There was a big expectation for Steve Jobs biography and we knew it would sell well. I couldn’t wait for the release date to get my copy. I also got the audiobook version and ended up listening to the last chapters in between my various daily tasks. Throughout the book Steve is the bright star and I would say Isaacson managed to capture his life pretty well. The biography makes it a fascinating read with tons of great stories.

It does cover a considerable amount of things, from Steve’s many accomplishments, his bold approach to life and business, the many twists and turns, wisdom learned and passed, his intelligence, abrasiveness and intuition all contribute to a very interesting read. But how well did Isaacson’s do on this project?

I think overall his work was ‘fair’ – from the positive side, Isaacson appeared to be objective whilst painting us the picture – Steve. He does in fact not only reveal Steve’s brilliant side but also his ugly one.

I would’ve been very surprised if Steve would insist on a biography only panting him on a positive light. What we the reader always  want to see in biographies are people’s personality, their humanity and reality and I honestly think Isaacson managed to bring that out in the book.

The disappointing part for me, however, is the fact of how much time Isaacson spent re-telling much of what is already out there. I knew a fair bit of what Steve had achieved from reading articles about him on Wired, Times and many other online resources. His business strategies, his wilderness experience, being kicked out of Apple, his general dealings and philosophies, also off course the products he helped design and cleverly market. I found it a little disappointing the fact that it led me at times to think I was getting second hand information. But once again, a positive thing I’ve noticed is that there are not contradictions in his revealing – all very truthfully told.

Having got most of the negatives out of the way, I believe, Isaacson does give a fair amount of novel insight into Steve’s family life, relationships and younger years, which is not widely available through other channels out there.

Some interesting details are also dedicated to Steve’s Pixar years’, which I’m sure many are unaware of. Light is also shed on his relationship with colleagues and much about his personality, health and lifestyle. I think those unfamiliar with Steve and Apple might find this biography particularly enlightening about this talented, eccentric individual.

Finally, again I had a sense of Isaacson hurrying up to finish this biography. The early and mid years were well covered, but the later years were lacking on fresh insight. No much if any attention was given into Steve’s relationship with Cook, Mark Papermaster’s ousting, No reaction to Steve’s passing and the future of the now giant Apple and also more about his final days.

Some points worth mentioning from the book and lessons that Steve passes:

* We don’t have a whole lot of time in life, so lets make the most out of what we have.
* Much have been achieved by great giants, true, however, we are the ones responsible to take it even further.
* Don’t waste too much time focusing on the things you don’t do well but the few things you do very well.
* Don’t shy away from conflicts, as it can be helpful in driving things forward.
* Love the things you do and don’t do it merely for money. Money is helpful in that it is there to improve the product/service you’re offering.
* Keep always on re-inventing yourself.

Overall I found the biography very easy to read, fairly thorough, provides some insight and balanced perspective. It also shares some profound words from Steve. Reading a book about a man with this amount of intuition, energy, perfectionism and other great qualities can only add great value to ones life.

Have you read the book? What are you thoughts?

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