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The Knucklehead of Silicon Valley
Comedic-spy thriller examines Silicon Valley's unbridled innovation culture.
Ralph Gibsen isn’t your typical spy. In fact, he may not be a spy at all. He's lumpy, blundering and abysmal at chatting up the fairer sex. Yet, he is attracting a significant amount of attention from the intelligence community. After all, as a 30-year Silicon Valley mainstay, he can phish your passwords, bust firewalls, and has developed software used by millions to circumvent government censorship. And now, he thinks he has stumbled upon a cabal who is pushing to misuse his own technology for world domination.
Ralph helps create an educational Tool that maps a learner’s neurological processes and pinpoints the exact moment a student learns. But the Tool can also manipulate people’s beliefs. At least, that what several influential people think. Soon, Ralph finds himself the target of increasingly complex attacks on his businesses, reputation, freedom, and life.
Ralph enlists an eclectic group of ‘frenemies’ to thwart this nefarious plot. McKenna may or may not still work for the CIA. Beautiful Eva may work for the Chinese government, who wants the Tool for themselves. Even Ralph’s lovely wife Jen could be involved... Ralph simply isn’t equipped to figure it out. And the world is closing in.
Early reviews of the ARC include:
"It's all too rare to find a fun, seat-of-your-pants, literary romp like this. I got wonderfully lost with Ralph in the many cultures as he travels around the planet. And kudos for the author in the entertaining explanation of how investors examine entrepreneurial ventures for investment. As an investor myself, a lot of the anecdotes and stories resonated with me...wonderful reading". Raz Zia [Managing Director of Aldrich Capital / Former MD at Goldman Sachs].
“If a major amusement park ever wanted to build the ultimate spy-adventure ride with mystery, suspense, white-knuckle twists and turns, comedy, and romance, 'The Knucklehead of Silicon Valley' would be the perfect blueprint. Not only did I love the ride, but as with all great adventures, I learned a hell of a lot. I thought I knew what went on in the mythological land of Silicon Valley, but I had no idea how insane it truly is.” Bill Scott Glasser [Former Producer of Fox Television's America's Most Wanted]
This thriller takes us through an insider's view of high-tech Silicon Valley culture, authentically capturing its brilliance and ambition, as well as its silliness and hubris. Smart and captivating, it follows the protagonist who is at times ham-fisted and dim, other times deft and clever, through a fascinating journey of intrigue along the cutting edge of tech. Filled with humor, suspense, whimsy, whit and moments of pure heart, this read is fascinating, educational, and a heck of a lot of fun.- Jordy Berson, Head of BitTorrent Inc
Knucklehead is like being shot out of an Ethernet cable lined with exotic travel and baroque paintings and landing on a sea of electricity" Peterson Conway [Adventurer, Farmer, PayPal mafia]
“This novel’s topic is so important: We stand in the middle of a storm – not just a geopolitical one, but a cyberpolitical one. It feels as if no one trusts anyone any more, and suspicion and confusion reign across our delicate cyberworld. Which way do we turn?” Eugene Kaspersky [Hacker-hunter and CEO of Kaspersky Labs]
"A terrific yarn with characters just absurd enough that they might be fictional, but not quite so absurd that the reading is left wondering who they really are or who they were based on - and that maybe she ought to be paying more attention to the promise and perils of technology. A fun and funny fictional look behind the Silicon Valley curtain at a world or misfits, schemers, brilliant visionaries, and accidental heroes." Peter Loge {Associate professor, School of Media and Public Affairs at The George Washington University, Director, Project on Ethics in Political Communication, Author, Soccer Thinking for Management Success]
“A modern day ‘Being There’ – if Peter Sellers' Chauncey were a Silicon Valley tech investor! You will not only be thoroughly entertained but thoroughly educated as to the insanity that is the world of IPOs, internet privacy and the potential of high-tech's misuse.” Brian Frazer [Author, Cartoons With my Dad: How art drew us together]
“A wonderfully exciting and comedic tale of Ralph, a venture capitalist and unlikely spy that leads us through an international tale of intrigue while unlocking the secrets of Silicon Valley. Fascinating and an absolute joy to read!” Tim Martin [CEO of Lifeprint]
Ralph Gibsen isn’t your typical spy. In fact, he may not be a spy at all. He's lumpy, blundering and abysmal at chatting up the fairer sex. Yet, he is attracting a significant amount of attention from the intelligence community. After all, as a 30-year Silicon Valley mainstay, he can phish your passwords, bust firewalls, and has developed software used by millions to circumvent government censorship. And now, he thinks he has stumbled upon a cabal who is pushing to misuse his own technology for world domination.
