At 432 pages it’s not a brief read by any means, but I enjoyed every minute of it!

Douglas Edwards was one of the first people to be employed by Google back in the day when it was just a small start up company finding its feet in the middle of the dotcom boom. Well he was employee number 59 to be exact – it says it right there on the cover!

Doug’s job was to shape the voice of Google and to help it find an identity in the real world where not everyone was a programmer and didn’t necessarily understand geek speak.

This book was a real eye opener, the view inside the Googleplex (that’s what they call Google HQ) was pretty much no holds barred and I’m quite surprised based on some of the things I learned that Google is as successful as it is today. Although actually those very same things are perhaps why Google is as successful as it is today.

You see Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the founders of the infamous search engine, operated their business in a way completely alien to me. I spend far too many hours of my waking life in a corporate environment surrounded by rules and red tape. If you see a problem and want to fix it you can spend months going round and round in circles trying to find someone to put a tick in the right box or free up some resource.

Not at Google.

If a Googler finds a problem they’re expected to just get on and find a solution for it, whether it’s in the job description or not. In fact in the early days no one even had a job description! It was this way of working, have an idea – put it live – let the users decide whether they like it or not, that made Google the most popular search engine (I say that like I know it’s true, I think it’s true, they certainly knock the socks off every other search engine I’ve used).

Doug has documented his time at Google (1999 to 2005) in an extremely engaging and insightful book. I really feel like I got to know what it was like to be a Googler. To work in the Googleplex with it’s kitchen filled with cereals and fizzy pop and jars of jelly beans, and the games room where you could battle with your colleagues when you needed some downtime. I learned the origins behind some of Googles other great products, such as Adwords (named by Doug because it sounded like Edwards) and Gmail (the email service we all know and love but which was never actually destined for public use) of and those cute little Google Doodles that appear on our search engine to celebrate holidays and special birthdays.

There were times when I wished that I too could work in this wonderful environment. But then more often than that there were times I was grateful I didn’t. For that kitchen and games room were in use around the clock, Googlers worked through the night to complete their code and keep that search engine up and running. And Doug too, he spent many a late hour working on emails and writing copy as the voice of Google. Doug who had a wife and young children at home. As I was reading I did wonder what he really though of his “work/life balance” and whether his time at Google was worth the sacrifices he made with his family time.

Although saying that he worked at Google for just six short years, short in the general scheme of a career, and as employee 59 his stock options in that start up would have been worth a pretty penny the day it floated on the stock exchange. So maybe it was a sacrifice worth making for the long term stability of his family’s financial future.

As I say, I learned a lot from this book but not just about Google itself, I also learned some things about business and the best way to work to get things done. I dog eared a couple of pages as I was reading and here’s why.

Firstly I wanted to remember Larry’s Rules of Order. And they were:

1. Don’t delegate – if you do things yourself things happen more quickly (I have to say that I completely agree with this and it would be the way I prefer to work if only I actually had time to do everything myself!)
2. Don’t get in the way if you’re not adding value – so true, there is nothing more frustrating than people trying to get involved with what you’re doing if all they’re really doing is getting in the way.
3. Ideas are more important than age – yep, just because you’re older than me doesn’t mean my ideas are rubbish!
4. The worst thing you can do is stop someone from doing something by saying “No. Period” – this is something that I try to live by every day, sometimes in life you do have to say no, but you should really make every attempt to follow up and help find an alternative solution to the problem.

The other thing I wanted to remember was that sometimes the best solution on paper isn’t necessary the best solution. Doug learned this when sourcing a supplier for their CRM system, he carried out his due diligence and was going to give the contract to an experienced supplier. Larry on the other hand gave the contract to a start up business with a barely developed product. Why was this the better solution? Because that small start up was more than happy to base itself in the Googleplex and develop that product to custom suit Google’s needs. That would never have happened (well not unless they paid through the nose) with the established company where Google would have had to work within the realms of the off the shelf product.

I really enjoyed I’m Feeling Lucky, and whether you want to learn more about Google or just more about running a business in general then I think you will enjoy reading it too.

