In 'Startup' by Doree Shafrir, the glittering world of tech startups is explored through the intertwined lives of three diverse characters. As ambition, romance, and betrayal swirl in a hyper-competitive landscape, secrets bubble to the surface, challenging their loyalties and aspirations. The novel deftly satirizes the culture of entrepreneurship and the extremes people will go to in pursuit of success. With sharp wit and keen observation, Shafrir unveils the complexities of modern relationships against a backdrop of innovation. Dive into this riveting tale that raises questions about what we sacrifice in our quest for the next big idea.
By Doree Shafrir
Published: 2018
"In a world where success is measured by followers and influencers, what does it mean to truly connect with someone?"
From veteran online journalist and BuzzFeed writer Doree Shafrir comes a hilarious debut novel that proves there are some dilemmas that no app can solve. "A biting and astute debut novel [with] many delights." --Lara Vapnyar, New York Times Book Review Recommended as a book to read this month by BuzzFeed, Bustle, Entertainment Weekly, Fast Company, Nylon, Town & Country and Lit Hub One of the most anticipated books of 2017--Vulture, BuzzFeed, The Millions, Nylon, PopSugar and Book Riot's "All the Books" Podcast Mack McAllister has a $600 million dollar idea. His mindfulness app, TakeOff, is already the hottest thing in tech and he's about to launch a new and improved version that promises to bring investors running and may turn his brainchild into a $1 billion dollar business--in startup parlance, an elusive unicorn. Katya Pasternack is hungry for a scoop that will drive traffic. An ambitious young journalist at a gossipy tech blog, Katya knows that she needs more than another PR friendly puff piece to make her the go-to byline for industry news. Sabrina Choe Blum just wants to stay afloat. The exhausted mother of two and failed creative writer is trying to escape from her credit card debt and an inattentive husband-who also happens to be Katya's boss-as she rejoins a work force that has gotten younger, hipper, and much more computer literate since she's been away. Before the ink on Mack's latest round of funding is dry, an errant text message hints that he may be working a bit too closely for comfort with a young social media manager in his office. When Mack's bad behavior collides with Katya's search for a salacious post, Sabrina gets caught in the middle as TakeOff goes viral for all the wrong reasons. As the fallout from Mack's scandal engulfs the lower Manhattan office building where all three work, it's up to Katya and Sabrina to write the story the men in their lives would prefer remain untold. An assured, observant debut from the veteran online journalist Doree Shafrir, Startup is a sharp, hugely entertaining story of youth, ambition, love, money and technology's inability to hack human nature.
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“In a world where success is measured by followers and influencers, what does it mean to truly connect with someone?”
Startup
By Doree Shafrir
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Doree Shafrir is an acclaimed author and cultural critic known for her sharp wit and insightful commentary on contemporary life. Her notable works include the critically acclaimed novel "Startup," which explores the complexities of ambition and personal relationships in the tech industry, and "Thanks for Waiting: The Joy (& Weirdness) of Being a Late-Blooming Gen Xer," a humorous and reflective memoir about navigating adulthood in a rapidly changing world. Shafrir's writing often blends humor with a keen sense of observation, capturing the nuances of modern society and the experiences of a generation caught between tradition and innovation.
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In "The Lean Startup," Eric Ries revolutionizes the approach to building new businesses with a framework designed to reduce waste and maximize innovation. He introduces the concept of validated learning, urging entrepreneurs to test hypotheses through rapid experimentation rather than relying solely on traditional business plans. By emphasizing the importance of pivoting—adapting strategies based on real customer feedback—he provides a pragmatic toolkit for startups to navigate uncertainty. Ries challenges the conventional wisdom of startup success, making a compelling case for agility in a fast-paced market. Dive into this transformative guide and discover how to turn dreams into viable businesses with minimal risk!