Ralph helps create an educational Tool that maps a learner’s neurological processes and pinpoints the exact moment a student learns. But the Tool can also manipulate people’s beliefs. At least, that what several influential people think. Soon, Ralph finds himself the target of increasingly complex attacks on his businesses, reputation, freedom, and life.
Ralph enlists an eclectic group of ‘frenemies’ to thwart this nefarious plot. McKenna may or may not still work for the CIA. Beautiful Eva may work for the Chinese government, who wants the Tool for themselves. Even Ralph’s lovely wife Jen could be involved... Ralph simply isn’t equipped to figure it out. And the world is closing in.
Early reviews of the ARC include:
"It's all too rare to find a fun, seat-of-your-pants, literary romp like this. I got wonderfully lost with Ralph in the many cultures as he travels around the planet. And kudos for the author in the entertaining explanation of how investors examine entrepreneurial ventures for investment. As an investor myself, a lot of the anecdotes and stories resonated with me...wonderful reading". Raz Zia [Managing Director of Aldrich Capital / Former MD at Goldman Sachs].
“If a major amusement park ever wanted to build the ultimate spy-adventure ride with mystery, suspense, white-knuckle twists and turns, comedy, and romance, 'The Knucklehead of Silicon Valley' would be the perfect blueprint. Not only did I love the ride, but as with all great adventures, I learned a hell of a lot. I thought I knew what went on in the mythological land of Silicon Valley, but I had no idea how insane it truly is.” Bill Scott Glasser [Former Producer of Fox Television's America's Most Wanted]
This thriller takes us through an insider's view of high-tech Silicon Valley culture, authentically capturing its brilliance and ambition, as well as its silliness and hubris. Smart and captivating, it follows the protagonist who is at times ham-fisted and dim, other times deft and clever, through a fascinating journey of intrigue along the cutting edge of tech. Filled with humor, suspense, whimsy, whit and moments of pure heart, this read is fascinating, educational, and a heck of a lot of fun.- Jordy Berson, Head of BitTorrent Inc
Knucklehead is like being shot out of an Ethernet cable lined with exotic travel and baroque paintings and landing on a sea of electricity" Peterson Conway [Adventurer, Farmer, PayPal mafia]
“This novel’s topic is so important: We stand in the middle of a storm – not just a geopolitical one, but a cyberpolitical one. It feels as if no one trusts anyone any more, and suspicion and confusion reign across our delicate cyberworld. Which way do we turn?” Eugene Kaspersky [Hacker-hunter and CEO of Kaspersky Labs]
"A terrific yarn with characters just absurd enough that they might be fictional, but not quite so absurd that the reading is left wondering who they really are or who they were based on - and that maybe she ought to be paying more attention to the promise and perils of technology. A fun and funny fictional look behind the Silicon Valley curtain at a world or misfits, schemers, brilliant visionaries, and accidental heroes." Peter Loge {Associate professor, School of Media and Public Affairs at The George Washington University, Director, Project on Ethics in Political Communication, Author, Soccer Thinking for Management Success]
“A modern day ‘Being There’ – if Peter Sellers' Chauncey were a Silicon Valley tech investor! You will not only be thoroughly entertained but thoroughly educated as to the insanity that is the world of IPOs, internet privacy and the potential of high-tech's misuse.” Brian Frazer [Author, Cartoons With my Dad: How art drew us together]
“A wonderfully exciting and comedic tale of Ralph, a venture capitalist and unlikely spy that leads us through an international tale of intrigue while unlocking the secrets of Silicon Valley. Fascinating and an absolute joy to read!” Tim Martin [CEO of Lifeprint]
354 pages, Paperback
Published October 25, 2019
13 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
G. Craig Vachon
3 books150 followersCraig is an overly lucky, Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur (nuclear fusion) and venture capital investor living in Carmel, CA. He spends too much time in business-class seats flying to strange places and meeting exotic people.
Craig grew up in Massachusetts as the eldest son of immigrants. He graduated third-in-his-class (sadly, it was from the bottom of the ranks) from a very expensive prep school with a formal dress code. In rebellion, he hasn’t worn socks since. As his GPA wasn’t sufficient to enroll in a normal college, he enrolled in a community college in Western Colorado near a magnificent ski hill. (His mother may have had to sleep with the President of the school to ensure his matriculation). On the first day of school, upon seeing a very attractive woman signing up for the debate club, Craig did so likewise. Eventually, success on the debate team allowed Craig to transfer to Emerson College where he earned two degrees in Rhetoric. After graduation, he couldn’t find a real job, so at the urging of his mother and his mentor, he started his own company. Two years later, he sold the marketing company and moved to Tokyo to work with the acquirer.