Thanks for reading I’m Feeling Lucky by Douglas Edwards, a post published on Blue Archipelago Reviews. Why not visit us and leave a comment :)

by Dr Connie Mariano

My Book Review Rating: 4 out of 6 stars

Synopsis

A riveting look into the personal lives of our presidents through the eyes of their White House doctor…

Dr. Connie Mariano served 9 years at the White House under Presidents George H.W. Bush, William J. Clinton, and George W. Bush. She participated in world headline-making news events and traveled all over the world. She cared for visiting dignitaries and was charged with caring for all the members of the First Family. From flirting with King Juan Carlos of Spain to spending the night on the Queen of England’s yacht, Dr. Mariano glimpsed a glittering and powerful celebrity that few ever see. White House Doctor is a fascinating look into what goes on behind closed doors at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Why did you decide to read this book?

I was asked to review this book by the publicist, but as ever that does not reflect on the outcome of my review.

What did you think about this book?

When I was asked to review this book I jumped at the chance to get a behind the scenes look into the happenings of The White House. Connie does treat us to a no holds barred view from her privileged position as doctor to the First Patient and his family. She looks back over the course of the nine years she spent looking after George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush sharing stories about how she treated the First Lady Hillary Clinton for a blood clot, how she cared for President Clinton’s mother as she battled with breast cancer and an inside peek into the Medical Evaluation and Treatment Unit at Bethesda Naval Hospital where a private ward is available just for the President and the Vice President.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one and would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in what really happens behind the doors of The White House. But that’s not the be all and end all of this memoir as Connie also gives us an insight into how she fought the typical stereotypes to not only reach the position of Physician to the President but also to become the first Filipino American in US history to become a Navy Read Admiral. She worked long and hard, putting her health, her marriage and even her life at risk as she devoted herself to her work protecting the First Patient.

Share a quote from the book

“‘Mission accomplished, Major?’ I asked, confirming that the injection of Toradol had been administered.

‘Well, yes, but not without incident,’ Ed added, and then explained. ‘I was about to give the president the injection of Toradol. The man had his pants down at his knees, and was bending over the counter to receive the injection in his right gluteus, when Eagle walked in.’”

About the Author

This being a memoir the book itself is about the author but if you’d like to learn more about Connie check out this video:

Buy The White House Doctor: My Patients Were Presidents – A Memoir by Dr Connie Mariano from Amazon

Thanks for reading The White House Doctor: My Patients Were Presidents – A Memoir by Dr Connie Mariano, a post published on Blue Archipelago Reviews. Why not visit us and leave a comment :)

by Christine Brannen Reilly

My Book Review Rating: 6 out of 6 stars

Synopsis

Golden Rainbows is the story of Mikey Reilly’s amazing life, his brave battle against cancer and the story of his family’s fight for survival after his death.

By putting her memories down on paper Christine hopes to help other people find strength and peace after losing someone special.

Why did you decide to read this book?

Christine contacted me and asked if I would review Golden Rainbows for her. Since starting Blue Archipelago Reviews I have been privileged to read some beautiful memoirs and I was only too happy to oblige and add this one to the list.

What did you like about this book?

When you’re caught up in the trials and tribulations of every day life where everything seems like a constant battle it takes someone like Mikey Reilly to make you realise that life is something you should be thankful for.

Diagnosed with cancer at just eight months old Mikey became a constant visitor to the Children’s Hospital where over the years doctors and nurses battled against the disease.

But during that time he never complained about the hand that life had dealt him, instead he was a beautiful, courageous and outgoing little boy who stole the hearts of everyone he ever met.

Through the stories that Christine has so gracefully shared with the world I felt like I came to know Mikey and loved reading about his Valentine’s Day “date” with one of the support team, and his beautiful friendship with Summer Sanders. As a fellow lover of Disney World the recollection of him dancing with the princesses in the parade will stay with me and I’ll think of Mikey next time I’m standing on Main Street USA.

While I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like to watch your child battling against this ingracious disease I am thankful to Christine for sharing her stories, the highs and the lows, the good times and the bad. I am sure that reading this book will be a comfort for those of us who have lost a loved one, as well as a key to understanding what our loved ones are going through when faced with a heart-wrenching loss.

This book isn’t morose or self-pitying, it’s enlightening and uplifting. It made me smile and it brought tears to my eyes. I hope that Golden Rainbows is snapped up by a publishing house soon so that it is available to the wider world, but for now you can buy your copy from LuLu.

