Patrick Bogart

Interesting premise but the execution is hit and miss

Revisado: 03-23-25

While the plot is intriguing, it’s clear that the author isn’t comfortable writing fiction. The author is an academic - and that comes across in her writing. She forces far too many similes and metaphors into the book- and they almost always feel contrived and unnecessary. Also, most of the characters are one dimensional cliches. The gay guy spends his time on Grindr, the religious guy from Berkeley is into crystals and energy, the security guy is a dumb meathead, etc etc. I would listen to another book from this author - but would hope to hear an interesting plot idea paired with better writing.

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Inspiring

Revisado: 09-28-23

I loved learning more about this courageous American. Also, I’m thankful Cassidy took time to introduce us to some other good people in the world - her mother, her lawyers and others. I’m more hopeful about the future now than I was before I listened to this book.

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esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

A few good moments but the performance…

Revisado: 01-20-23

Maybe the print version would have clarified this - but what was with the random handoffs to some other guy to read a few lines? I spent too much time trying to figure out the logic. Overall - it was fine. If you were a teen or adult in the 90s, some of the book can feel tedious.

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esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

You better love steamships and trains

Revisado: 01-13-23

I rarely give up on a book, but I couldn’t get through the last 2 chapters. I don’t blame the book - I’m just not that passionate about railroad companies and consolidations of the 1800s to slog through the end. This book is meticulously researched and detailed — it was fine for someone like me for the first 75%. Then it just got mind numbingly tedious.

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A vehicle for self-promotion and both sides-ism.

Revisado: 05-30-22

I've never watched this guy's show before. But, since he summarizes episode after episode in this book, I don't need to.

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Same Leadership Book Formula, Content and advice

Revisado: 11-29-21

Describing how leaders toggle between seemingly opposing behaviors could effectively illustrate otherwise nuanced concepts - but it wasn't effective here.

If you structure a book around paradoxes, use actual paradoxes. For example, is it really paradoxical for a person to "teach and learn" simultaneously? In another paradox, "leveraging vision and blind spots," Elmore verbally contorts to make blind spots sound positive. "Blind spots provide the ability to try unconventional means to hit targets." Do they?

The book's other problems are common to many business books today.

1. Hackneyed and shallow advice
"If you don't believe in yourself, your people will find it difficult to believe in you."
"Invite outside points of view into the conversation."
"Don't confuse words and actions."
"Learn from mistakes."

2. Overused comparisons & concepts
There must be a law requiring all business book authors to discuss:
-Cortisol and the amygdala
-Mother Theresa and MLK JR
-Lifeboats on the Titanic and 3M's Post-It Notes

Elmore includes all of this well-worn material and frequently rehashes content.. For example, twice he tells us that Martin Luther King Jr. embraced nonviolent protests. We also learn about the amygdala in three different chapters.

Besides the repetition, some of these comparisons get so forced and ham-handed they trivialize critical historical moments. Paraphrasing Elmore, "MLK Jr. was arrested frequently, but on the bright side, he used in time in jail to think about his delegation skills."

Elmore even uses Rudy Giuliani as an aspirational example of how leaders can embody one of his paradoxes. It's time for some new material.

3. Errors and inaccuracies
Finally, there are several bothersome accuracy issues. The anecdotes about Ryne Sandberg and U2 aren't consistent with the facts reported at the time. The details in the U2 example are a little off, but Elmore seems further off on the Sandberg example.

And finally, there are some bizarre observations like this: "Political polarization was fostered by an electorate divided over the first minority president in Barack Obama and the first outsider president in Donald Trump." I'm not sure what that sentence means, but I do know that Trump's "outsider status" wasn't the issue dividing the electorate.

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esto le resultó útil a 16 personas

Incredibly Inspired By His Courage & Integrity

Revisado: 11-11-21

Tyler is a courageous and inspiring person. If everyone facing an ethical crossroads could listen to his story, the world would be a much more just place.

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Surpassed my expectations- finished it in one day

Revisado: 11-09-21

I decided to try Couric’s book out after reading reports of her supposed mean/controversial statements. Those reports are totally misleading. Instead, I found this to be a fast-paced, honest and insightful reflection on decades of change in society and the media landscape. There are a few moments of pretentiousness - but there are far more entertaining and thoughtful moments.

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Incredible

Revisado: 10-07-21

This is a beautifully written defense of rational thought, merit and democracy. Realistic but inspirational. Should be required reading for all.

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Huge Let Down

Revisado: 03-28-21

I can’t believe this is such a successful book. Few authors are able to use so many words and say so little. I couldn’t hear him talk about mission statements anymore and had to stop listening. Skip this - read/listen to Atomic Habits if you want something helpful on effectiveness.

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