Over the next 30 years, Craig lived and worked as an entrepreneur in Japan (twice), China, Taiwan, India, Europe, and Canada. He’s earned >7.3 million airline miles and typically spends >150 nights per year in a foreign hotel room. His small VC firm (Chowdahead – which is almost-nothing like Clam Pies’ VC firm in the Knucklehead novel, by the way) invests in great founders of start-up companies who are trying to make the world a slightly better place.
Craig started writing when he first moved abroad and couldn’t afford long-distance calling. He’d type his earliest missives onto a single page and fax his adventures to friends and family. Because his mother (and mentor) were fax recipients, he wrote in the third-person using his childhood imaginary friend’s name (Ralph – an amazing coincidence) as the protagonist of his missives. Inasmuch, Craig’s mother Bubsy, couldn’t get too anxious/upset when “Ralph” did something dumb/dangerous/risque.
Craig is already writing the sequel to the first Knucklehead novel.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 3, 2020
I am the author. But I thought I'd use this space for the review I got via Online Book Club.org. (This is their review - slightly edited for length - not my review of my own book.)
"There’s one thing everyone who has met Ralph agree on; he’s either a bumbling idiot or the worst spy ever. Ralph Gibsen isn’t sure if he’s a spy or not, but he knows he’s an idiot. Awkward, blundering, and goofy are words best used to describe him. He also happens to be a successful, tech-savvy Silicon Valley Venture Capitalist who is attracting a significant amount of attention from the Intelligence Community. When an educational tool he is helping to develop comes under scrutiny for its latent potential to manipulate people’s beliefs, Ralph finds his life turned upside down. He is believed to be a master spy despite his claims to the contrary. Everyone from the Chinese to the Germans and the Brits wants in on this new technology. With his life on the line, Ralph must come up with a plan to save his neck while attempting to keep the tool from being misused. Is he equipped to tackle this new challenge? Can he figure it out before it’s too late?
The Knucklehead of Silicon Valley by G. Craig Vachon is a fun and enthralling read. The book gives readers an eye-opening behind-the-scenes look into the investment world of Silicon Valley. Vachon’s in-depth knowledge of situations and locations almost has me convinced this book is more of a memoir than it is fiction. It even reads like a memoir. The stories jump back and forth from past to present at random, with entertaining and often hilarious accounts of Ralph’s escapades in the places he finds himself. Consequently, it took a while for the story to pick up.
Despite how frighteningly real the tale gets, especially concerning the perils of technology, the laugh-out-loud moments were endless. In one scene, Ralph and his friend Tom visited a seedy adult entertainment establishment in Bangkok. They were harassed, at gunpoint, into paying $150 each for two warm beers. After this, they were then reverently thanked for their kind patronage and asked to come back again soon with friends.
This book has a lot of high points. I must say I appreciate the author’s explanation of how investors examine entrepreneurial ventures for investment. The pointers were both succinct and entertaining, and I received an invaluable education. Also, I applaud the portrayal of the many cultures Ralph encounters as he travels around the globe. His comparison of these cultures only serves to celebrate their uniqueness. I also like how the author weaved real-life scenarios into the plot. Case in point, the 2016 US presidential election, and the role technology played in possibly manipulating voters. The amorality of technology and how it is often put to nefarious use is a major theme in the book.
The character development was solid, and the characters were unforgettable. Ralph was a complex and fascinating individual. As much as he appeared to be bewildered more than half the time, Ralph had his sly moments. Ralph was also an incredibly lucky guy. No matter how messy the situation got for him, he would always land on his feet. For instance, he once ignorantly walked into a restaurant in Japan filled with dangerous Yakuza members. Ralph realized much too late that he was the only non-Japanese in the place. He was almost shot to death but managed to somehow win them over by sharing his dinner of crackers with peanut butter and jelly with every one of them; they had never tasted peanut butter. The encounter ended with Ralph getting drunk with them, and the Yakuza boss insisting they needed to do this again.
The Knucklehead of Silicon Valley is a must-read if you are into spy novels or merely interested in technology and how it can impact our lives. There are also several useful tips for startups, small businesses, and anyone interested in finance. Overall, this is a fun, fascinating, thought-provoking, and insightful book."
"There’s one thing everyone who has met Ralph agree on; he’s either a bumbling idiot or the worst spy ever. Ralph Gibsen isn’t sure if he’s a spy or not, but he knows he’s an idiot. Awkward, blundering, and goofy are words best used to describe him. He also happens to be a successful, tech-savvy Silicon Valley Venture Capitalist who is attracting a significant amount of attention from the Intelligence Community. When an educational tool he is helping to develop comes under scrutiny for its latent potential to manipulate people’s beliefs, Ralph finds his life turned upside down. He is believed to be a master spy despite his claims to the contrary. Everyone from the Chinese to the Germans and the Brits wants in on this new technology. With his life on the line, Ralph must come up with a plan to save his neck while attempting to keep the tool from being misused. Is he equipped to tackle this new challenge? Can he figure it out before it’s too late?