“Families can be more understanding than we sometimes give them credit for. Spend less time on incidental trivial issues and spend that time walking the beach and holding hands with someone you love. It really is okay to hug your dad, and it is always a good time to call your mom. Tell your friend how much their friendship means to you. The most important of all, do not measure life by how many breaths you take. You have to measure your life by the moments that have taken your breath away. Sometimes, I still catch my breath when Mikey’s name is mentioned.”

You can find out more about Golden Rainbows and Mikey Reilly here

Thanks for reading Golden Rainbows by Christine Brannen Reilly, a post published on Blue Archipelago Reviews. Why not visit us and leave a comment :)

Pieces of Someday

by Jan Vallone

My Book Review Rating: 4 out of 6 stars

Synopsis

Pieces of Someday is Jan Vallone’s personal story of the battles and experiences she has overcome.

It’s a frank and honest look at her battle with infertility, her fierce love for her children, her battles to be accepted by her father and her struggle to find what is really important in life.

Why did you decide to read this book?

Jan dropped me a line and asked me to review her memoir for me and as it fits perfectly with one of my reading challenges this year I was happy to accept.

Synopsis

This insight into Jan’s life is honest and frank, and I appreciate that. As a wife, mother and lawyer with a beautiful home, from the outside it looks like she has the perfect life. But inside she struggles with frustration and anxiety. Jan invites us into her life to reflect on the challenges that she faced as she fought for the right to feel happy and fulfilled.

I found myself caught up in her stories and by the end felt like I knew her and her family.

There are many themes within the memoir that I could relate to, and it’s always comforting to know that you’re not the only one with struggles in the world!

About the Author

Jan Vallone, the granddaughter of Sicilian immigrants was born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island.

After practicing law for eighteen years Jan decided to become an English teacher at a yeshiva high school where she and her students founded a literary journal.

When Jan is not writing, reading or teaching, she enjoys gardening, Italian language study, traveling and spending time with her husband, children and friends.

You can find out more about Jan Vallone here

Buy Pieces of Someday by Jan Vallone from Amazon

Thanks for reading Pieces of Someday by Jan Vallone, a post published on Blue Archipelago Reviews. Why not visit us and leave a comment :)

by Linda Caine and Robin Royston

My Book Review Rating: 5 out of 6 stars

Synopsis

Linda Caine is a contented wife and mother who should have nothing to feel depressed about. But a darkness begins to cloud her thoughts and she starts to have strange flashbacks. She calls suicide her friend and decides that if it all gets to much she will simply drive her car off the side of a cliff so her family thinks her death was accidental. When it all gets too much Linda drives off in her car, but her concerns for her family’s welfare stop her from following through with her plan.

Admitting that she has a problem Linda is introduced to Robin Royston, a psychiatrist who will become her friend and guide on a journey that spans nearly four years. Linda’s recollections of her childhood and adolescence uncover glimpses of horrific events that her mind has chosen to bury. Robin is torn between helping Linda to recall these memories in the hope that the cathartic effect will release her from her depression and suicidal thoughts, while knowing that unleashing the events that scarred her childhood could have an even more devastating effect on his patient.

Fiction or non-fiction?

Out of the Dark is the true story of Linda’s battle with depression

Why did you decide to read this book?

It’s been on the bookshelf for a few years now so I decided to dust it off and read it as part of the Memorable Memoir challenge.

What did you like about this book?

I’m not sure it is possible to actually ‘like’ this book; the subject matter is all to horrific. That said it is very well written, with both Linda and Robin acting as storytellers as they recall the journey from their own perspectives. It actually reads like a psychological detective story and at times you can forget that these awful events really happened.

If you have a friend or loved one who suffers with depression and you want an insight into the thoughts they could be experiencing then you could benefit from reading this book.

About the author

Linda Caine was born in Zimbabwe, Africa, and was raised in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Apart from a fifteen month period during which she and her father opened an African Art Gallery in Los Angeles, she lived in Africa until 1976, at which time she and her family immigrated to England. Linda, her husband, and two teenage children then immigrated to the United States in June 1992. The fact that her grandfather (who joined his pioneer brother in Zimbabwe – which was, at that time, Southern Rhodesia – in 1889) was American has made ‘returning’ to America to live very special to her, and she and her family are now happily settled in California.

Read more about Linda Caine here…

Buy Out of the Dark by Linda Caine and Robin Royston from Amazon

Thanks for reading Out of the Dark by Linda Caine and Robin Royston, a post published on Blue Archipelago Reviews. Why not visit us and leave a comment :)