Mona Lisa Overdrive

Amazon.com

Into the cyber-hip world of William Gibson comes Mona, a young girl with a murky past and an uncertain future whose life is on a collision course with internationally famous Sense/Net star Angie Mitchell. Since childhood, Angie has been able to tap into cyberspace without a computer. Now, from inside cyberspace, a kidnapping plot is masterminded by a phantom entity who has plans for Mona, Angie, and all humanity, plans that cannot be controlled...or even known. And behind the intrigue lurks the shadowy Yakuza, the powerful Japanese underworld, whose leaders ruthlessly manipulate people and events to suit their own purposes.

An over-the-top thrill ride sequel to Neuromancer and Count Zero.

Book Description

William Gibson, author of the extraordinary multiaward-winning novel Neuromancer, has written his most brilliant and thrilling work to date . . .The Mona Lisa Overdrive. Enter Gibson's unique world--lyric and mechanical, erotic and violent, sobering and exciting--where multinational corporations and high tech outlaws vie for power, traveling into the computer-generated universe known as cyberspace. Into this world comes Mona, a young girl with a murky past and an uncertain future whose life is on a collision course with internationally famous Sense/Net star Angie Mitchell. Since childhood, Angie has been able to tap into cyberspace without a computer. Now, from inside cyberspace, a kidnapping plot is masterminded by a phantom entity who has plans for Mona, Angie, and all humanity, plans that cannot be controlled . . . or even known. And behind the intrigue lurks the shadowy Yazuka, the powerful Japanese underworld, whose leaders ruthlessly manipulate people and events to suit their own purposes . . . or so they think.

Customer Reviews:

Probably my favorite Gibson.......2007-09-15

This is probably my favorite Gibson. I feel it to have his strongest character development, which is something that has never been his strong point. This is was his peak before he did the awful Virtual Light.

Razor girl shines.......2007-09-14

This novel along with neuromancer allows sally shears aka molly to shine. In this novel she plays a more supporting role than in neuromancer but still manages to grab you every time she appears. This novel adds much needed background to the sprawl. A read well worth any Gibson fans time. Think of that..Gideon's Fall: When You Dont Have a Prayer, Only a Miracle Will Do

SF NOIR...POETIC DREAMSCAPES OF A DISTOPIC FUTURE...(Part 3).......2007-05-22

I have read this masterpiece (together with the other two of the Sprawl series: NEUROMANCER and COUNT ZERO) during my university years, about a decade ago. Since then I have re-read it countless times.

Many a times the third book of a trilogy is published only to fulfill contractual obligations: this is definitely NOT the case here. Every one of those three is a standalone masterpiece.
Sure, the Sprawl trilogy defined cyberspace, wireheads, zaibatsu-controlled society and futuristic discontent. But this is not the reason why one enjoys these novels so much. It is the beautiful poetic language. The syncopated phrases. The direct effect of verbalized brand names. The noir feeling, rare at the time in a SF novel.

Wlliam Gibson had already reaped the fame and fortune from his first two novels. In this one you will find his images more bold, his phrases more relaxed and his writing more tight. Absolutely Beautiful!

Even reading only some pages brings up powerful imagery, unforgettable prose...

Start with NEUROMANCER. Then COUNT ZERO. And finally this one.
A Masterpiece Trilogy!!! Own them all!!!

Better and better.......2006-06-20

Ok, here's the thing, I had always meant to read the whole Gibson trilogy in order. Year after year I planned to set aside some time and do it right. I just never got around to it. So, on some recent travels I was out of things to read and saw a weathered copy of Mona Lisa Overdrive in the $2 book bin. I consider it two bucks very well spent.

Keeping in mind that I was laboring through a steep but enjoyable learning curve for the first third of the book, I found Mona Lisa Overdrive difficult to immerse myself in early, but better and better as it went on. By the end, I was cursing myself for not starting at the beginning of the trilogy. Perhaps if I had, the resolutions to some characters' stories would have been even more fulfilling.