The Knucklehead of Silicon Valley by G. Craig Vachon is a fun and enthralling read. The book gives readers an eye-opening behind-the-scenes look into the investment world of Silicon Valley. Vachon’s in-depth knowledge of situations and locations almost has me convinced this book is more of a memoir than it is fiction. It even reads like a memoir. The stories jump back and forth from past to present at random, with entertaining and often hilarious accounts of Ralph’s escapades in the places he finds himself. Consequently, it took a while for the story to pick up.
Despite how frighteningly real the tale gets, especially concerning the perils of technology, the laugh-out-loud moments were endless. In one scene, Ralph and his friend Tom visited a seedy adult entertainment establishment in Bangkok. They were harassed, at gunpoint, into paying $150 each for two warm beers. After this, they were then reverently thanked for their kind patronage and asked to come back again soon with friends.
This book has a lot of high points. I must say I appreciate the author’s explanation of how investors examine entrepreneurial ventures for investment. The pointers were both succinct and entertaining, and I received an invaluable education. Also, I applaud the portrayal of the many cultures Ralph encounters as he travels around the globe. His comparison of these cultures only serves to celebrate their uniqueness. I also like how the author weaved real-life scenarios into the plot. Case in point, the 2016 US presidential election, and the role technology played in possibly manipulating voters. The amorality of technology and how it is often put to nefarious use is a major theme in the book.
The character development was solid, and the characters were unforgettable. Ralph was a complex and fascinating individual. As much as he appeared to be bewildered more than half the time, Ralph had his sly moments. Ralph was also an incredibly lucky guy. No matter how messy the situation got for him, he would always land on his feet. For instance, he once ignorantly walked into a restaurant in Japan filled with dangerous Yakuza members. Ralph realized much too late that he was the only non-Japanese in the place. He was almost shot to death but managed to somehow win them over by sharing his dinner of crackers with peanut butter and jelly with every one of them; they had never tasted peanut butter. The encounter ended with Ralph getting drunk with them, and the Yakuza boss insisting they needed to do this again.
The Knucklehead of Silicon Valley is a must-read if you are into spy novels or merely interested in technology and how it can impact our lives. There are also several useful tips for startups, small businesses, and anyone interested in finance. Overall, this is a fun, fascinating, thought-provoking, and insightful book."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2020
Absolutely devoured the book. The plot is fresh and smart. It pulled me in right away. Ralph is a likable character and can be anyone you come across. Probably the guy you met last evening in your neighbourhood or the guy you sat beside on your last airplane ride. The very thought it makes my adrenaline rush!!!
With Ralph travelling around the world you too get to taste different cultures, social norms and confront different relationships. The situations he lands on is as fun as they are adventurous.
The Knucklehead of Silicon Valley is thoroughly entertaining, fast paced spy thriller that will hook you, leave you breathless with the happenings and then amaze you with spurts of humour ingrained in it. A total PAGE TURNER!!! Can't wait to read his upcoming books.
With Ralph travelling around the world you too get to taste different cultures, social norms and confront different relationships. The situations he lands on is as fun as they are adventurous.
The Knucklehead of Silicon Valley is thoroughly entertaining, fast paced spy thriller that will hook you, leave you breathless with the happenings and then amaze you with spurts of humour ingrained in it. A total PAGE TURNER!!! Can't wait to read his upcoming books.
October 24, 2019
This book reads like it is a true crime novel. Things in the story are scarily possible in our world today. Ralph is a character that is believable, and likeable; one that could be the guy sitting next to you on the plane.
There is a lot of technical details in the book that add to the realism of the storyline, but can be a little bit hard for someone who is not in the business. However, one can skim some of the details, and still get the story and not be lost. I had this same kind of issues with the Martian. Both authors seem to know their subject matter, and are educated, so I am assuming that is why the details are so intense.
When you get into the heart of the story, which teases you right from the beginning, you realise how plausible this could be, and are sucked in to find out what happens next.
I recommend this book for those in the computer world, as well as those who love a good story about espionage and true crimes. Get ready for an adventure. Those who prefer a lighter read, can still enjoy this story, but this is best for those who enjoy that genre.
