You'll Be Feeling Lucky, Too, To Read This Insider's Perspective
921428
Like Alice In Wonderland, Doug Edwards, an English Major and marketing man, finds himself in strange territory when he signs on with Google in its early growth stages. One of the few non-engineers, he chronicles his years with Google from late 1999 to early 2005. Along the way, he must define himself and his job duties by trying to get inside the heads of the founding partners and learn their wishes, though they dislike marketing people and only hire them because someone at Stanford told them they should so they could do their engineering and let the others handle "the rest of the stuff."

As you would expect, the prose Doug created for Google extends itself to the pages of his book. As hilarious as the Mad Hatter's Tea Party and including a few "Off With His Head!" moments, Doug manages to survive through all sorts of adrenaline rich expansions. Painfully candid at moments, his narrative reveals common miscommunications that happen between engineers and...well, sometimes it seems like all the rest of the world. Data rules their world, and they perceive it as ultimate purity that will clean up the messy organic stuff. As Doug helps them find out, even the data can be wrong when it is misinterpreted or purposely misdirected. Humans just can't leave good things alone.

Google's importance to the development of many important aspects of the Internet should make this book a Must Read for everyone, and thanks to Doug Edwards, it certainly makes it a delightfully entertaining and informative one. I'm so glad I decided I was "feeling lucky" too, and chose to read this book. It's not just a fluffy account, I learned a lot about such things as the UI, GWS, how Google got its name, and got a peek inside a "server farm." This book is well worth the investment, even for frugal Googlers.
I can only hope that Google remembers to keep true to one of its most important original tenets as revealed in this book: "Don't Be Evil!"
2079289
This book is a refreshing, heartfelt account of one amazing individual's struggles; and how she overcame them - and would like to share with the world firsthand. In addition to being funny, charming, and in-depth, some of the points she makes are rather profound. A great read for anyone on a path of self-awareness, Tara is able to offer powerful anecdotes that are both humble and authentic.
3105613
I've known the author of this book for a while, and have been honored to hear him share his thoughts on the incredible journey that life has afforded him.  So, when he asked me to dive into a copy of his new book and digest the content I knew was near and dear to his heart, I was nervous.  What if I didn't like it?  What if it didn't seem to flow?  What if I couldn't get through it?

But after downloading the text, I quickly learned that my concerns were all wrong.  After all, this was Kim Williams, writing to me as though we were sitting over a cup of coffee and he were sharing his latest insights and observations.  In other words, it was addictive.

The content is relevant and poignant, succinct yet deep.  His observations about God and spirituality cut to the core of what is going on inside Christianity in my personal world right now and the questions and points he raises are some that have been on my mind, only in much less organized and focused formats.  The walls of denominations are one area where I was relieved to see someone acknowledge the shortcomings, not of God, but of man and his constructs that try to contain God.

It's a text worth reading for anyone who wants a fresh shot of humor, observation, and insight from a man who has stood both in the pulpit and in the pews.  Well done.  Now, when does the sequel come out?
4967517
Reading this book will likely open your eyes to the behaviors and biases you'll kick yourself for later, and make you smile, guffaw, and sometimes laugh at Thaler's wit.
4714874
This is admittedly one of those books that should be read by the right reader and even that niche can be a tricky one.  This is a "sportsman" book on one level and a tale of inspiration and the spirit on another.  If you don't like one or the other or even the combination, this may be a tricky sale. In fact, there were times when I found this downright irritating.  But on the whole, it's personal, personable, and really puts you in this woman's head.  The writing, artistically, may not be the best, but it's appealing on a diary-style level and, as said before, quite personable.  What does make this work the most for me was the sheer heart put into this tale--that kept me turning page after page and cheering on a most admirable athlete.
2310402
Despite not being a very engaging narrative, this is a quick, lay-it-all-out book, packed with the hard-hitting account from someone on the inside
805701
It's not often that I can flat out tell you to read this book and know beforehand that you'll thank me for that.  The book is bursting with optimism, and I'm talking about the real thing, not a phony act planned to get you to buy the book..  Bert and John Jacobs are indeed enthusiastic about life and they spread this enthusiasm.

Others have listed the  10 superoiwers, so I wasn't going to....but what the heck, I might as well: Openness, Courage, Simplicity, Humor, Gratitude, Fun, Compassion, Creativity, Authenticity, and Love.

Oh yes, I must mention the illos.  If you come across this book at a bookstore...the hardbound copy, that is...do flip through it.  The wild illustrations will sell this book to you if nothing else does.