Despite that, this was still a great sci-fi book. Four stars for now, and I might upgrade that once I do my homework and read the other two books.

Tough to Review.......2005-10-30

Compared to almost every other book around, this is a wonderful read. Compared to Neuromancer, however, it's a bit of a letdown.

It's funny. The writing itself is better in this book. The characters are more rounded and Gibson is a lot more assured when it comes to pace and descripions. But as technically brilliant he's become, he wrote a check with the first novel that the next two sequels couldn't cash. Mona Lisa Overdrive lacks a certain amount of passion and though he was something of a cypher, it doesn't have a character as powerful as Case. Even Molly, who makes a reappearance here, came across as a shadow of her previous self.

Still, if you like Neuromancer and Count Zero, this is a pretty good conclusion to the trilogy.

Average customer rating:

An excellent compendium of advanced tips, marred by unclear writing and poor editing
Reasons 3.0 (the next frontier)

Reason 3 Overdrive!: Expert Quick Tips
Christopher Lee Martin
Manufacturer: Thomson Course Technology
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1592006590

Book Description

Geared toward advanced users of Reason, this book offers succinct chunks of guru-level advice. Reason, Propellerhead's flagship music application, is used to emulate audio hardware such as samplers, analog synths, mixers, drum machines, effects and a real-time multi-track sequencer. It is very well respected within the music community and appeals to a large audience as both a Windows- and Mac-compatible application. The tips, presented in bite-size chunks, bring readers to the next level and enable them to hone their skills on various functions within the application. Written to simply provide readers with helpful hints along the way, each tip is covered in a maximum of two pages. It is one of the very first, if not the first, advanced-level Reason books available. Additionally, Reason X Overdrive! provides much desired high-level content to complement the highly successful and best-selling Reason 2.5 Ignite! and Reason 2.5 Power!

Customer Reviews:

An excellent compendium of advanced tips, marred by unclear writing and poor editing.......2006-09-03

This book contains a wealth of great tips and examples for using Reason's devices in new and unexpected ways. The book attempts to be a quick reference work, and is organized around the various parts of the Reason program (e.g., "Sequencer", "Lesser Effects Tricks", etc.). As a quick reference, however, it doesn't quite fit the bill, as it's much too specialized. A reader is better off skimming through the entire book, and then returning to it when a particular track suggests the use of one of the author's ideas.

The real problem here, however, is the writing and editing. While the tips in a work like this should be advanced, there's no reason for the language to be difficult as well. The author occasionally fails to connect the dots, and you'll find yourself reading and rereading a few sentences to try to figure out what he's talking about. Fortunately, usually one can tease out what he means from context, but it's still frustrating. At least equal blame must be laid upon the editor, however, who seems to have limited him- or herself to correcting spelling and punctuation. Reason 3 Power! (the "intermediate" level book in this series) was much better written and edited, and consequently much easier to follow. It's unfortunate that the same care wasn't taken here because the ideas presented certainly deserve it.

Reasons 3.0 (the next frontier).......2005-08-29

After trying Cubase, and a few other music programs, I decided to try Reasons (2.5). First thing I noticed was the almost retro-style controls, drum machine (Redrum) etc, and I fell in love. Pretty soon I could not get enough info about Reasons, and all the things that it could do. Scouring the web for info, I even went as far as joining numerous Reasons User groups. I bought a few books which turned my head around.

