The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
categal's review
1.0
I love origin stories, and was drawn to this to read the story of how Chouinard lives a life of adventure while running a successful business. The beginning was interesting, I liked reading about his early years and how he started making climbing equipment basically on the beach and growing that into a business. The "reluctant" part of the business story wears thin pretty quickly: this guy obviously knows how to run a business, and wants to run a business, so the whole I'm-really-just-an-outdoor-guy-now-running-a-whoopsie!-business does not ring true. As the book goes on, it reads more like an extended version of a Patagonia catalog with Successories-type side bars meant to inspire(!).
If you are interested in thread count and sewing techniques of shell jackets, this book is for you. If not, you might find yourself, like I did, paging through it like any other mail catalog while the tv is on and the dinner is warming up on the stove.
If you are interested in thread count and sewing techniques of shell jackets, this book is for you. If not, you might find yourself, like I did, paging through it like any other mail catalog while the tv is on and the dinner is warming up on the stove.
girlnouns's review
4.0
I am vehemently against fervently defending and supporting corporations and by extension millionaires/billionaires. However, I think the handful of corporations that acknowledge their harm towards the environment and work to change it, should be acknowledged and favored over companies that do nothing.
I'm not an expert on sustainability and fashion, but reading about coffee sustainable practices leads me to believe that sustainably made goods are going to be more expensive than goods made from forced labor. It takes more money to pay workers, invests in slower practices, provides a living wage + basic benefits to the workers. Do I think the CEOS and upper management of Patagonia are overpaid? Yes. But saying that, the price of Patagonia is more justified than other fashion companies.
I still agree that wages need to be improved so that way sustainable choices are easier to make.
I'm not an expert on sustainability and fashion, but reading about coffee sustainable practices leads me to believe that sustainably made goods are going to be more expensive than goods made from forced labor. It takes more money to pay workers, invests in slower practices, provides a living wage + basic benefits to the workers. Do I think the CEOS and upper management of Patagonia are overpaid? Yes. But saying that, the price of Patagonia is more justified than other fashion companies.
I still agree that wages need to be improved so that way sustainable choices are easier to make.
garbonzobean's review
2.0
I hated this book. I will save you some time and money, and suggest you go talk to your favourite boomer relative. Let them tell you how computers are evil, we are all consumerists, we are destroying the earth, and you'll get the gist of this book. This guy is so pretentious, and so clearly doesn't see his own privilege, it made this book hard to read because my eyes were so busy rolling.
I also find it pretty hypocritical to call yourself a "reluctant business man" (read capitalist who hates capitalism), when you're very clearly a capitalist. I get that Patagonia is an eco conscious company, they treat their employees well, and they do tons to help the environment. But if you're making millions off of a clothing company, how can you not be anything other than a capitalist? Hu, Yvon?
I'll finish this review by saying I think this genre is just not for me. I am not a huge fan of business books, and I'm not sure why I thought I would like this. If you do like this genre, I thought the book was well written and it does offer a perspective I appreciate that goes against fast fashion and the general disposable culture that has developed around apparel. Hence the 2 stars.
I also find it pretty hypocritical to call yourself a "reluctant business man" (read capitalist who hates capitalism), when you're very clearly a capitalist. I get that Patagonia is an eco conscious company, they treat their employees well, and they do tons to help the environment. But if you're making millions off of a clothing company, how can you not be anything other than a capitalist? Hu, Yvon?
I'll finish this review by saying I think this genre is just not for me. I am not a huge fan of business books, and I'm not sure why I thought I would like this. If you do like this genre, I thought the book was well written and it does offer a perspective I appreciate that goes against fast fashion and the general disposable culture that has developed around apparel. Hence the 2 stars.
melaniem03's review
3.0
The story of Patagonia is a great one, and it's a company I greatly admire. I enjoyed thoroughly the introduction and history of Patagonia, but less so some of the detailed perspectives on product design, marketing, finance, etc. It got a little too in the weeds and also felt a bit propagandist for the company.
But on a whole there are a lot of great lessons here - namely we're on a consumption path that will only end one way. Reducing consumption, and thus moving away from growth at all costs, is how we meaningfully impact the climate crisis.
But on a whole there are a lot of great lessons here - namely we're on a consumption path that will only end one way. Reducing consumption, and thus moving away from growth at all costs, is how we meaningfully impact the climate crisis.
mindfullibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
(audio) I mean, I already wanted to wear nothing but Patagonia for the rest of my life but now I don’t know if I CAN wear anything but Patagonia for the rest of my life? I also don’t know if I can work anywhere else but of course they don’t hire just anyone so I’m doomed to a life of unfulfilled career dreams because after reading this I’m convinced all other employers are trash. A memoir by the founder of Patagonia naturally inclines you toward favoring the company but this is a MANIFESTO FOR THE WORLD. I dare you to experience this book and not change your life in meaningful ways. NOTE: I listened to the 2016 10th anniversary edition with the updated forward & epilogue, and it was eerie how much has changed in the world since 2006 & 2016, but also how perennial this book is.
rbnhmll's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
16swest's review
5.0
Required reading as a business guidebook, and so so good! As Naomi Klein puts it in the forward, while no business under capitalism is really all that great, Patagonia comes awfully close. With their principles in support of people, cultures, and especially the environment guiding their products and growth as a company, this was such an inspiring read for me. The world is a better place because of Yvon Chouinard and many of the people at this company in direct and indirect ways, from revolutionizing maternity leave to efforts to rebuild ecosystems. Lots to take with me.