In Ursula K. Le Guin's groundbreaking science fiction novel, "The Left Hand of Darkness," an envoy from Earth, Genly Ai, embarks on an extraordinary mission to the icy planet of Gethen, where inhabitants possess a unique gender fluidity that challenges his every assumption. As he navigates the treacherous political landscape and forges an uneasy alliance with the enigmatic Gethenian, Estraven, Genly confronts the profound implications of identity and belonging. The harsh, frozen world mirrors the complexities of human relationships, weaving a tale of friendship, betrayal, and self-discovery. Le Guin crafts a mesmerizing exploration of how culture shapes our understanding of gender and love. Will Genly's quest for acceptance and unity transcend the boundaries of difference, or will it be lost in the unforgiving cold?
SHORTLISTED FOR THE BAILEY'S WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 'A delicious, important novel' The Times 'Alert, alive and gripping' Independent 'Some novels tell a great story and others make you change the way you look at the world. Americanah does both.' Guardian As teenagers in a Lagos secondary school, Ifemelu and Obinze fall in love. Their Nigeria is under military dictatorship, and people are fleeing the country if they can. Ifemelu--beautiful, self-assured--departs for America to study. She suffers defeats and triumphs, finds and loses relationships and friendships, all the while feeling the weight of something she never thought of back home: race. Obinze--the quiet, thoughtful son of a professor--had hoped to join her, but post-9/11 America will not let him in, and he plunges into a dangerous, undocumented life in London. Thirteen years later, Obinze is a wealthy man in a newly democratic Nigeria, while Ifemelu has achieved success as a writer of an eye-opening blog about race in America. But when Ifemelu returns to Nigeria, and she and Obinze reignite their shared passion--for their homeland and for each other--they will face the toughest decisions of their lives. Fearless, gripping, spanning three continents and numerous lives, Americanah is a richly told story of love and expectation set in today's globalized world.
In 'The Startup Way,' Eric Ries unveils a revolutionary approach to business that transcends traditional corporate frameworks. Drawing on his experiences with startups, he reveals how established companies can harness the innovative spirit of entrepreneurship. Ries introduces the concept of 'innovation accounting' to measure progress and improve outcomes, making it applicable for any organization. With practical insights and compelling case studies, he shows how to instill a culture of agility and adaptability. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to transform their company into a forward-thinking powerhouse.
'Mark Twain's Weapons of Satire' delves into the ingenious techniques Twain employed to critique society and politics through humor and irony. This engaging exploration uncovers how his sharp wit was not just for entertainment, but a powerful tool for social change. Each chapter reveals the depth of Twain's insight into human nature and the societal flaws of his time. With a blend of biography and literary analysis, readers will discover the layers of meaning behind Twain's beloved tales. Prepare to see Twain not just as a storyteller, but as a masterful revolutionary wielding satire like a sword!
In 'Masters of Corporate Venture Capital,' Andrew Romans unveils the intricate world where corporate giants invest in startups to fuel innovation and gain competitive advantages. The book offers a fascinating exploration of the strategies, structures, and mindset required to succeed in this unique investment landscape. Readers are introduced to the key players and the high-stakes decisions that shape industries and drive economic growth. With real-world case studies and insider insights, Romans demystifies the art of corporate venture capital, making it accessible for aspiring investors and entrepreneurs alike. This provocative guide invites you to discover how corporate investments are transforming the future of business.
In 'Gulliver's Travels', Jonathan Swift takes readers on a fantastical journey through bizarre lands inhabited by peculiar creatures. Lemuel Gulliver, an ambitious ship's surgeon, encounters the tiny Lilliputians and the giant Brobdingnagians, challenging his perceptions of society and human nature. Each adventure is laced with sharp satire, exposing the follies of politics, war, and human pride. As Gulliver's travels unfold, he grapples with existential questions about civilization and morality. This timeless classic invites readers to reflect on their own world while enjoying a whimsical and thought-provoking tale.
In 'The Upstarts', Brad Stone delves into the riveting stories of Airbnb and Uber, two startups that revolutionized their industries. He explores the audacious visionaries behind these companies, their struggles, and the disruptive innovations that challenged the status quo. With a gripping narrative, Stone paints a vivid picture of the risks taken and the triumphs achieved in the face of skepticism. This book is not just a chronicle of success, but a reflection on the cultural shifts these companies initiated. Join the ride through the fast-paced world of tech entrepreneurship, where the future is being redefined.
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