine in a morning mocha that I can get. I simply enjoy The Bean Cup's brew rather much more.
With all of that, this book was an amazing read from front to back and Taylor Clark is a great writer (I especially appreciated many of the insights and off remarks he put as footnotes throughout the book). At times I thought he took it easy on Starbucks. They have enough pull that they COULD change the industry, the pay of coffee farmers, etc. They simply choose not to because it's convenient to the bottom line.
This is a great story any way you slice it, though. Howard sounds like someone I'd love to meet. No doubt that his passion and enthusiasm have driven Starbucks to where they are today. I am anxious to see where they go from here - with such an expensive product, it seems like the McCafe will be a shoe-in to dethrone a lot of Starbuck's sales.
Great book. I consumed it a lot faster than my most recent reads!(less)
In my quest to learn more about other religions, this book provided a clear history of the life of Buddha. It was tough to follow all the characters ...moreIn my quest to learn more about other religions, this book provided a clear history of the life of Buddha. It was tough to follow all the characters in the book, I really had to pay attention and had to stop and read chapters over again to figure out who everyone was.(less)
This book is a life-changer. Bill does a superb job at not leaning left nor right but supplying evidence and examples of the illogical path we continu...moreThis book is a life-changer. Bill does a superb job at not leaning left nor right but supplying evidence and examples of the illogical path we continue to pursue with respect to community, the economy, and the environment. I am not convinced of Global Warming, but I am convinced we need to change direction. This book helped me make those decisions.(less)
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