Then low and behold Propellerheads decides to make a 3.0 version. Ok, so now I think, Propellerheads is going to put out a super-duper new and inproved Reasons. Which they did, but one thing that I like about the Propellerheads company, is that they don't take away something just to do that and say that you don't need it! YOU HEAR THAT APPLE COMPUTER, YOU MIGHT WANT TO TAKE SOME IDEAS FROM PROPELLERHEADS!! Every module thats been in Reasons 1.0 is still in the 3.0. plus more!! Sorry to go off on a tangent!! Anyway now I want to get some books on all the new features and this book showed up months before it was released!! I pre-ordered it knowing the reputation of Thompson Course Technolgy. I have Reasons "Ignite" and "Power" in that order. The 3rd book in that series is Reason 3 Overdrive. Its not for the feint of heart and people under doctor supervision!! There's are lots and lots of things to try and different ideas that you would not think that Reasons can do.
One of my favorites is "Turntablist" (pages 49-50) & Super Turnablist (pages 202-203).
Don't get me wrong, I'm a little too old (51 y/o) to be scratching with the best of them, but it is a cool idea just in case you need it for composition purposes!!! The book is a no nonsense book that takes you through the paces and even tells you what Reasons can't do and even has ways to get around it. To wrap this up, I would strongly suggest that if you are a new Reasons user and with no prior knowledge, to buy "Ignite" if you have some knowledge then "Power" but if you are bold & daring enough, then Overdrive is the best one for you!!

Women in Overdrive: Find Balance and Overcome Burnout at Any Age

Average customer rating:

Women seeking balance need to read this book!
Mother and teacher finds inspiration from Isaacs
Excellent, constructive, illuminating book.
Wonderful book!
all women should read this book!

Women in Overdrive: Find Balance and Overcome Burnout at Any Age
Nora Isaacs
Manufacturer: Seal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Overdrive is a common physical and emotional state for women at various stages of their life — whether they're in their 20s and starting a career, in their 30s and 40s trying to balance growing a family with work, or in their 50s and 60s caring for elderly parents, and seeking simplification as they age.
Women in Overdrive takes a comprehensive look at the busy culture we live in and examines the ways in which women are not encouraged to relax or take time for themselves. Nora Isaacs identifies ways in which women of all ages can avoid the most common roads to burnout and offers suggestions for creating balance and simplifying even the busiest set of circumstances.
A Gen Xer, Isaacs took her inspiration from her mother. She looked around and saw that women, though aging well, were not slowing down one bit. She started talking to women her age, her mother's age, and women in between. Ultimately, Isaacs shows women how to take care of themselves so that they'll remain active and take advantage of their body's natural resources, no matter what their age.

Customer Reviews:

Women seeking balance need to read this book!.......2007-01-25

Isaacs thoughtful, empowering, thorough overview on how to feel more balanced is a jewel. I rarely read a book cover to cover, this one, I did! I love how she addresses core issues we all face as we move through our 20s,30s, 40s and beyond. Her gentle guidance illuminates so many areas many of us are still "in the dark" about when it comes to enhancing emotional and physical well-being. Just reading her book made me feel like I was on my path to a more healthy, slower existence. Loved this book!

Mother and teacher finds inspiration from Isaacs.......2006-12-31

As a mother of an 18 month old and a middle school teacher, I find myself in what Isaacs calls "overdrive" much of the time. I have often received the suggestion that I should "slow down" but without many practical suggestions of exactly how I can do this. I have gotten ideas from Isaacs about what to do today...and what I might strive for when I am ready to make bigger changes. I also really appreciate how she recognizes that the reason so many of us are in overdrive is because we have lots of things feel drawn to do, participate in, etc. and that making changes means letting go of some things that may seem very important to you. I have given this book to three of my friends since I think it is has such an important message.

Excellent, constructive, illuminating book........2006-11-21

This is an excellent book full of surprising information that gives an overview on the current life situation of women in our society. The author has a wonderful way with words and writes beautifully so it's easy reading. Construcive ideas and practical suggestions are given to help anyone reduce their stress levels and care more lovingly for themselves. The author shares her own journey to finding balance in today's confusing array of alternative approaches to health. I enjoyed reading this book very much and highly recommend it.

