From an Idea to Google written by Lowey Bundy Sichol, rewiewed by Debra Gantz

 

Summary:  An in depth look at the founders of Google and their businesses, innovations, and business models. I love that in the beginning of the history of the creation of Google neither Larry Page nor Sergey Brin seemed to like the other. They put aside their differences when it became clear that their intelligence, ideas, and creativity was a powerful combination and that they would achieve more together. This book defines and exemplifies the process of innovation and the business model in a way that is easy to follow and understand. The unique business model at the headquarters of Google is fascinating as is learning about the focus on creativity, taking chances, and engaging a team of staff in a way that increases risk taking and learning from failures. 

Straight Talk for Librarians:  My students in the state of Michigan are required to learn about careers and this book series will likely be a springboard to greater career based decision making. I will continue to refer to this series and the start up ideas in them that have (and have not) become major corporations in talking with my students about careers and the program we use to expand their thinking about their options for future employment. I really like how Sichol and Jennings created a book with fact boxes, back matter, and even some interview questions used at the Googleplex headquarters made it very fun to read.