Writing about writing - Essay Example

In this paper, comparisons will be made between two articles that discuss Walter Isaacson’s retelling of the life of Steve Jobs, one of the most influential men in this century. It is curious to note that although both articles are presented in the same form of media, that is, online newspapers, the piece written by Janet Maslin for the New York Times appears more convincing and appropriate because of the words she used, how she presented her topic and the way she wrote her article. Since Walter Isaacson wrote best-selling biographies of Albert Einstein and Benjamin Franklin, it was not a big surprise that Steve Jobs wanted the Isaacson to write his life story.

Nevertheless, because Jobs was as popular as his inventions, Isaacson’s book, which came out only a few weeks after the Apple inventor died, had expectations to meet. In October 2011, two articles came out online from Reuter and New York Times discussing Isaacson’s “Steve Jobs.” Penned by Fred Schruers and Janet Maslin, respectively, the articles gave contrasting opinions on Isaacson’s most recent best-seller. . Given the hype surrounding the literary work, it is easy to assume the need for the book review.

Steve Jobs was not only well-known because of his Apple creations. His personal life and work ethics are also public knowledge. Readers worldwide would be very interested to read about how the man built one of the most trusted names in the world of technology. The question is would their money be worth it. Would the book be a good buy? Janet Maslin addresses this curiosity when she says, “His story calls for a book that is clear, elegant and concise enough to qualify as an iBio. Mr. Isaacson’s “Steve Jobs” does its solid best to hit that target. (Maslin)” In effect, she is telling her audience that the book is as satisfying as the other “i” products from Apple, namely: the iPad, iTunes and iPhone.

Since almost everyone around the world has an iPad and/or an iPhone, wanting to have the iBio would appear to be a given reaction. Maslin repeats her approval of the book writing, “So, “Steve Jobs”. must reach across time in more ways than one. And it does, in a well-ordered, if not streamline, fashion.” Maslin also makes it easy for the viewers to get an idea of how Steve Jobs is presented in the book by allotting each paragraph of her article to specific topics the book covers. One paragraph describes how the Isaacson tells about the beginnings of each Apple product.

Another paragraph mentions Jobs’ rival, Bill Gates. Yet another one talks about how Jobs’, through the book, talks to the past, present and future generations. Employing very familiar words such as iPod, iPad, iMac, NeXT, Pixar and iTunes, Maslin was able to introduce the book to the general public, her