Wonderful book! .......2006-11-17

I recently graduated college and started my career. With all of the adjustments and "so much to do, with so little time" i often forget to take a moment for myself. This book was so helpful in finding ways to do just that. I am so thankful that I found this book now, at the beginning of a potential life in overdrive, so that I can be aware and practice her techniques in order to stay out of overdrive in the future. Thanks, Nora, for writing such a wonderful book. I'll definitely be giving this book to the women in my life this Christmas!

all women should read this book! .......2006-11-16

With lots of personal stories that help you get to know Nora Isaacs, the author of Women in Overdrive, this book is an easy read that's packed full of understanding for the plight of our stressed-out lives in modern-day society. Not only does Isaacs remind us of the day-to-day circumstances that lead to the state she calls "overdrive", she helps us appreciate what is going on in our bodies biologically and gives us helpful suggestions to calm the crazy cycle. What I liked best is that she talks about the simple things you can do every day, not just the big things that seem overwhelming and impossible to start. If you want to read a thoughtful, entertaining and well-written book about how to make your life better, I recommend you pick up a copy like I did; the book has definitely made a difference in my life and I plan to get it for lots of women in my life who would appreciate it, too.

Pro Tools 7 Overdrive!: Expert Quick Tips

Average customer rating:

Pro Tools 7 Overdrive!: Expert Quick Tips

Manufacturer: Thomson Course Technology
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1598630083

Book Description

Aimed at experienced users of the Pro Tools application, Pro Tools Overdrive! offers concise chunks of guru-level advice on the latest version of the Pro Tools application.

Bride in Overdrive: A Journey into Wedding Insanity and Back

Average customer rating:

Not reccomended.
good writing, bad behavior
Good book to read if you are a self centered bridezilla
Sweet, funny and great comic relief.
a bride definitely in overdrive

Bride in Overdrive: A Journey into Wedding Insanity and Back
Jorie Green Mark
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0312323395

Book Description

Jorie Green was a practical, level-headed graduate student when she got engaged to Barry Mark. But something happened once she had that sparkly ring on her finger: she went a little insane. Bride in Overdrive is a comic, quirky memoir of one bride-to-be's wedding planning adventures, by the popular Wedding-Channel.com columnist. While humorously exploring Jorie's obsessive concern over trivial wedding details, Bride in Overdrive also celebrates the excitement of one of the most important rites of passage in our culture, and the fears and joys that come to the surface as the big day approaches. The bride's adventures include: -The proposal and waiting for it -How to register without calling off the engagement -Life-altering decisions such as whether to order the invitations in cream, off-white, alabaster, or ivory -Succeeding on the 'slightly less painful than sawing yourself in half wedding dress diet' -Pondering how to tactfully request that Hollywood stand-ins be hired to replace eccentric members of the bridal party. It's a book that any bride who's given serious thought to what kind of underpants she should wear when she takes that march down the aisle will want to read at least once.

Customer Reviews:

Not reccomended........2006-08-05

The author focuses not on marriage and the beauty of what she was going to experience, but on all the minor details that she became obsessed and irrationally focused upon.
Some humorous moments, but overall, not the best reading when you're preparing for marriage.

good writing, bad behavior.......2005-07-22

I am a fan of the author's writing for [...], and her writing style is very good. "Bride in Overdrive" is well written and tends to be humorous, but I cannot say that I enjoyed it. I understand that the author is writing from her personal experiences, and that many brides get carried away in all the planning, but reading about her whiny, bratty, and self-important antics made me extremely angry. The book seems like more of a pat on the back for "bridezillas" instead of an attempt to laugh at the lengths brides will go to for a "once in a lifetime" event. The entire book seems like the author's attempt to justify the bad behavior she exhibited during her own wedding planning.

Good book to read if you are a self centered bridezilla.......2005-06-18

that only cares to fit into a size 4 dress. This book was annoying to read and had very little humor. I wouldn't recommend it to my worst enemy.

Sweet, funny and great comic relief........2005-03-30

As a bride myself, I loved this book. It was nice to see that what I was going through was somethign everyone else was going through.
Loved this book, I highly reccommend it, you'll get great laughs out of it.

a bride definitely in overdrive.......2004-12-15

Bride in Overdrive is a diary of author Jorie Green Mark's Path toward Marriage. The reader gets to learn her inner-most thoughts and share her encounters with pre-marital brattiness. Her anticipation for the worst case scenario is combined with comedic overtones. It is not just herself trying to plan a marvelous wedding. Her story includes her best friends and extended family members and also an extraordinarily wonderful future mother and father- in- law. All contribute to fulfill her most lovely wedding day. The author does seem to possess a conceitedness about getting her own way - which at times she unabashedly admits.

