TL;DR: In this post, I reviewed five fascinating books that I read while recently on vacation: “Becoming Steve Jobs,” an in-depth biography exploring Jobs’ life and career; “Build,” which shares Tony Fadell’s experiences developing the iPod and his unique approach to innovation; “Never Finished,” where David Goggins emphasizes the continuous nature of personal growth and mental resilience; “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” Matthew Perry’s brutally honest memoir about his struggles with addiction; and “After Steve,” which delves into the transformation of Apple’s culture and identity after Jobs’ passing, focusing on Jony Ive’s story.

Becoming Steve Jobs by Brent Schlender, Rick Tetzeli

“Becoming Steve Jobs” is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life and career of the iconic Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs. Written by veteran journalists Brent Schlender and Rick Tetzeli, the book provides an intimate look at Jobs’ journey from a young, ambitious entrepreneur to one of the most influential business leaders of our time.

The biography is based on extensive interviews with Jobs’ friends, family, colleagues, and competitors, as well as previously unreleased materials. It offers a detailed and nuanced portrayal of Jobs, covering both his professional accomplishments and personal life, while debunking many of the myths and misconceptions surrounding his character.

The book begins with Jobs’ early life, exploring his adoption, upbringing, and education. It delves into his fascination with technology and design, which led him to co-found Apple with Steve Wozniak in 1976. The authors chronicle the rise of Apple and the development of iconic products such as the Apple II, Macintosh, and the iPod.

“Becoming Steve Jobs” also delves into Jobs’ tumultuous relationship with Apple, including his ousting from the company in 1985 and his triumphant return in 1997. The book examines his time at NeXT and Pixar, detailing how these experiences shaped his leadership style and business philosophy.

The authors emphasize Jobs’ relentless pursuit of perfection and his commitment to building exceptional products. They explore the development of the iPhone, iPad, and the modern Apple ecosystem, highlighting Jobs’ role in revolutionizing the tech industry.

The book also covers Jobs’ personal life, including his relationships, his battle with cancer, and his eventual passing in 2011. Throughout the biography, the authors provide a balanced and honest portrayal of Jobs, revealing his strengths, flaws, and the many lessons that can be learned from his extraordinary life.

“Becoming Steve Jobs” offers a unique and in-depth perspective on one of the most influential figures in modern history. It provides valuable insights into Jobs’ mindset, leadership style, and the qualities that allowed him to change the world of technology forever.

Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making by Tony Fadell

In “Build,” Fadell offers a fresh perspective on the process of creation and innovation, drawing from his extensive experience at Apple and Nest, as well as his entrepreneurial endeavors. The book delves into the story of the iPod, recounting how Fadell’s passion for music and technology, combined with Apple’s focus on design and user experience, led to the creation of a groundbreaking product that revolutionized the way people consume music.

Fadell shares behind-the-scenes details of the iPod’s development, from the initial concept to the final product launch. He highlights the challenges the team faced, such as tight deadlines, technical hurdles, and the need to balance form and function. Throughout the book, Fadell emphasizes the importance of thinking differently about projects, taking risks, and embracing failure as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

The book also touches on other aspects of the creative process, including ideation, design, prototyping, testing, and scaling. Fadell’s unique perspective, combined with his wealth of experience, provides readers with a valuable roadmap for navigating the complex world of product development and entrepreneurship.

“Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making” offers an engaging and informative look at the creation of one of the most iconic products in tech history. It is a must-read for anyone looking to create innovative products or start a successful business, as it shares valuable insights and lessons from the mind of one of the industry’s most influential figures.

Never Finished: Unshackle Your Mind and Win the War Within by David Goggins

“Never Finished: Unshackle Your Mind and Win the War Within” is a powerful follow-up to David Goggins’ first book, “Can’t Hurt Me.” In “Never Finished,” Goggins shares his experiences and insights on personal growth, emphasizing that the journey towards self-improvement is an ongoing process.

Goggins is… controversial… among my military friends.

He introduces new mental tools and strategies for overcoming fear, self-doubt, and negativity, drawing from his extensive experience as an endurance athlete and military veteran.

