Anyone read the Steve Jobs biography by Walter Isaacson?

[Anonymous]

Is it appropriate to give as a gift to a 14 year old who's into reading about technology?

[jsteele]

Only if the individual is a huge Apple fan.

Edit: There are parts devoted to his recreational drug use and relationships with women to which some parents might not want 14 year olds exposed. Personally, I wouldn't be concerned (though the relationship stuff would likely be boring).

[Anonymous]

Have not read it so no advice about the biography. I think Jobs was more of the creative, marketing and business guy at Apple, not the tech guy. What kind of technology does he like to read?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have not read it so no advice about the biography. I think Jobs was more of the creative, marketing and business guy at Apple, not the tech guy. What kind of technology does he like to read?

Thanks for the feedback!

They're visiting from London, so I wanted to get him a small gift. His mom said he likes to read about technology. I have no idea what one who likes to read about technology would read.

Any other book suggestions? I couldn't tell what sex/violence/drug use would be in a book. I doubt his mom would care, but since I don't know him very well, I don't want to give something inappropriate.

[Anonymous]

There is some interesting tech stuff especially with Wozniak in the beginning. As a techie, my favorite book was Microserfs by Douglas Coupland - it really captured the Microsoft environment and the beginning of tech geekiness.

[Anonymous]

No specific title but how about a book about American inventions and inventors?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is some interesting tech stuff especially with Wozniak in the beginning. As a techie, my favorite book was Microserfs by Douglas Coupland - it really captured the Microsoft environment and the beginning of tech geekiness.

Would this be ok for an early high schooler? Sounds interesting!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is some interesting tech stuff especially with Wozniak in the beginning. As a techie, my favorite book was Microserfs by Douglas Coupland - it really captured the Microsoft environment and the beginning of tech geekiness.

Would this be ok for an early high schooler? Sounds interesting!

No drugs or violence. Though there is definitely talk of sex but it is pretty benign. Mostly the story evolves as a group of friends escape their bland, work-obsessed lives to build real lives starting their own company. No graphic descrptions - just the mention. The thing that might be the most offputting is humorous scene where a few female coders talk about how rare they are and the discrimination that no tampons are sold in the local geek/tech store. As a female coder I did like that. Google a description of the book. I would be fine with my high schooler reading it.

It really has fascinating anecdotes about the beginnings of Windows, Xerox Parc and the initial failures of Apple. For a geek, it's fun.

[Anonymous]

I second Microserfs!
Gosh, haven't read that in ages - must get it out of the library, thanks PP.

It's much more accessible and tech-oriented than the Steve Jobs biography, which I really liked as well, but then I love all things Apple. The biography was much more about what, in Steve's personality, made him the genius salesman with enough technological acumen to create and save Apple, Pixar, etc.

[Anonymous]

I liked it. It's long. If the 14 is REALLY into technology, it could be good.

[Anonymous]

It's a good read, but it is long. I think a mature 14 year old could handle it,

[Anonymous]

it was interesting and fine for a 14 year old. I found it really lacking any emotional depth though. The author had full access to JObs and never questioned him on the "why" of his often times god awful social behavior (including not acknoledging his daughter for years, cutting out previous friends from his life etc).

[Anonymous]

jsteele wrote:Only if the individual is a huge Apple fan.

Edit: There are parts devoted to his recreational drug use and relationships with women to which some parents might not want 14 year olds exposed. Personally, I wouldn't be concerned (though the relationship stuff would likely be boring).

OK, I'm liking you more and more Jeff. .