Overdrive (Orca Soundings) (Orca Soundings)

Average customer rating:

Overdrive

Overdrive (Orca Soundings) (Orca Soundings)
Eric Walters
Manufacturer: Orca Book Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1551433184
Release Date: 2004-03-01

Book Description

When a street race goes terribly wrong, Jake must make some tough choices. (RL2.8)

Customer Reviews:

Overdrive.......2005-10-05

Overdrive by Eric Walters is a book about two high school students who just got their drivers license, and they borrow their big brother's car. In this book they do outrageous things in the car. They also do outrageous things while they're out of the car. For example, they stop by a curb to talk to two gorgeous girls and later show off they're beat up borrowed car at a place where all the cool cars go. Nobody was impressed, but if you just got your drivers license what would you do with it?
I recommend this book for readers 12&up. The book Overdrive had a lot of action, excitement, and dialogue and it made me just keep on reading. I thought he did awesome writing this book. I recommend some of his other books as well.

Time in Overdrive (Cadillacs & Dinosaurs Saga, No 3)

Average customer rating:

Time in Overdrive (Cadillacs & Dinosaurs Saga, No 3)
Mark Schultz
Manufacturer: Kitchen Sink Pr (Nrt)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Cartooning | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

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Cadillacs and Dinosaurs

ASIN: 0878162135

Average customer rating:

Murders and Inquisitions
Excellent historical review and analysis.
Mergers and acquisitions, acquisitions and mergers!
A good analysis of FP Healthcare...Columbia will be back

Columbia/Hca: Healthcare on Overdrive
Sandy Lutz , and E. Preston Gee
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Publishing Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Company Profiles | Biography & History | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

Throughout the year, no other business has undergone such media scrutiny and captured public attention as Columbia/HCA. With extensive coverage ranging from the government's wide-spread investigation to the dramatic ouster of the firm's hard-charging young founder, Rick Scott, Columbia/HCA's saga has become the corporate news story of the nineties. Columbia/HCA-Healthcare on Overdrive is the compelling account of this healthcare colossus, arguably the nation's most publicized business and a firm that has gone from relative obscurity to the peak of notoriety. Columbia/HCA chronicles the mercurial rise of Columbia-a company that started with a $250,000 investment and little more than a decade later had a market value of over $20 billion, was the nation's seventh largest employer and remains the world's largest healthcare system. In building the juggernaut, the firm's executives challenged the venerable world of American healthcare, pushing the envelope-perhaps too hard and too fast.

Yet the story of Columbia is about more than one firm or one man. In actuality, Columbia/HCA is a conglomerate of several successful for-profit hospital chains-the history and philosophy of which are thoroughly described in this timely book. Columbia/HCA traces the genesis of for-profit hospital chains and profiles the visionaries who championed the for-profit concept, amassing personal fortunes and making believers of myriad investors. The book is filled with anecdotes and milestones that provide a backdrop against which to better understand the recent events surrounding the embattled Columbia/HCA.

Columbia/HCA is rich in detail, yet highly readable, written in a style that is fast-paced and conversational. The authors have extensive knowledge of the subject matter, as well as considerable writing experience.

Customer Reviews:

Murders and Inquisitions.......2000-06-13

The book is actually a farce--one of the authors is currently employed by Columbia (at least that's what I gathered from the credits), the other seems to be your typical middle-management consultant. So much for unabiased analysis. NOWHERE does any one discuss the government case against Columbia/HCA. The FBI raids are mentioned but there is no discussion whatsoever about what precipitated them, what evidence was found, and what the governments case ultimately proved to be.

One great line does stand out: "If anything can cast a pall over a leadership retreat, it's an FBI raid."

The book does point out a glaring omision in analysis of health care policy. There needs to be an indepth analysis of what went on (and is going on) with Columbia/HCA. This book, however, is not it.