There isn’t a lot of new stuff in Never Finished, but I took away these three things:

1. Embrace discomfort: Goggins highlights the importance of stepping outside our comfort zones and facing challenges head-on. By embracing discomfort, we develop mental resilience and learn valuable lessons that can help us overcome future obstacles.
2. Cultivate a growth mindset: Goggins encourages readers to develop a growth mindset, which involves viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable barriers. By maintaining a growth mindset, we become more adaptable, resilient, and open to new experiences.
3. Share knowledge and empower others: Goggins stresses the value of sharing one’s knowledge and experiences to inspire and empower those around us. This creates a positive ripple effect that can change lives and communities, ultimately contributing to our own personal growth and success.

“Never Finished: Unshackle Your Mind and Win the War Within” serves as a compelling reminder that the journey towards personal growth and mental resilience is a continuous process. By embracing challenges, cultivating mental resilience, and helping others, we can unlock our true potential and achieve greatness.

After Steve: How Apple Became a Trillion-Dollar Company and Lost Its Soul by Tripp Mickle

Noticing a trend yet 🙂

“After Steve: How Apple Became a Trillion-Dollar Company and Lost Its Soul,” explores the significant changes in Apple’s culture and direction following the death of Steve Jobs. One pivotal figure during this transition was Jony Ive, Apple’s Chief Design Officer, who played a crucial role in shaping the company’s design philosophy and product development.

The book delves into Ive’s relationship with Jobs, highlighting their shared passion for design and innovation. Under Jobs’ mentorship, Ive helped create some of Apple’s most iconic products, such as the iMac, iPhone, and iPad. Their collaboration was marked by a mutual respect and trust, allowing them to push the boundaries of technology and design.

Following Jobs’ passing, Ive found himself navigating a rapidly changing corporate landscape. The book emphasizes how Tim Cook’s leadership, with its focus on operational efficiency and profitability, shifted the company’s priorities, affecting the design process and Ive’s influence within Apple.

One key story in the book involves the development of the Apple Watch. While the product was ultimately successful, the process was marked by struggles to balance innovation and profitability. Ive faced challenges in maintaining the high standards of design and creativity that had defined Apple under Jobs, as the company’s priorities shifted towards financial success.

The author contends that Ive’s frustration with this new direction led to his eventual departure from Apple. The book argues that Ive’s exit marked a turning point, further illustrating the transformation of Apple’s culture and identity since Jobs’ passing.

“After Steve: How Apple Became a Trillion-Dollar Company and Lost Its Soul” offers an insightful look into the evolving dynamics of Apple during a critical period of transition. By focusing on the story of Jony Ive, the book highlights the challenges faced by the company in maintaining its spirit of innovation and creativity, while navigating the demands of a trillion-dollar business.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir by Matthew Perry

In “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir,” Matthew Perry offers a brutally honest account of his life, with a particular emphasis on his struggles with drug addiction. The book takes readers on an emotional journey through Perry’s rise to fame, his tumultuous relationships, and his battle with addiction.

I’ve never watched Friends, not even a single episode. I had no idea…

Perry’s drug use is introduced early in the memoir, as he recounts his initial experiences with alcohol and prescription medications. He discusses the pressures and insecurities he faced as a young actor in Hollywood and how they contributed to his developing substance abuse problem.

As the book progresses, Perry delves into the height of his fame on the hit television show “Friends.” He candidly shares how his addiction escalated during this period, fueled by the stress and expectations that accompanied his newfound celebrity status. Perry reveals the extent to which his drug use impacted his personal life, relationships, and professional career, as well as the toll it took on his mental and physical health.

Throughout the memoir, Perry openly discusses his numerous attempts at recovery, detailing his experiences in rehab facilities and with various treatment programs. He shares the setbacks and relapses he faced along the way, as well as the support and encouragement he received from friends, family, and fellow actors.

“Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir” offers a powerful and poignant look at Matthew Perry’s battle with addiction, providing readers with valuable insights into the challenges faced by those struggling with substance abuse. Ultimately, the book is a testament to Perry’s resilience, as he shares his ongoing journey toward healing and self-discovery, demonstrating that it is possible to overcome even the most daunting obstacles in life.