Steve Jobs

By: Walter Isaacson

Narrated by: Dylan Baker

Featuring a new epilogue read by the author.

From the author of the best-selling biographies of Benjamin Franklin and Albert Einstein, this is the exclusive biography of Steve Jobs.

Based on more than 40 interviews with Jobs conducted over two years - as well as interviews with more than a hundred family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues - Walter Isaacson has written a riveting story of the roller-coaster life and searingly intense personality of a creative entrepreneur whose passion for perfection and ferocious drive revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing.

At a time when America is seeking ways to sustain its innovative edge, and when societies around the world are trying to build digital-age economies, Jobs stands as the ultimate icon of inventiveness and applied imagination. He knew that the best way to create value in the 21st century was to connect creativity with technology. He built a company where leaps of the imagination were combined with remarkable feats of engineering.

Although Jobs cooperated with this book, he asked for no control over what was written. He put nothing off-limits. He encouraged the people he knew to speak honestly. And Jobs speaks candidly, sometimes brutally so, about the people he worked with and competed against. His friends, foes, and colleagues provide an unvarnished view of the passions, perfectionism, obsessions, artistry, devilry, and compulsion for control that shaped his approach to business and the innovative products that resulted.

Driven by demons, Jobs could drive those around him to fury and despair. But his personality and products were interrelated, just as Apple's hardware and software tended to be, as if part of an integrated system. His tale is instructive and cautionary, filled with lessons about innovation, character, leadership, and values.

©2011 Walter Isaacson (P)2011 Simon & Schuster

Fascinating

If you've ever wondered what Steve Jobs was really like, this book is for you. Isaacson's holds nothing back in describing both the genius and the jerk that was Steve Jobs. Overall, despite the brutal honesty regarding Jobs' MANY quirks, I think the book was favorable to Jobs. I came out of it admiring him as a visionary, but also thankful that I never had to work for him.

Steve Jobs is our generation's Walt Disney: a brilliant innovator who beautifully blended art and technology while building some of the most enduring and iconic companies in human history. Other parallels to Disney: they both had complete control over their companies' direction; they were both highly visible spokesmen (even icons) for both the company and the brand; they both left behind a changed world (Disney with animation and theme parks, Jobs with the iPod/iPad/iPhone/Pixar); they were both astute businessmen in addition to being visionaries; both were pioneers in revolutionizing animation in feature films; and of course, sadly, both died too young of cancer. I've also enjoyed Disney biographies, particularly the ones, like this bio, which took an honest look at the flaws as well as the genius.

I am not a huge Apple fan but I loved this book, and I love Steve Jobs; not because of who he was but for what he did. His greatest achievements -- iPod, iPad, iPhone, and Pixar -- were all revolutionary inventions, literally creating something new out of nothing. What would be the state of portable consumer devices today without Jobs? Would we still be using clunky flip phones with atrocious software? Would we have elegant graphical interfaces on our computers or devices?

And what about family films? Would we be taking our kids to see abysmal Disney movies like Treasure Planet, rather than beautiful, inspired, emotional epics like the Toy Story trilogy and Finding Nemo?

Even for those of us who aren't "Apple people" can thank Jobs' vision for pushing our culture in the direction of beauty and quality.

This book highlights Jobs' vital role in all these revolutions. Particularly compelling are how Jobs was able to conquer both the music studios AND Eisner-led Disney in the span of a few short years. The details of those conquests are priceless, and this audiobook is worth it for those two tales alone. I also liked the details of his relationship to Bill Gates, and how it evolved through the years (hint: it was not as contentious as I'd always believed).

But there is also much more. I found myself thinking "what a jerk" one second, and "what a genious" the next -- and then quickly back to "what a jerk" again. He is a study in extremes. I came into this book not knowing WHAT I'd think of Jobs in the end given some of the shocking excerpts in the press. I thought it was a good possibility that I'd hate the guy. But Isaacson effectively shows the humanity behind the insanity, and by the end, I can honestly say I genuinely liked him. I was even a little choked up by his cancer plight. It's so sad that the pre-eminent visionary of our time was taken from us in his prime -- not unlike Walt Disney was taken from us almost 50 years ago.

