startup books

Build Book Review: A Practical Guide for Making Things Worth Making

Cover Image - Build - Book Review: A Practical Guide for Making Things Worth Making

Build by Tony Fadell offers you behind-the-scenes of the process of building groundbreaking products. The book is a practical guide for making things worth making, drawing from Fadell’s vast experience at Apple, Google, and Nest. It’s a mix of life lessons and startup wisdom, and a dash of autobiography.

My Rating:

❤️❤️❤️❤️🤍

"A practical guide for making things worth making.”

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What the Book is About

At its core, Build is a guide for entrepreneurs, CEOs and product creators, offering valuable insights on what it takes to make products that matter. Fadell, known as the “father of the iPod,” shares his journey of building some of the most iconic tech products in history.

Fadell has distilled his experience into practical advice for building companies and products. The book covers everything from leadership and management to product design and company culture. It’s packed with stories from Fadell’s time at Apple and Nest.

Read Tony Fadell's Build book summary

What Works?

The best part of the book is the wealth of firsthand experience. Fadell’s journey is nothing short of fascinating, and his insights into how some of the most revolutionary products came to be are invaluable. The advice is practical and grounded in real-world experience, making it incredibly useful for startup founders, product managers, and aspiring CEOs.

Another strength of Build is its balance between storytelling and advice. Fadell doesn’t just throw theories at you—he uses personal anecdotes to illustrate his points, making the book more engaging and relatable.

What Falls Short?

While the book is filled with useful advice, it could have been shorter. At over 400 pages, Build tends to feel a bit long. It could have been tighter and more engaging. At times, Fadell drifts into autobiographical territory, which is distracting from the book’s purpose as an unorthodox guide for building successful products.

Also check: 87 Startup Quotes from Build book

Who Should Read It?

This book is perfect for entrepreneurs, startup founders and anyone in a leadership position looking for guidance on how to build products and teams that make a difference. It’s especially valuable for those in tech, but the principles Fadell shares are applicable to any industry. If you want to know what it’s like to build a company from the ground up, Build is a must-read.

Final Thoughts

Build is both a practical guide for making great things and Fadell’s personal reflection on the journey of creating iconic products. Whether you’re leading a team or launching a startup, this book provides valuable tools for making things that matter. While it could have been more concise, the insights and lessons Fadell shares make it well worth the read.


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