I became a huge fan of Apple after purchasing a Powerbook in 2005. Unknowingly I became a disciple of Steve Jobs in doing so, and have become increasingly loyal to the brand as result. When purchasing the book iCon, I simply wanted to have a book about Steve Jobs that was as current as possible given the aggressive way the company promotes new products that revolutionize their market. I really really enjoyed this book. As noted in previous reviews it does have some redundancy if you've read early books about Jobs, but as a new member to the Apple World it was all quite compelling. Initially I was concerned that the book was simply the result of someone's negative view of Steve Jobs, but after completing it, I realized it seems like a fair and relatively unbiased view (although it seems clear that the writers aren't really big fans of Steve's personality). I really enjoyed reading about the development of Steve the businessman, and how he had to fail in a dramatic crash and burn fashion, in order to finally achieve the status that has resulted in his status as a true American Business Icon! I really liked how the author was able to articulate the lessons he learned and was showed how he applied them in his current role as Apple CEO. I think a lot of people fail to realize that the most successful business people are egotistical, they are cold and cut-throat, they require an inner strength and focus that often makes them unlikable to the average person, but it is with that strength of personality and cold focus that empires are created. I found myself absolutely enchanted by this book, I could not put it down, and have become more of a fan of Steve Jobs than I ever was before. A truly compelling read.

This is certainly the most positive and best book I've read about Steve Jobs - in particular with some other biographies being rather scathing. I didn't have high expectations for iCon though I was very pleasantly surprised to be learning many new things and gaining insights into many of the situations Job's has faced over the years.

In a unique twist of fate, I found myself having dinner with one of the key figures in the book - in particular with regards to Apple, the creation of the Macintosh and the transition to Next Computer while I was reading this book. I was able to confirm with him many surprising things mentioned in this book and get even further insights into the events and situations.

I'd highly recommend reading this book if you are interested in Apple, technology, or even just insights into one of the most fascinating personalities in business in the 1970's, 1980's, 1990's, today, and quite likely well into the future as Job's continues to redefine computing, music, entertainment, and telecommunications.