Review of Launchpad Republic

[Danielle Zdranik]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Launchpad Republic" by Howard Wolk and John Landry.]

---

4 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Launchpad Republic offers compelling evidence for how America has historically been and continues to be the best place in the world for entrepreneurs to take big risks and work toward making their dreams a reality. In general, I found this book to be reader friendly, even for readers diving in with limited economic/business background knowledge. While political and social issues were addressed, I found the authors' approach to be largely unbiased, maintaining focus on the impact such issues have had and continue to have on America's economic environment.

Wolk and Landry use high interest, well-known companies and organizations such as, Apple, Amazon, GE, Uber and AT&T, to illustrate the benefits, challenges, risk and importance of entrepreneurship being fundamental to America's longevity as a world leader. They compare and contrast America's entrepreneurial journey to that of several other countries'. They fairly point out that while America has by no means perfected the vital balances of incumbents vs. upstarts or government involvement, it has created the safest environment for big dreamers to take risks, invest time, talent and energy and have a shot at seeing substantial, lasting success.

Launchpad Republic posed some minor challenges to reading comprehension that influenced my overall rating of the book (4/5 stars). The flow was well thought out and I enjoyed the walk through history and seeing how significant events (wars, political leaders, technological advancement etc.) directly influence(d) the economic culture and health of a country. However, at times, it was a bit jargon-y and I would have found a glossary or in-text definitions helpful. I also came across a handful of grammatical/spelling errors that detract from the text's readability.

The topic is not one that lends itself to "easy reading" but I found the investment of time worthwhile as I learned much about the significant role entrepreneurship played in America's founding as well as its importance regarding many of the luxuries I take for granted living in America.

******
Launchpad Republic
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon