The everything store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon

Author: Brad Stone


After Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos is the next technology icon that has achieved god-like status today. If like me, you are curious to learn where he came from and the path he followed this book is for you. I was fascinated to read about his early years and what a contrast he is to his biological father.  Brad Stone tells the story of Amazon with the authority of someone who has been following it for some time. There’s plenty of detail on the early years of Amazon and how Bezos rules with an iron fist. His singular focus on pleasing the customer and using that as a guiding principle for new directions to take Amazon, has served the company well. One of the things, I  particularly liked was Bezos’ directive to his team to think of the press release when they are pitching an investment idea and I plan to use it with my team.

Overall, this book provides good insight into the workings of one of the top technology companies of the decade.

The Bonesetters Daughter

Author: Amy Tan


Amy Tan writes about the lives of Chinese immigrants in America with an authenticity that is hard to miss. This book is centered around a mother-daughter relationship. Ruth Young is born in America and is going through what are common mid-life challenges in America with her relationship with her boyfriend and his kids.  During this time, her mother Luling is advancing in age and losing her memory, requiring Ruth to take charge and get Luling the care she needs. This sets the stage for Ruth to reminisce on her childhood and discover some of the past secrets from Luling's life in China. 

Amy writes with a very lucid style and her storyline grabs your attention and does not let go. I don't know the historical accuracy of the geographical locations, but they describe the discovery of the bones of the Peking Man. Overall, this is an entertaining read, that bears a lot of similarity to the Joy Luck club.