My Start-Up Life: What a (Very) Young CEO Learned on His Journey Through Silicon Valley
Ben Casnocha, Jossey-Bass, ISBN 0787996130
My brother lent me this book, so I can't take credit for finding this one. When I started reading it I really had no idea of what the book was about, but soon found myself captured by the story. After all I am a sucker for first-time entrepreneur stories - especially the ones that tell it like it happened.
The book is mainly about Ben Casnocha's experience starting Comcate from the ground up ... at age 14. Besides detailing his experience in starting the company, he also has spread a lot advice throughout the book (some from him, some from other people). There are many things that I liked about this book and the way it was written.
First thing is: the down to earth style the story is communicated in - it really makes you feel like Ben is just a normal guy (kid) who started early. Don't get me wrong, it is clear the guy's got skills. What I mean is he shares both sides of the story - starting a business, putting in lots of time getting the business to succeed ... while going to school - and not doing well on his school work. To me that really make his story more real to me - the fact that he is human and just really good at what he focuses on.
Second thing is: the way he tells his story while providing valuable advice. Many of the situations he gets into are used as topics of side note discussions and detail that is practical for the reader who is interested in not only the situations, but some reflection and direction on how things could be done better.
On the flip side to Ben's story is amount of support his family provided - I find it simply amazing to have his parents support an adventure like that - kudos to his parents for doing such a good job.
Since I've already returned the book to my brother (though I'm thinking of buying a copy to keep on my shelf - but haven't yet), I can't provide any of my favorite quotes from the book. However, I can say that I found the book quite motivating. It got me thinking about what really is possible and the fact that you really do just need to start doing what it is you want to do.
I would highly recommend this book to those of you who are interested in real entrepreneur stories, who are into business but currently need some motivation, or just curious as to how some startups work.