Once again, just read this book whether you buy it or check it out of the library.  If you do the latter, chances are you'll end up buying a copy just to have it on hand for whenever you need some smiles and some inspiration.

'Nuff said.
2949059
In short, I adored Reagan Babies.  It was a quick read, but one that conveyed so much authenticity and feeling.  No matter who you are, there is something for you to gain in reading this book.  Forenza is a talented, witty, and intellectual writer, and it is with little doubt that he will continue to grace audiences with his narratives.  Take it from me, this book is the real deal.  Please give it a read.  It'll put a smile on your face and inspiration in your heart.
1277357
Deb Scott wants to tell the reader how to get a hold of her/his own experience to
understand life. Her book is spaced with sentences for easy reading. One sentence
understood means you are ready for the next one. Focus on one idea and internalize the thought before moving to the next idea. This book is not the usual self-help
listing of problems and answers. The reading carries you along reaching maturity in one area by what you know and sets up the factors of wisdom for the next life experience. There is emotional growth with some tears and some laugh out loud times. The journey is open but demanding and the end brings a feeling of graduation. Been there and done that and ready for the next jump on the pole-vault.
The book is a rewarding experience. Amazon verified purchase.
3016033
As a mother of two little ones living overseas, I found this to be a super book. It's written "blog" style, so it is quick and easy to read when you have a few minutes here and there. Carrie's writing style is enjoyable to read and she strikes a great balance between humor and serious reflection. I definitely laughed out loud more than once while reading the book, but also found myself close to tears at some of the more personal moments. I like that she writes from experiences both overseas, and as an American who lives overseas who is back in the states for a season too.

If you live overseas... you'll identify with so many things, as no one else can.

If you have a good friend or family member... you'll get some good perspective on what life is like overseas for your loved ones. So many miss out on the fact that when you live overseas, you do, in fact, have an actual life there and don't hate it.

If you have an appreciation of the world... just read it. It's a great inside-out perspective on Asian life from a western perspective.

And if you aren't any of the above... well, you should learn to appreciate the world. And buy this book anyway.
1627806
I enjoyed this quick-read for its balance.  In each chapter,  I was encouraged to  live and love well- starting with myself.  I deeply appreciated the chapter on friendship.  The author's insight about social media 'friending'  struck an unexpected chord.  Will visit this book a few more times , I expect. I laughed at an unexpected spot though when I recognized  as much as I was enjoying the author's point of view in one of her stories, I was more like the 'you don't have to share your every feeling' person.  I rejoiced when later on, she experienced an epiphany moment when she was able to be there for another 'share your feelings'  person.  Awesome!!
933678
I'm excited to read this. Keenan has been a consultant for my organization (within Verizon) for the last 18 months and has been crucial to some pivotal changes as well as my personal development. His brutal honesty is refreshing and I'm sure his book will be written with the same energy that I've been fortunate to experience first hand.
4876478
Rev. Dr. Hardwick is an authentic storyteller of Good News that soothes and offers insights. Pastor Hardwick explains his personal journey by relating Biblical truths along with interesting chronicles of important life events. As an ordained minister who received a life-altering late-30's diagnosis as being autistic, he demonstrates his authority by thoroughly explaining his position and reasons. By reliving and revealing his struggles and triumphs, Dr. Hardwick helps the reader come to a better understanding about what it takes to be "strong" in the precious amount of time we have on this earthly adventure. Pastor Hardwick's charming voice is clearly heard throughout the book. "I am Strong" is a fantastic read with stories and details that are thought-provoking, edifying, challenging, and inspiring.
236619
So well written the reader almost feels he is on the scene sharing the experience.
3916808
A. Remarkable account of Middle East experiences my my favorite foreign correspondent. The inside story.
927605
COMMUNICATING WITH THE OTHER SIDE is a concise, insightful memoir chronicle that offers an inside glimpse into how numinous events can generously enhance our lives when we pay attention to the signs and supernal guidance.  Betsey Lewis shares her own personal history of embracing life, even tragedy, with compassion and a higher understanding by recounting how protective grace carried her through heartbreaking episodes in order for her to reach "the other side" navigating the physical and spiritual realms.  I found Ms. Lewis' informal journal style especially appealing and reassuring, inviting this reader into an extraordinary, other-worldly sphere using familiar parlance as if describing everyday news stories.
216582
So helpful, and YES it has insider information! I felt like I was having a cup of coffee with the author, and that I was in the development room of Joy Tunes. A MUST read