The Google Story

Inside the Hottest Business, Media, and Technology Success of Our Time

By: David A. Vise, Mark Malseed

Narrated by: Stephen Hoye

Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Here is the story behind one of the most remarkable Internet successes of our time. Based on scrupulous research and extraordinary access to Google, the book takes you inside the creation and growth of a company whose name is a favorite brand and a standard verb recognized around the world. Its stock is worth more than General Motors’ and Ford’s combined, its staff eats for free in a dining room that used to be run by the Grateful Dead’s former chef, and its employees traverse the firm’s colorful Silicon Valley campus on scooters and inline skates.

The Google Story is the definitive account of the populist media company powered by the world’s most advanced technology that in a few short years has revolutionized access to information about everything for everybody everywhere.

In 1998, Moscow-born Sergey Brin and Midwest-born Larry Page dropped out of graduate school at Stanford University to, in their own words, “change the world” through a search engine that would organize every bit of information on the Web for free.

While the company has done exactly that in more than 100 languages, Google’s quest continues as it seeks to add millions of library books, television broadcasts, and more to its searchable database. Listeners will learn about the amazing business acumen and computer wizardry that started the company on its astonishing course; the secret network of computers delivering lightning-fast search results; the unorthodox approach that has enabled it to challenge Microsoft’s dominance and shake up Wall Street.

Even as it rides high, Google wrestles with difficult choices that will enable it to continue expanding while sustaining the guiding vision of its founders’ mantra: DO NO EVIL.

©2005 David A. Vise (P)2005 Books on Tape, Inc.

An Excellent Read

Definately worth a read. The biggest lesson I have walked away with from this book is the power and value of synergistic partnerships.

All in all a very inspirational book.

Bastante bueno. pero ya tiene más de 12 años...

este libro muy interesante para comprender los orígenes de esta empresa. Lo único malo es que llega Solamente hasta el año 2005 Qué es el año en que se publicó este libro.

Chapter misalignment

The chapter titles in the audio book do not reflect the chapters in the book. They’re off and not easy to find.

Good from start to finish

I enjoyed every minute of this book from start to finish. It offers an interesting perspective into Google on both a business and personal side. I've used Google many times without ever giving any consideration into the origin of the website, how it operates or it's long range business plan. This book offers a unique insight into the personal and business sides of it's founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page. And provides many interesting behind the scenes details, that hold your interest throughout the entire book. This was my 4th Audible book, and was my best so far.

Excellent insider info

A wonderful inspiring story about two Jewish boys, born at opposite ends of the earth, educated in Montessori schools and grew up to be the most influential business and technology leaders of the early 21st Century.Really enjoyed hearing about Larry and Sergei's perseverance in achieving their objectives.

One Sided.....

Book has plenty of facts but falls short as a biography.... seems the Google guys never took a wrong turn and all of the oddball things they tried out made them superhuman... "Never since Guttenberg..." Please... The Narrator doesn't help either.

Interesting but a bit too sweet

An interesting book but it is a pretty sweet pro-google story. If you have a critical mind, no problem there. I really suggest the abridged version, though. Well narrated.

very good

loved the book it was like listening to a movie of innovation, guts and loyalty

Must read for computer geeks of the world

I work as a computer consultant and knew some of the google story, but these fascinating insights are truly inspirational to us computer geeks of the world. Great insights into the business behind the computer industry and how staying true to your dreams can pay off.

Good Story, OK Writer, Bad Narration

The Google Story is a great story to know and definitely worth listening to, but don't expect the best as far as writing style or narration.

The writer often switches back-and-forth between Larry and Sergey's first and last names making parts of the story a little hard to follow (as to who's doing what) until you get used to their names. The author also paints a relatively one-sided picture which is heavily Google, Larry and Sergey friendly.

Also, the narrator over-dramatizes everything which makes the story a little annoying to listen to.

Other than the above drawbacks, the overall story is excellent.