Comments on: Book Review: Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

By: Becky Green Aaronson

Becky Green Aaronson — Thu, 10 May 2012 04:32:20 +0000

Arindam, with your background in computer engineering, I’m glad you are reading this book. Steve Jobs made a major impact on the world with his vision. Like you, I had a hard time reconciling the difference between the Steve Jobs my husband knew and the Steve Jobs Walter Isaacson described in his book. I wondered how Jeffrey could have possibly had such different experiences, but then I remembered somebody in Isaacson’s book saying that Jobs was charming and charismatic to those people he respected and saw as equals. I do hope you finish the book. The second half is more uplifting than the first half. It’s worth getting to the end. As always, thanks for your comment. It’s great to hear your opinion.

By: Arindam

Arindam — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:56:39 +0000

Becky currently I am reading this book. And to be honest, While reading this book, I was thinking like, “Is he the Same Steve Jobs, about whom I read in one of your posts? ” It was like two completely different sides of the same person. As a computer engineer myself, I know he is idol of so many young people, who are part of this computer world. Although mine is Denis Ritchie ; still I have lots of respect for him. And I am just finding it interesting to see his life getting unfolded page by page of this book.
For first seeing so many pages, I was afraid of holding this book. Because I was sure that, the probability that I would finish reading this book is on lower side.”
It’s great review Becky.

By: Becky Green Aaronson

Becky Green Aaronson — Mon, 07 May 2012 23:58:37 +0000

First, may I start by telling you how much I enjoyed reading your thoughtful comment. I appreciate you taking the time to share your impressions of Walter Isaacson’s book. I’m glad you and your wife enjoyed it so much; I know thousands of others have as well. Isaacson did a good job writing about an extremely complex and creative human being. I only wish he had included a few more anecdotes about the other side of Steve Jobs which rarely gets mentioned. I will re-read it at some point, and perhaps with time my reaction will be less raw. In the meantime, yes, I would recommend this book–especially so others could fully appreciate the magic of what Steve Jobs helped create.

By: Michael

Michael — Mon, 07 May 2012 05:03:38 +0000

My wife just finished reading the book last week and I listened to the audio version finishing up a couple months ago. We both found it fascinating for many reasons and neither of us felt exhausted after reading. My wife liked it so much she started rereading it right after finishing. And, I listened to many parts over again to make sure I understood the particular scenario well, for example, the details about Pixar, the creation of the first MAC, and the incredible complexity during the time Jobs was running both Pixar and Apple.

Like all human beings, Jobs had his good side and his dark side. I even grew to understand that what some people saw as dark, unfriendly and mean was really that side of him that wanted to get to his vision faster. I don’t believe Jobs really meant to be that way and that most of the time the interactions that appeared callous and and deliberately vicious were the result of people’s misperception of Jobs intent.

I just saw much of the conclusions people drew about him as over-blown reactions to someone who did lack what many consider social graces. The author was incredible at detailing personality characteristics so clearly I found myself identifying with certain ones and by the end of the book felt a kinship with Jobs that was unexpected for me.

Hopefully, readers of this review will not put off reading the book because of the negative comments you made in the review. Since you rated it a 4.5 out of 5 you obviously found it an excellent book and people should understand that you are recommending the book.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone that has even a passing interest in the high-tech industry, those who find genius on display fascinating and to those who want to see the indomitable human spirit of a visionary whose perfectionism and drive helped create two of the most influential companies of our times.

By: Becky Green Aaronson

Becky Green Aaronson — Sun, 06 May 2012 14:15:31 +0000

Jessica, it’s worth the read if you can squeeze out the time in your full, busy life. Thanks for reading our little book about SJ. I’m glad you at least got to experience this side of him. He was a complicated and creative innovator.

By: Jessica Mireles

Jessica Mireles — Sun, 06 May 2012 01:50:03 +0000

I still haven’t read this book, even though I’ve been meaning to for some time, now. Thank goodness for your wonderful ebook–I got just enough of a sense of Steve Jobs to satisfy me, so I can put off reading this lengthy biography for at least a little while longer!

By: Becky Green Aaronson

Becky Green Aaronson — Sat, 05 May 2012 13:39:42 +0000

I think it’s less intimidating (and heavy) if you have it on a Kindle. It’s hard to quantify how long it took me to read because the way my busy life is, I had to squeeze it in between or while doing other things–like standing making coffee in the morning or waiting for my daughter at ballet. It’s worth the read though, especially if you’re fascinated by geniuses. If you ever do crack it, I’d love to know what you think.

By: monicastangledweb

monicastangledweb — Sat, 05 May 2012 05:06:50 +0000

I have this book sitting by my bedside, yet to read. It’s intimidating to open it, but I will. I’m interested in Steve Jobs. I think geniuses/visionaries are in their own little world with their eccentricities, etc, and Jobs is no different. I don’t know anything about Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell or Einstein, but I’m sure they had their quirks, something that made them “challenging” to their friends and family.
So, how long did it take you to get through it?

By: Becky Green Aaronson

Becky Green Aaronson — Sat, 05 May 2012 04:32:06 +0000

Debra, you are so kind. Thank you! And thanks for buying our book.

By: Becky Green Aaronson

Becky Green Aaronson — Sat, 05 May 2012 04:29:58 +0000

Deborah, I hadn’t planned on reviewing this book, but felt compelled after reading it. I have mixed emotions, as you can see from my review, but thought Isaacson did a good job pulling together such a massive project. That’s why I gave it 4 1/2 stars. Jobs was a complicated and flawed human being, but I was disappointed by how much of the book focused on his negative side.