Excellent historical review and analysis........1998-12-18

Lutz did a fine job encapsulating the meteoric rise and subsequent fraud investigation of the monolithic Columbia/HCA. A well balanced, ammoral perspective on the Richard Scott and Tom Frist philosophy that gives the latter '90's health care administrator a thought provoking benchmark of where the "for profit" model took us, and how it will influence our decisions tomorrow. Enjoyable read, the chapters on Lessons Learned and Implications most worthwhile.

Mergers and acquisitions, acquisitions and mergers!.......1998-12-10

If you can get through all the pages of mergers and acquisitions, the book does a very through job of explaining Columbia/HCA's corporate philosophies and what happened that led to their downfall.

A good analysis of FP Healthcare...Columbia will be back.......1998-04-14

The historical analysis of the FP HC industry was indeed exhaustive...The presentation of Rick Scott was very balanced...Reading it made me question why Frisk and the board didn't act sooner...Obviously they believed...if it ain't broke ($$$)..don't fix it...Good Job

Average customer rating:

Pro Tools 6 Overdrive!
Matt Donner
Manufacturer: Thomson Course Technology
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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The Complete Pro Tools Shortcuts

ASIN: 1592006256

Book Description

Aimed at experienced users of the Pro Tools program, Pro Tools 6 Overdrive! offers concise chunks of guru-level advice on the Pro Tools application. A complex software program with applications in disparate professional contexts, Pro Tools is by far the most popular music technology application on the market today, setting many standards over the years for the "non-linear" digital audio production community. Pro Tools 6 Overdrive! cuts to the chase and provides power tip after power tip, gleaned from the author's experience as a Pro Tools power user. The book's nonlinear format means that readers don't have to sit down and read it from beginning to end in order to benefit from it. Instead, they can pull useful tips and techniques from any chapter and immediately apply them to their work.

Overdrive: Bill Gates and the Race to Control Cyberspace

Average customer rating:

The author is very confused, a serious rip off
Didn't really meet expectations
Have to read this book to know more about Bill Gates.
Have to read this book to know more about Bill Gates.
Actually In Park

Overdrive: Bill Gates and the Race to Control Cyberspace
James Wallace
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471180416

Amazon.com

While Microsoft was occupied with the largest, most expensive consumer marketing effort in history, the launch of Windows 95, Netscape was equally busy capturing the Web browser market. By mid-1995 it looked as if Bill Gates and company had missed the paradigm shift created by the Internet, and many pundits doubted Microsoft could recover. Meanwhile, the Justice Department was aggressively investigating claims of unfair practices levied by Microsoft's competitors. Suddenly the company found itself in the unfamiliar role of lumbering corporate giant--and underdog. James Wallace's Overdrive, his sequel to Hard Drive, is the story of Microsoft's response to this challenge. A veteran investigative reporter, the author paints a vivid portrait of Gates's determination and competitive ferocity, with a host of revealing anecdotes and details as backdrop. The battle for control of cyberspace is far from over, but Microsoft is clearly not to be trifled with. The tale of how the company repositioned itself in the race makes for fascinating reading.

Customer Reviews:

The author is very confused, a serious rip off.......2005-08-21

He's confused because he's stuck between Harddrive and his interviews with Philip Kahn of Borland.

Out of 293 pages, the topic at hand only started on page 193. Even so, he managed to squeeze even more items about the lawsuits and anti trust struggles that Microsoft had. (Not to mention no value add items about email hoax and Gates' sojourn into buying expensive Da Vinci artifacts)

The earlier chapters were all rehash of Harddrive(short history) and anti trust battles as well as notes from his Philip Kahn interviews. So expect alot of talk about Borland, Novell, Stacker tech and Wordperfect.

Only passingly did he mention about Marc Anderssen and Microsoft's challenges in developing the internet.

Thankfully, I bought it off a second hand bookshop.

