Invent and Wander

The Collected Writings of Jeff Bezos, with an Introduction by Walter Isaacson

By: Jeff Bezos, Walter Isaacson - introduction

Narrated by: L. J. Ganser

Length: 8 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

In Jeff Bezos' own words, the core principles and philosophy that have guided him in creating, building, and leading Amazon and Blue Origin.

In this collection of Jeff Bezos' writings - his unique and strikingly original annual shareholder letters, plus numerous speeches and interviews that provide insight into his background, his work, and the evolution of his ideas - you'll gain an insider's view of the why and how of his success. Spanning a range of topics across business and public policy, from innovation and customer obsession to climate change and outer space, this book provides a rare glimpse into how Bezos thinks about the world and where the future might take us.

Written in a direct, down-to-earth style, Invent and Wander offers listeners a master class in business values, strategy, and execution.

Each insight offers new ways of thinking through today's challenges - and more importantly, tomorrow's - and the never-ending urgency of striving ahead, never resting on one's laurels. Everyone from CEOs of the Fortune 100 to entrepreneurs just setting up shop to the millions who use Amazon's products and services in their homes or businesses will come to understand the principles that have driven the success of one of the most important innovators of our time.

©2021 Jeffrey P. Bezos; introduction copyright 2021 by Walter Isaacson (P)2020 Gildan Media

Expected more

Too much repetition. I was expecting more insights from Jeff. It would have been nice if Jeff narrated some of it.

A great and inspirational book

A great book that I found to be developmental and maturative for a young man coming of age such as myself. I found this book to be relatable and generally highly intelligent! I found great relation with the protagonist’s archetype that was present and I further highly recommend this book.

Way too long.

The same things are repeated at least 3 times, after a while it becomes almost annoying hearing the same stories or fun facts.

Majority of this book is word by word repetition

I felt that this book was broken at times after hearing the same sentences (word by word) time and time again. Quite frustrating and mediocre really.
For example Jeff’s long walk with his (former) boss, in Central Park was narrated at least five times. So much I can quote it “it’s a good idea Jeff but it would be a better idea for someone who didn’t already have a good job”

An approximation to Amazon and Jeff Bezos

Through the letters to shareholders and other writings you can see key elements of the company.

Liked and disliked

I understand the premise of the book, but many parts are redundant. This is of course on purpose during the letters to shareholders and they were never meant to be read back to back. But in the format of an audiobook, there are several parts where I thought audible rewound itself. The other semi annoying part was the essentially cliff notes prior to the meat of the book. Again, I understand why this was done. The book would seem a waste of it dove straight in to the letters, but a lot of the really cool and unique stories in the letters were already revealed in the introduction summary of the book.

Easy to understand, addicting to listen to.

I love that each chapter started with a brief refresh of the previous chapters highlights just like a real meeting. It was easy to connect the dots, and felt extremely addicting to listen to as I consistently wanted to keep learning more.

Enjoyable listen, but it does get repetitive.

Very enjoyable, though it does tend to get a bit repetitive towards the end. All in all, if you have an interest in how businesses are built and ran, along with the ethos behind the vision, you’ll enjoy this book

I expected a lot more of this book

Yes it's good, to many ideas repeated on the same book. But actually I wanted to hear more about how Jeef handle succes, failure, more storys etc.

All things are possible

In today’s world where “negativity” sells the words of Bezos should give those who believe all things are possible the courage to pursue their vision and turn it into a mission sending short term Wall Street thinking to the woodshed.