So I guess in the end, Steve's impeccable taste served him well. In choosing Isaacson and giving him open access to his past, Jobs succeeded in putting out one last perfect product: a lasting image of himself that perfectly demonstrated his humanity, his deep flaws, and his enduring genius. I think he would have loved the result, and I did too.

Dylan Baker's narration is excellent. Baker has a little sarcastic twang that I think is perfect for this man, and for this material. Wise choice.

Masterful, honest, and insane

I love Apple so by default I love Jobs. I say this as a disclaimer but also because after reading this book it is my honest opinion that Steve Jobs was probably insane but that makes him no different that most people of amazing genius. You will find in this book a great bio of a man you will find complex and strange and after finishing you will respect him, but I am not sure if you like him or even want him in your life, just his products.

Great book and awesome listening experience

This is my first audiobook. I wonder if I can ever find anything that will live up to this one. The story so far has been great and I think the reader does a great job. I can visualize everything he is saying. Walter Isaacson has done a great job in my opinion. I have learned a lot more about this industry as well as Steve Jobs. I would recommend this to anyone.

Thoroughly Fascinating

The book is full of details and drama as well as trying to depict Jobs' true character. Many people know the names of big CEO's business-wise but Steve Jobs life perpetuated legendary tales and myths. Many people don't understand Apple culture and the drive behind it; a reality created by Steve Jobs. This book will go far into bringing you that understanding and for those who follow all of Apple lore it'll add more dimension to what you know and correct wrong assumptions.

A Compelling Biography

This audiobook was a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the life of one of the most innovative businessmen of all time. It covers his entire life and reveals plenty of fascinating information that helps the listener have a greater understanding of Steve Jobs. I knew virtually nothing about Jobs prior to this book, so this was a real treat.

Many people have bashed the narrator, but I think he did a fine job. He wasn't the best I've ever heard, but he was good nonetheless.

If you have any interest in biographies or Steve Jobs, you owe it to yourself to check this out. You won't be disappointed!

WOW

Excellent insight into a man with an unwavering vision. He was absolutely correct, "A" players do in fact love to work with other "A" players and that they can be driven to great successes. He will be missed by those who strive to do and be better.

Steve Jobs, a genius but not a people person

Would you consider the audio edition of Steve Jobs to be better than the print version?

Absolutely!You cannot get the innuendos when you are reading it like you can when you hear it. Great job by Dylan Baker narrating it. I highly recommend the audible version!

What other book might you compare Steve Jobs to and why?

I really can't think of one at the moment as I am new at listening to books and this was one of my first autobiographies.

Which scene was your favorite?

Probably when Steve Jobs came back to be the CEO and was able to turn the company around from a sinking ship into a thriving company once again.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

NO- it is easily a book you can follow well by just listening in chapters, put it down and pick it up again.

Any additional comments?

Although Steve Jobs was brilliant and could always see the big picture, it bothered me the way he treated people to get what and where he wanted to go. He was not a people person at all. I would not have wanted to be his friend, as he even treated his friends badly. Everything he did was always about Steve Jobs and his question was,

Enjoyed the listen.

Found it fascinating. Long, but well organized. The author showed a picture of Steve Jobs which illustrated his personality and the depths of his dreams and business savvy. Enjoyed the listen.

Excellent detailed story of a modern day genius

If you followed Apple and Steve Jobs since the early years, then some of the book will be repetitive. However, the book is put together in a manner that even a devout follower will learn interesting facts and enjoy the journey. Since the mid 80’s when I purchased an Apple IIe/c then a Mac, I have watched Apple and Steve Jobs with great interest.

I enjoyed the tremendous detail and how the author did an excellent job in keeping the book interesting. Although the unabridged version is much longer than many other books, I am glad that I did not quit and listened to the end. It contains many items that answer most of the “Why does Apple do …?”

Beware of the language in the book. There are times when F bombs fly everywhere.


FWIW – I listened to the book via the audible app on my new iPhone 4s @ 1.5x speed.

Great Story

The book was well written and the order of the subject matter was perfect.
However, I wish there were a little more insight into his relationship with his wife, sisters, specially Patty and his kids.

I guess most genius are a little crazy.


"Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes.

The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They invent. They imagine. They heal. They explore. They create. They inspire. They push the human race forward.

While some see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do."