Didn't really meet expectations.......2003-10-02

I read Hard Drive and like it a lot. I work with computers and I am very interested in the whole history of how things developed and how MS managed to stay on top. I liked this book, but I have to give it 3 starts because it really didn't keep me interested a whole lot. The part about Netscape and how MS almost totally missed the Internet was great. What is most amazing to me is how they turned it around and blew everybody away, which is not easy task for a company that size. Although the litigation against MS should be mentioned because it's part of the history of the company, the chapters about the lawsuits were way too long and boring. I can imagine that a lot of people gave up reading it after chapter 2, with so many names thrown around. Maybe if I were a lawyer I would've enjoyed more. I would read another book by the author as he did a good job on the research, perhaps in a few years it's going to be about how MS dominated the Internet. Hopefully, it'll be more focused on that subject.

Have to read this book to know more about Bill Gates........2003-08-10

This is one of the best written books out there on Bill Gates and the reason seems to be the journalistic background of the author that is so well suited for this kind of biographical account. The book has numerous real life stories of not just Gates but other legends as well like Marc Andreessen. Like me, you may also find that it is hard to put this book down once you pick it up and start reading it (almost on any page, any chapter).

If you are in the Information Technology field, you will no doubt thoroughly enjoy this book but it isn't written just for someone knowledgeable in computers. Almost anyone can read this book with little difficulty as the focus is not on technology terms but on the lives behind the technology and the Internet revolution. After reading this book, you will definitely catch up on the events of the last 15 years or so that have changed the world into one filled with computers and the Internet everywhere.

The paper used in the hard cover edition of this book feels strange to the touch and is not the normal paper you would find in most books. It feels more like cheap paper with a strange white color and the font used throughout looks like one of the generic fonts from the eighties. This alone discouraged me from reading this book for the first few months after I had bought it. But when I finally decided to read it, I instantly moved it to the top of my reading list.

If you are a budding entrepreneur wanting to topple Bill Gates' empire with some revolutionary idea that you are building in your garage or apartment, you HAVE to read this book. It is inspirational as it gets the hair on the back of your neck to stand up for most of the book and it gives you raw data to analyze and strategize how to succeed in this highly competitive market place.

The same author also wrote `Hard Drive' which was a best seller prior to `Overdrive' and I plan on reading `Hard Drive' next as I am so impressed by `Overdrive'. The thing that really got me hooked on this book is the author's writing style where he keeps your attention the WHOLE time. He does it by hooking into your emotions as evidenced by his account of Bill Gates' visit to Orlando, Florida in 1993 where he gets stuck in a traffic jam. As the author reveals the cause of the traffic jam (everyone from around 100 miles all going to the Sheraton hotel to listen to Bill Gates talk) you can't help but chuckle at the hilarious situation Bill is in (since he is the cause). The book is full of several such accounts where you can't stop reading!

Working on a startup company myself, I was looking around for biographical books on successful entrepreneurs to get some ideas and informaiton that I can analyze for myself and find some patterns. I then came across a few books focused on Bill Gates (this being the best) all of which I purchased immediately. I have not been disappointed. This book is headed for my long term collection. I hope that you too enjoy this book!

Have to read this book to know more about Bill Gates........2003-08-10

Actually In Park.......2002-08-14

Gossipy, disorganized and poorly written anti-Gates screed. This book is so badly written it's hard to get through it, even for someone who is a knee jerk hater of Chairman Bill (like, well, me). The author meanders about, jumping from topic to topic like a kangaroo, leaving the reader at first dazed and confused, but finally bored and annoyed. Worse, he spends an inordinate amount of time discussing Gates personal life, from the chairman's alleged over attachment to his mother to the birth of his kids. Excuse me, but I'm interested in the business end of Gates' life, I don't care if he wants his mommy. Wallace spends an entire chapter gushing about Gates' Hawaiian wedding and how exclusive and elaborate it was. Doubtless Wallace is envious, I was bored. The anti-trust battles are poorly explained, at best, why did Bingaman refuse to prosecute chairman bill? We can only guess. This book has little to recommend it, although Judge Sporkin thought highly of the prequol, HARD DRIVE. I never read it, and after reading this disjointed mess I don't think I will.

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