December 31, 2019
Ahh, I so enjoyed the book! Loved the mix of Ralph's world wide exciting professional high-tech travel and adventures combined with his grass roots home-body down-to-earth personality and lifestyle. Ralph has some of the most interesting acquaintances, friends, enemies and crazy characters that he intertwines so creatively throughout the story. Fiction, yes...but could some of Ralph's story be real? Had me thinking hard, worrying a bit and giggling out loud within each chapter. Makes me want to learn more about what is going on down in the Silicon Valley, VC's and within the Intelligence Community...or not?! AND for sure makes me want to get to know Ralph better! Looking forward to travelling with Ralph on wherever his next adventure takes us!
November 27, 2019
Fun book. It is less plot-driven and more vignettes that the author somehow manages to piece together into an enjoyable book. Many of the vignettes come across as events that actually happened to the author, which is unbelievable and makes me want to ask him questions while flipping through my dog-eared pages. Another cool thing was learning something of the Silicon Valley ethos. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys "every-man hero in over his head" stories and wants to learn more about venture capital, business intrigue, or cavity searches in airports.
October 28, 2019
If you like high tech, spy thrillers and some comedy - this is the book for you. The adventures of Ralph - a clumsy, international man of mystery will not disappoint. And, you might learn a little bit about venture capital along the way.
November 24, 2019
This a great adventure in what some would consider a mundane world of VC lending. If you like Walter Mitty or Tin Tin you will love Ralph! Hold on as this page turn(er) is a quick reading journey of espionage, foreign relations and some business ideas.... Or is it ?!? Enjoy !
January 18, 2020
Loved this book. An easy, funny, joyous read that feels so true and possible it's scary! The storyline is highly credible and is made all the better by the self-depricating character that is Ralph - a great antidote to the usual 'perfect' heroes in spy thrillers. Congratulations Craig!
December 10, 2019
A Hilarious Ride Through Silicon Valley and Several Continents
What happens when a bumbling venture capitalist stumbles upon a plot to take over the world involving military technology and foreign governments? Read this book and you will find out how. Ralph Gibson, the protagonist, is a lucky oaf that has done quite well in the realm of technology and venture capitalist. He is middle-aged and somewhat out of place in Silicon Valley, which is a haven for people nearly half his age. Despite his challenges, he is involved in the development of a technology that is highly desirable for several entities that may not have humanity’s’ best interests at heart. In an odd twist of fate, he learns about this plan and must figure out a way to thwart those efforts and live to see another day.
Unlike James Bond, Ralph is a funny and relatable character that makes mistakes and commits many blunders in his attempt to save the world. The book itself is a very light and easy reading that glides the reader across the world with Ralph throughout many exotic locations in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. There are a few plot twists and elements of thriller thrown in for good measure and good reading. Although this book is centered around the use of technology, it is not full of confusing jargon or arcane concepts. It is easy for anyone to understand and it might even help you learn a few things in the process.
Jokes aside, the author is an experienced venture capitalist with years of experience building his companies, financing tech startups, and traveling the world. His background and insights about Silicon Valley and venture capital shine throughout the text. He also has a thought-provoking TED Talk about technology and privacy that touches on some of the issues surrounding the technology described in the book. In short, this book is a must-have for anyone looking for a fun romp through Silicon Valley, the IT industry, and across the world.
What happens when a bumbling venture capitalist stumbles upon a plot to take over the world involving military technology and foreign governments? Read this book and you will find out how. Ralph Gibson, the protagonist, is a lucky oaf that has done quite well in the realm of technology and venture capitalist. He is middle-aged and somewhat out of place in Silicon Valley, which is a haven for people nearly half his age. Despite his challenges, he is involved in the development of a technology that is highly desirable for several entities that may not have humanity’s’ best interests at heart. In an odd twist of fate, he learns about this plan and must figure out a way to thwart those efforts and live to see another day.
Unlike James Bond, Ralph is a funny and relatable character that makes mistakes and commits many blunders in his attempt to save the world. The book itself is a very light and easy reading that glides the reader across the world with Ralph throughout many exotic locations in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. There are a few plot twists and elements of thriller thrown in for good measure and good reading. Although this book is centered around the use of technology, it is not full of confusing jargon or arcane concepts. It is easy for anyone to understand and it might even help you learn a few things in the process.
Jokes aside, the author is an experienced venture capitalist with years of experience building his companies, financing tech startups, and traveling the world. His background and insights about Silicon Valley and venture capital shine throughout the text. He also has a thought-provoking TED Talk about technology and privacy that touches on some of the issues surrounding the technology described in the book. In short, this book is a must-have for anyone looking for a fun romp through Silicon Valley, the IT industry, and across the world.
February 15, 2020
My favorite books create characters that stay with me long after I’ve finished reading. Ralph is one of those characters. On a flight this week I wondered who might be a victim of mistaken identity. When a stranger approached me at a conference, I wondered who this spy worked for. When someone pitched me tech for social good, I thought, what would Ralph do?
