We Are the Nerds Book Summary

In 'We Are the Nerds,' Christine Lagorio-Chafkin explores the vibrant world of tech entrepreneurs and the culture that fuels Silicon Valley. Through compelling narratives, she introduces us to the pioneers who transformed their passions into revolutionary ideas, from coding in their bedrooms to building billion-dollar companies. The book not only showcases their triumphs but also reveals the trials, tribulations, and the often misunderstood essence of being a 'nerd.' As a celebration of innovation and the unconventional, it poses thought-provoking questions about the future of technology and its impact on humanity. Will these visionaries lead us towards a utopia or dystopia? Discover the stories behind the icons changing the world!

By Christine Lagorio-Chafkin

Published: 2019

"In a world that often undervalues curiosity and creativity, we are the nerds — the dreamers and doers who dare to envision a future that reflects our passions."

Book Review of We Are the Nerds

Named a Best Book of 2018 by Fast Company, this is a "sharply written and brilliantly reported" (Shelf Awareness) look inside Reddit, the wildly popular, often misunderstood website that has changed the culture of the Internet. Reddit hails itself as "the front page of the Internet." It's the third most-visited website in the United States--and yet, millions of Americans have no idea what it is. We Are the Nerds is an engrossing look deep inside this captivating, maddening enterprise, whose army of obsessed users have been credited with everything from solving cold case crimes and spurring tens of millions of dollars in charitable donations to seeding alt-right fury and landing Donald Trump in the White House. We Are the Nerds is a gripping start-up narrative: the story of how Reddit's founders, Steve Huffman and Alexis Ohanian, rose up from their suburban childhoods to become millionaires and create an icon of the digital age--before seeing the site engulfed in controversies and nearly losing control of it for good. Based on Christine Lagorio-Chafkin's exclusive access to founders Ohanian and Huffman, We Are the Nerds is also a compelling exploration of the way we all communicate today--and how we got here. Reddit and its users have become a mirror of the Internet: it has dingy corners, shiny memes, malicious trolls, and a sometimes heart-melting ability to connect people across cultures, oceans, and ideological divides.

Similar books you might like →

Showing 8 of 26 similar books

Similar Book Recommendations →

Anna Cheng's Book Recommendations

Anna Cheng is a celebrated contemporary novelist known for her evocative prose and richly drawn characters. Her debut novel, "Whispers of the Ancients," garnered critical acclaim, securing a spot on the New York Times Bestseller list and earning her the Man Booker Prize. Cheng's subsequent works consistently explore themes of heritage, identity, and the immigrant experience, resonating with a global audience. She is also a recipient of the PEN/Faulkner Award, recognizing her contributions to American fiction. Beyond her literary pursuits, Cheng actively mentors emerging writers and participates in numerous literary festivals worldwide.

Memoirs and BiographiesInspiring ReadsCreativity and Innovation

Andrew Wilkinson's Book Recommendations

Andrew Wilkinson is a distinguished author and entrepreneur, best known for his insightful business writings and contributions to the tech industry. He co-founded MetaLab, a prominent design agency that has shaped the user experience of major platforms like Slack and Coinbase. Wilkinson's entrepreneurial journey and his publications provide valuable perspectives on startup culture, innovation, and leadership. His writing, often featured in leading business magazines and his personal blog, has garnered a wide readership for its practical advice and engaging storytelling. Andrew continues to influence both literature and the business world with his unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking.

Business and LeadershipInspiring ReadsCreativity and Innovation

Keith Rabois's Book Recommendations

Keith Rabois is a prominent American entrepreneur, investor, and author known for his significant contributions to the tech industry and startup ecosystem. He played crucial roles in the early success of companies like PayPal, LinkedIn, Square, and Yelp, earning a reputation as a skilled operator and strategic thinker. As a partner at Founders Fund and later at Khosla Ventures, Rabois has invested in and advised numerous successful startups. In addition to his business ventures, he has written insightful articles and essays on technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation, contributing to the broader discourse on these subjects. Rabois continues to influence the tech world with his strategic insights and thought leadership.

Business and LeadershipTechnology and FutureSuccess Stories and Life Lessons

Alexis Ohanian's Book Recommendations

Alexis Ohanian is an American entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Reddit, one of the world’s most popular social news and discussion platforms. Ohanian is also a prominent advocate for open internet and net neutrality, and he has invested in numerous startups through his venture capital firm, Initialized Capital. In addition to his work in tech, Ohanian is involved in philanthropy, supporting causes related to women’s rights, education, and social justice. He is married to tennis star Serena Williams, and together they advocate for gender equality and inclusive leadership. Ohanian’s influence in the tech world and his commitment to social impact have made him a respected figure in both business and activism.

Business and LeadershipFounders PlaybookActivistWomen Who Lead

Morgan Housel's Book Recommendations

Morgan Housel is a financial writer and partner at The Collaborative Fund, best known for his book The Psychology of Money. His work explores the behavioral side of finance, emphasizing how emotions, history, and decision-making impact wealth-building. Housel’s writing is widely praised for being accessible, insightful, and engaging, making complex financial topics easier to understand. He contributes regularly to financial publications and speaks at conferences on the power of long-term thinking in finance. His book has become a modern classic in the personal finance genre.

Money MattersInspiring ReadsSuccess Stories and Life Lessons

Brett Adcock's Book Recommendations

Brett Adcock is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Archer Aviation, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) company focused on revolutionizing urban air mobility. Prior to founding Archer, Adcock co-founded Vettery, a talent marketplace that connects companies with job seekers using data-driven matching technology, which was later acquired by the Adecco Group. At Archer, Adcock is working to build the future of transportation with electric aircraft designed for short-distance flights in urban areas. His vision for the future of air travel has made him a key player in the growing eVTOL and aviation technology industries.

Business and LeadershipTechnology and Future

Andrew Chen's Book Recommendations

Andrew Chen is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and thought leader in growth marketing, currently serving as a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz. Chen is known for his expertise in network effects, viral growth strategies, and marketplace dynamics, making him a sought-after advisor for startups looking to scale. Prior to joining Andreessen Horowitz, he worked in leadership roles at Uber, helping to grow the ride-sharing platform’s user base and develop key growth strategies. Chen is also a prolific writer, sharing his insights on growth, technology, and startups through his popular blog and newsletter, which has attracted a loyal following in the tech community. His work has helped shape how many startups approach user acquisition, retention, and product-market fit. As a venture capitalist, Chen focuses on early-stage companies in the consumer internet, SaaS, and marketplace sectors, and he has been involved in funding and advising several successful startups. His insights on technology and growth continue to influence both founders and investors alike.

Business and LeadershipTechnology and FutureFounders Playbook

Kara Swisher's Book Recommendations

Kara Swisher is an American journalist, podcaster, and one of the most influential voices in tech reporting. She co-founded Recode and co-hosts the Pivot podcast, where she covers the intersection of technology, business, and politics. Swisher is known for her sharp insights and fearless interviews with some of the biggest names in Silicon Valley. She has been a longtime commentator on tech's impact on society and is often called upon for her critical analysis of industry giants like Facebook, Google, and Amazon. Swisher continues to be a leading figure in tech journalism, influencing both public discourse and policy conversations.

Technology and FuturePoliticsMedia and Pop Culture

Showing 8 of 11 related collections

In a world that often undervalues curiosity and creativity, we are the nerds — the dreamers and doers who dare to envision a future that reflects our passions.

We Are the Nerds

By Christine Lagorio-Chafkin