This is a very interesting look into the nature and operations of Google. It presents some of the character and business model of Google. It also is a look at the nature and uses of data collected on the internet. The story about the uses of data mining to help translation services clearly demonstrates some of the surprising aspects of artificial intelligence. Unfortunately, the later sections of the book do not keep up with the expectations set by the first half. This may be a reflection of the changing environment that Google and we find ourselves in. I find this book complementary to "The Search: How Google and it's Rival Rewrote the Rules of Business and Transformed our Culture" by John Battelle.

This book is a Google fan's dream come true. Every Google failure is billed as something the public is just not ready for. How can you write a book about Google and not describe how TERRIBLE the search results have become as people have learned to game the system. The massive fraud in their ads. Google has become a giant malware distribution system, and none if that is even mentioned. The writing quality is excellent, but the philosophy and premises are gag worthy.

Great book! The author left me feeling like he wrote an authentic piece while maintaining a healthy admiration for google! It gave some great management lessons but really makes you understand what all these guys - gates, jobs and all their second generation kids have. Persistence and passion. Nice book I highly recommend it!