If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll love this book.
If you are interested in the technology industry, you’ll love this book.
If you root for the unassuming, happy-go-lucky character, you’ll love this book.
If you are curious about how the world of start-ups works, you’ll love this book.
If you love James Bond, but feel more like Leslie Nielsen, you’ll love this book.
If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll love this book.
If you are interested in the technology industry, you’ll love this book.
If you root for the unassuming, happy-go-lucky character, you’ll love this book.
If you are curious about how the world of start-ups works, you’ll love this book.
If you love James Bond, but feel more like Leslie Nielsen, you’ll love this book.
December 27, 2019
With a storyline that seems both beyond comprehension and absolutely possible, and characters that are as relatable as they are deceptive, Vachon’s debut novel is sure to capture the attention of an intellectually curious audience. The writing is quick and humorous and immediately pulls you into Ralph’s complicated world.
February 3, 2020
Good fun
Really enjoyable read. Funny and thrilling all in one.
Ralph is a believable character who bumbles along from one calamity to another. Looking forward to more capers.
Really enjoyable read. Funny and thrilling all in one.
Ralph is a believable character who bumbles along from one calamity to another. Looking forward to more capers.
February 21, 2020
A very good and interesting book, really one for the tech heads.
The story centres on Ralph Gibsen, a Silicon Valley JV funder who may have developed a tool that could influence people patterns in many ways.
Many people think he is a spy, he wonders if he is a spy, come of his “friends” are involved in intelligence but whether he is or isn’t he ends up in all sorts of strife and gets by with a little help from his friends.
The book took a bit of getting in to because it had a bit of text book about it and had some great passages, e.g. one section where he discusses the protocols to be employed in Business Class seating and whether to talk to the person in the next seat (or not)
It does have bits of humor, certainly some intrigue, and it was relatively easy to follow.
I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next set of exploits of Ralph Gibsen and his unlikely band of cohorts including the lovely and ever hopeful Eva.
The story centres on Ralph Gibsen, a Silicon Valley JV funder who may have developed a tool that could influence people patterns in many ways.
Many people think he is a spy, he wonders if he is a spy, come of his “friends” are involved in intelligence but whether he is or isn’t he ends up in all sorts of strife and gets by with a little help from his friends.
The book took a bit of getting in to because it had a bit of text book about it and had some great passages, e.g. one section where he discusses the protocols to be employed in Business Class seating and whether to talk to the person in the next seat (or not)
It does have bits of humor, certainly some intrigue, and it was relatively easy to follow.
I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next set of exploits of Ralph Gibsen and his unlikely band of cohorts including the lovely and ever hopeful Eva.
February 27, 2020
Absolutely loved it! Full of twists and turns and a shocking and thrilling set of events at the end left me wanting the sequel now. Great read to get away from your hectic life and laugh at someone else’s ridiculous set of ironic and unexpected circumstances. Also a bit eye opening of the possibilities that are or could be happening in your own battle for personal privacy. Can’t wait for the next one from Vachon!
February 29, 2020
This book. I can't get over how awful and yet how perfect a spy Ralph is. I also loved the descriptions of the interpersonal dynamics of Silicon Valley. This book was entertaining all the way through.
Favorite side character was easily Tommy the barbor. Where the author came up with him, I don't know. He was a hoot.
March 25, 2020
Fun. Fascinating. Technologically intriguing. In these days of confusion, misinformation, and obfuscation, this book leaves you asking but knowing. Is there a Deep State or there people who just are lucky?
October 20, 2020
Did you know there was a "Spy* Scale"?
Spaced out along one end you've got Black Widow, Ethan Hunt, James Bond, Dick Tracy, and Jason Bourne; letting nothing and no one impede the mission objective. Down the other end, you've got Austin Powers, Maxwell Smart, Johnny English, and Inspector Gadget.
The most dangerous category, however, is somewhere within the meddling middle. That's where you may find Ralph Gibsen.
Who?
Exactly.
Our MC is not your typical spy ~ in fact, he may not be a spy at all, if he has anything to do with it. And if he is, ultimately he'll be the last to find out. This makes him either AMAZING... or a complete dud amongst the international "Intelligence Community." As a reader, you're captivated by trying to find out.
Either way, there are none more dangerous... and in the telling of the tale, you will find why, within an amusing little tale.
The Knucklehead of Silicon Valley is a humourous romp around the globe as the jet setting Silicon Valley start-up financier, Ralph, finds himself in all the hotspots: Sao Paulo, Russia, and the UK... even his own home in California.
