Steve Jobs

By: Walter Isaacson

Narrated by: Dylan Baker

Length: 25 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Great book!!!

A very in depth and well written book. Very well read. It will keep your attention the entire time.

Great Biography!

Would you listen to Steve Jobs again? Why?

Yes, extremely interesting life of an extraordinary individual.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Steve Jobs?

A lot to provide one would be unfair.

What about Dylan Baker’s performance did you like?

Equality

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

No

Story of Steve Jobs

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely -- a fascinating story -- well structured and delivered

What did you like best about this story?

Both the personal as well as the details of his life and business dealings.

Which scene was your favorite?

The saving of apple, creation of Pixar and formation of I-tunes

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

no -- way too long for that.

Any additional comments?

The audio book is a great way to get through material I would otherwise not have the time for.

Great read about an intriguing man

What made the experience of listening to Steve Jobs the most enjoyable?

The narrator was good but he had well written material to work with.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Steve Jobs?

I can't pick just one moment. Learning the behind the scenes decisions about Apple and the Mac and all of the products that have evolved over time was really interesting. And getting to know the Steve Jobs persona along the way is fascinating.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Egocentric genius!

Any additional comments?

Great book. One I will listen to again.

Best audiobook I listened

It is is a long audiobook, 25 hrs, the longest book I ever listened. First I thought, wow, does it really need that long? But once I started listening, I almost couldn’t stop. I dropped everything else I was listening and listened to this one until finished. It is no doubt the best book I listened. Part of it is because how well and interesting the book is written, and part of it how legendary and magnificent life genius Steve Jobs lived. A beautifully written and highly recommended book!!!

A true masterpiece

This entire production was an amazing read. I am not a big biography or tech type of reader, however, Isaacson did an amazing job of capturing the life of a person that I was only vaguely aware of in the media. I don’t think I would have liked Jobs much in life, however, I was choked up for the last two chapters of the book. It gives a lot to reflect upon and provides an incredible amount of insight to the life of Jobs and those around him. Such an incredible book!!!!

A book everyone should read

You feel connected to Steve Jobs by the end of this. There were points in the first 12 hours where it feels long, but essential to know and understand Jobs. At the end, it hits you all at once the impact of this man. A read everyone should consider

Excellent

I thought I knew him from all the bits and pieces of growing up in his time. Wow - all the details and reasons that Apple products fill a need we didn’t know we had.
I now have true admiration and respect for Jobs.
Wonderfully written and read. Plus getting my money worth with 25 hours of Audible.

Amazon book

Great to listen to makes you want to change the world and think different. He was truly gifted

Exquisite. Nuanced. Breathtaking

This biography does an incredible job of showing a balanced look at an imperfect man who changed the world. Steve Jobs was a forceful presence who forever changed the lives of those around him, and not always for the better. The research Walter Isaacson put into this book is remarkable and provides countless glimpses into his life, both through his (Steve's) own words and through the words of those he worked with. The narrator is delightful and pleasant to listen to.