The Google Story: Inside the Hottest Business, Media, and Technology Success of Our Time

This is not the kind of book which will describe how their technology works in detail. Anyone who expects to read about it on the book, certainly will be disappointed, although a brief explanation is given. This is good material for those to are willing to understand what was the idea behind Google, their founders background and how the company came to be what it is these days.It is interesting to see how a simple concept became one of the most admired Internet companies ever. Google, in the very beginning, was not intended to be a money maker, but just an engine which intended to help people find what they were looking for over the Internet. The book approaches the coming of corporate interest, the placement of the Google Ad-Sense concept (ads which are paid by click and not by print) and the other products that came later.In brief: this is a biography which is directed to people who admire the search engine they often use and want to know more about its story.

Obviously this book does not cover the entire story of Google in depth, but it does provide a look into the company from the time the founders were students in graduate school until the time when the book was published.Covered are such material as how the company got it's financing, how the founders insisted in staying true to their dream, how the company operates and how it is challenging the big M for dominance in the world of technology companies.I completely enjoyed the book. It contained enough information to make the read interesting while keeping the technical jargon and in depth computer material to the minimum necessary for the story. This would be a good book for a high school or college library and makes an interesting study of how a company can be different and still very successful.

I almost finished reading this book -- I lost interest toward the very end. It provides a lot of insight into the events and timing that lead to Google's success. One of the best takeaways: a little section that tells you all the things you can do on [...]. Like you can enter calculations (e.g., 243x2=) into the search bar and get an answer!

This is a fascinating insight into the genius, perservance, risk taking, teamsmanship and commitment of the founders of Google.Like a lot of people, Google is my search engine of choice and also my home page. Through reading the book, I have learned a lot about what else Google offers and how it can help in your life. I now have a google account, gmail, and use Google talk.My only comment is that it does tend to feel like a lot like a Google advertisement. But I guess these guys deserve it.

A fascinating read of the first 10 years of Google. The book introduces you to all the famous faces of Google. The only down side of this book is not introducing some of the other major faces of Google. Can be a little to praise worthy of Google at times.

For a non-computer type, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and learning about Google. Easy to read, and gives a great historical perspective about the birth of the company. Have recommended this book to several friends.

good read

Interesting story. Book was in great condition.

Great book, highly recommended to business fans, especially students that are aspiring entrepreneurs. Book used creative cutting-edge technology explanations and a series of groundbreaking business ideas in a very understandable and clear language.The Google Story is a quick read, told in chronological order, and written in a clear, informative writing style that is somewhat marred by the authors’ obvious idolatry for Page and Brin.The Google Story was a fascinating peek into the biggest brand and arguably the most successful technology company of all times. I remember some 8 years ago, when the book had come out everybody I met had read it already and were raving about it. I think the marketing term is reverse-bandwagon effect, I put off reading it then for the very same reason.Writing about an organization while it is in existence is indeed tough - especially if it is written by a news reporter. The chapters are essays of different aspects of the vibrant organization. The founders are brash, innovative and modern day superheroes who believed only in making their product the best. The factual chapters have been written in a 'blog' style writing that makes it reader friendly.The organization represents the spirit of youth who believe norms are to be challenged and any hurdle can be conquered. One can only take inspiration from their ingenious business sense at the core of which is a simple search engine. Reading the book 10 years after it got published, you see how much further the organization has come what with android, chrome, maps and a whole boutique of products that change our lives every day.

The book is interesting. It couldn't be otherwise since the topic is one of the most popular and profitable companies in the world. The structure is clear and each chapter interesting. I was expecting something different though, something where Google was idolized. I believe there are some aspects that could be described deeper, such as life at Google, but I understand it is not easy to tell the story of a company. I finished the book feeling that something was missing.Overall is a good book and worth reading

This book is very disappointing - another reviewer uses the word "fanboy" and I agree.There is little, if any, attempt to provide any significant critical perspective of the founders or of Google itself.Whole sections of the book in fact read like public relations puff and the parts on the rivalry with Microsoft are very one-sided.All in all, it's a very disappointing read !!

Excellent book,well worth buying,interesting to read where it all began

The story of Google is very interesting, hence four stars, but the author is a bit too much in awe of the founders for my taste. I think a more critical eye on Google, privacy issues etc. would have made for a more well-rounded reading. Too much of a hagiography for my taste.