They say that you should keep your friends close, and your enemies closer: How do you know who's who though, particularly if any single individual is likely to kill you? Even your wife... maybe?
The account is told in a '3rd person limited' POV and does not hold to a true linear timeline, which makes for intrigue, and tension and all the good hallmarks of a thriller. What spiced this up for me was the equally observant/self-deprecating personal assessment of the MC which keeps you turning the page, as The Knucklehead of Silicon Valley, tries to extrapolate himself out of one embarrassing and laughingly tense situation after another.
Your mission, if you choose to accept it: To read this little gem for yourself and make up your own mind.
Just remember; don't touch the ginger ale - consider yourself warned.
Spaced out along one end you've got Black Widow, Ethan Hunt, James Bond, Dick Tracy, and Jason Bourne; letting nothing and no one impede the mission objective. Down the other end, you've got Austin Powers, Maxwell Smart, Johnny English, and Inspector Gadget.
The most dangerous category, however, is somewhere within the meddling middle. That's where you may find Ralph Gibsen.
Who?
Exactly.
Our MC is not your typical spy ~ in fact, he may not be a spy at all, if he has anything to do with it. And if he is, ultimately he'll be the last to find out. This makes him either AMAZING... or a complete dud amongst the international "Intelligence Community." As a reader, you're captivated by trying to find out.
Either way, there are none more dangerous... and in the telling of the tale, you will find why, within an amusing little tale.
The Knucklehead of Silicon Valley is a humourous romp around the globe as the jet setting Silicon Valley start-up financier, Ralph, finds himself in all the hotspots: Sao Paulo, Russia, and the UK... even his own home in California.
They say that you should keep your friends close, and your enemies closer: How do you know who's who though, particularly if any single individual is likely to kill you? Even your wife... maybe?
The account is told in a '3rd person limited' POV and does not hold to a true linear timeline, which makes for intrigue, and tension and all the good hallmarks of a thriller. What spiced this up for me was the equally observant/self-deprecating personal assessment of the MC which keeps you turning the page, as The Knucklehead of Silicon Valley, tries to extrapolate himself out of one embarrassing and laughingly tense situation after another.
Your mission, if you choose to accept it: To read this little gem for yourself and make up your own mind.
Just remember; don't touch the ginger ale - consider yourself warned.
September 14, 2020
An irresistibly engaging and laugh-out-loud read.
Following in the footsteps of his bumbling, blundering antics, I fell madly and deeply in love with Ralph. A fun, fast-paced and thoroughly entertaining adventure that offers insights into the subcultures of Silicon Valley and the far-flung corners of the world it converges with. Where will Ralph go next? And what will be his first farcical faux pas?
Following in the footsteps of his bumbling, blundering antics, I fell madly and deeply in love with Ralph. A fun, fast-paced and thoroughly entertaining adventure that offers insights into the subcultures of Silicon Valley and the far-flung corners of the world it converges with. Where will Ralph go next? And what will be his first farcical faux pas?
April 21, 2020
I knew I was enjoying this book when I bought the audio version of it almost halfway through the book. This thrilling book will take you to the technology world and back to normal life in a smooth transition. I am not tech-savvy but I found it easy to read and got in the groove.
Nothing makes a good book like a good plot twist. This is what you should expect in this book. It will take you to the edge, reel you back and leave you second-guessing. I hope this is the thrill you need. The characters were well developed and you should expect some personality quirks to make them exciting. As much as it is a novel you will gain knowledge on technology, life in Silicon Valley, the international tech world and what it means to be a spy!
Craig Vachon is an exemplary writer. He uses the magic of storytelling to smoothly flow words into sentences and sentences into paragraphs. His writing is simple yet elegantly rich in narration. He is one to catch the reader’s attention. You can be assured to be entertained from the start till the end.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a breath of fresh air. This would be a great read for anyone interested in technology or would like to know what goes on in the tech world. Get this book and to make it even sweeter, get the audiobook too!
Nothing makes a good book like a good plot twist. This is what you should expect in this book. It will take you to the edge, reel you back and leave you second-guessing. I hope this is the thrill you need. The characters were well developed and you should expect some personality quirks to make them exciting. As much as it is a novel you will gain knowledge on technology, life in Silicon Valley, the international tech world and what it means to be a spy!
Craig Vachon is an exemplary writer. He uses the magic of storytelling to smoothly flow words into sentences and sentences into paragraphs. His writing is simple yet elegantly rich in narration. He is one to catch the reader’s attention. You can be assured to be entertained from the start till the end.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a breath of fresh air. This would be a great read for anyone interested in technology or would like to know what goes on in the tech world. Get this book and to make it even sweeter, get the audiobook too!
