04

The version I bought is 210 pages long. Normally, those who enjoy reading will find it a short read. While the chapter titles were catchy, the writing style made the book quite a challenge to read. Chapter 1 stuck with me the most, I’d say. You might feel lost reading it, especially when you don’t have context specific knowledge. I say this though in my previous job, I was exposed to mainly news on various sectors and industries in North America.

For sure, the author had given as much detail about how Airbnb began and all that. It was also nice to see some of the comments from interviews. So I’d say, if you wish to develop a certain level of business acumen, you can go ahead and get this book. Oh well, maybe there will be an updated version one day, given that this edition was published in 2018. But of course, to read it now as you are constantly advised to exercise caution whenever you’re out and about, definitely gives you a different perspective. The travel and “home-sharing” industries especially have been impacted in ways never thought of before.

The other thing is that I wish I discovered online shopping earlier so I didn’t have to get it from one of those chain bookstores that sold it at MYR64 the year I bought it.

Current Google executive Leigh Gallagher was formerly senior editor at a well-known business magazine.