Sunday, December 6, 2009

Book Review - Start Up Nation


Start-Up Nation, The Story of Israel's Ecomonic Miracle by Dan Senor & Saul Singer
Published by Hachette Book Group
ISBN 9780446541466

OVERVIEW:

Start-Up Nation addresses the trillion dollar question: How is it that Israel-a country of 7.1 million, only 60 years old, surrounded by enemies, in a constat state of war since it's founding, with no natural resources - produces more start-up companies than large, peaceful and stable nations like japan, Chind, India, AKorea, Canada and the UK?

With the savvy of foreign policy insiders, Senor and Singer examine the lessons of the country's adversity-driven culture, which flattens hierarcy and elevates informaility - all back up by government policies focused on innovation. In a world where economies as diverse as Ireland, Singapore, and Dubai have tried to re-create the "Israel effect", there are enterpreneurial lessons well worth noting. As America reboots it's own economy and can-do spirit, there's never been a better time to look at this remarkable and resilient nation for some impressive, surprising clues.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Dan Senor, Adjunct Senior Fellow for Middle East Studies at the council on Foreign Relations has been on the front lines of policy, politics and business in the Middle East. As a senior foreign policy advisor to the US Government, he was one of the longest-serving civilian officials in Iraq. He has also served in Qatar and studied in Israel. Senor's pieces are frequently published by The Wall Street Journal. Saul Singer is the editorial editor of The Jerusalem Post, for which he writes a weekly column, and the author of Confronting Jihad: Israel's Struggle and the World after 9/11.

MY REVIEW:

This book is one of th emost interesting books I've ever read. I had a hard time putting it down because of the information and the well way it was written.

I was amazed at the information about Israel that I didn't know! I had no idea about all the innovation and progress that has happened in Israel since the re-established their natino in 1948. Honestly, I was shocked that this information is not more widely known. It's truly amazing how far this little nation has come in 60 years. They are far ahead of us in so many ways. I was also amazed at how many well known companies have an office in Israel and consider them their best people with the most innovative ideas.

I'm not surprised at the intelligence of the Jewish people at all. I grew up in a Jewish neighborhood and most of my friends are Jewish, so I'm well aware of their intelligence and their abilities to think outside of the box. Truly, they have the hand of God upon them as the Bible so clearly states - they are His people.

I wholehearedly recommend this book. It is such a good book and such an interesting read. You'll be like me, I'm sure, and have a hard time putting it down. One suggestion - don't read it before you're going to sleep - you'll stay up too late! :)

(This book was provided to me by Hachette Book Group for review)

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God bless you - Julie


1 comment:

  1. Hi Julie,
    Israel is a subject very close to my heart. I haven't read this book, but it sounds very good. In answering to your question as to why there isn't as much information out there about Israel - the answer: Antisemitism in our world. One can truly see the hand of God upon His beloved people.
    Two good DVDs to learn more about Israel and the Jews are "Israel a Nation is born" and "Heritage". Another excellent one is the movie "Golda"
    I am back to blogging again.
    ((((hugs)))
    Katia

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