May 12, 2020
Great books have unforgettable characters and there are several here in Knucklehead. I really enjoyed diving deeper into the Tech-world and the machinations of venture capitalists. I learned something while laughing my butt off.
March 27, 2020
This is a laugh out loud techno thriller! You will fall in love with the characters and find yourself learning about the life of a Silicon Valley spy...I mean investor. Ralph may just be the new spy character you have been looking for all your life!
August 12, 2023
Tech, travel, and travesty…it’s all there in The Knucklehead of Silicon Valley. It’s one of those books that keeps you scratching your head…questioning fact or fiction. I’m still not sure, but it was a fun ride with Ralph, even though he didn’t always know where he was going. Is tech top secret? Or is everyman simply blind to the possibilities? Your eyes may be opened. Oh, for an unhurried, domestic, philosophical conversation with Ralph. Maybe I’ll sit next to him on my next flight. But then I usually fly coach.
September 9, 2020
Originally reviewed on Cyn's Workshop
Hate to say it, but I think The Knucklehead of Silicon Valley was simply not my cup of tea.
Now, just because it was not my cup of tea does not mean I hated it. I did not, but I did not love it either. Honestly, I found this novel rather dull in the end. That is my problem with the novel; it just bored me.
Non-Linear Storytelling
The premise is interesting, but part of what hindered my enjoyment of the novel was the jumping back and forth between timelines. The novel spans from 1974 to 2016 and everywhere in between. It was hard to keep track of where I was while reading this. In my opinion, it lacked cohesion.
Jumping back and forth with small indistinct ties and markers to keep the reader locked in the story simply did not work.
Honestly, I think the novel would have worked better if it just went back and forth between two periods and moving linearly from those two points instead of jumping around the past a lot. I was lost at times, lost in Ralph’s age, and what each segment was about, and lost in the technobabble that was somewhat unnecessary to the storytelling.
That was another thing that probably led to my lack of enjoyment of the novel, the exposition. Vachon does much telling about technology. He goes into detail about how things work. It does not come off as necessary and slows down the plot of the novel. At times, I found myself just skimming over these parts because, quite honestly, I did not care how things worked; I just wanted to follow the story along.
Then there is Ralph. With all the time jumping, I honestly forgot how old he was. There were times he sounded younger than he was and times he sounded older. It was just another thing I was unable to keep track of.
And, of course, the spy element of the story. Ralph may or may not be a spy. He does not think he is one but everyone else thinks he is one. It does bring a nice comedic feel to the novel, but it takes too long to get there. I wish this aspect of the novel had been given more attention earlier on in the novel because once it was given attention later on in the novel, I found myself enjoying the novel much more.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, as I said, I did not hate it, but I did not love it either. I simply think that this novel was not my cup of tea.
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Spotify Podcast | YouTube | BookBub | Goodreads+ | LinkedIn
Hate to say it, but I think The Knucklehead of Silicon Valley was simply not my cup of tea.
Now, just because it was not my cup of tea does not mean I hated it. I did not, but I did not love it either. Honestly, I found this novel rather dull in the end. That is my problem with the novel; it just bored me.
Non-Linear Storytelling
The premise is interesting, but part of what hindered my enjoyment of the novel was the jumping back and forth between timelines. The novel spans from 1974 to 2016 and everywhere in between. It was hard to keep track of where I was while reading this. In my opinion, it lacked cohesion.
Jumping back and forth with small indistinct ties and markers to keep the reader locked in the story simply did not work.
Honestly, I think the novel would have worked better if it just went back and forth between two periods and moving linearly from those two points instead of jumping around the past a lot. I was lost at times, lost in Ralph’s age, and what each segment was about, and lost in the technobabble that was somewhat unnecessary to the storytelling.
That was another thing that probably led to my lack of enjoyment of the novel, the exposition. Vachon does much telling about technology. He goes into detail about how things work. It does not come off as necessary and slows down the plot of the novel. At times, I found myself just skimming over these parts because, quite honestly, I did not care how things worked; I just wanted to follow the story along.
Then there is Ralph. With all the time jumping, I honestly forgot how old he was. There were times he sounded younger than he was and times he sounded older. It was just another thing I was unable to keep track of.
And, of course, the spy element of the story. Ralph may or may not be a spy. He does not think he is one but everyone else thinks he is one. It does bring a nice comedic feel to the novel, but it takes too long to get there. I wish this aspect of the novel had been given more attention earlier on in the novel because once it was given attention later on in the novel, I found myself enjoying the novel much more.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, as I said, I did not hate it, but I did not love it either. I simply think that this novel was not my cup of tea.
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Spotify Podcast | YouTube | BookBub | Goodreads+ | LinkedIn
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