Rework

Jason Fried

Book Reviews

Andrew Wilkinson: "One of my most recommended business books"

Seth Godin: "This book will make you uncomfortable. Depending on what you do all day, it might make you extremely uncomfortable. That's a very good thing, because you deserve it. We all do.

Jason and David have broken all the rules and won. Again and again they've demonstrated that the regular way isn't necessarily the right way. They just don't say it, they do it. And they do it better than just about anyone has any right to expect.

This book is short, fast, sharp and ready to make a difference. It takes no prisoners, spares no quarter, and gives you no place to hide, all at the same time.

There, my review is almost as long as the first chapter of the book. I can't imagine what possible excuse you can dream up for not buying this book for every single person you work with, right now."

Mark Cuban: “If given a choice between investing in someone who has read REWORK or has an MBA, I’m investing in REWORK every time.

A must read for every entrepreneur.”

Shane Parrish: "This book showed me that I wasn’t alone or crazy. Other people think about the workplace like I do too."

Tony Hsieh: “The wisdom in these pages is edgy yet simple, straightforward, and proven. Read this book multiple times to help give you the courage you need to get out there and make something great.”

Jeff Bezos: “Unperturbed by conventional wisdom, Jason and David start fresh and rewrite the rules of business. Their approach turns out to be as successful as it is counter-intuitive.”

Tim Ferriss: "I encourage people to think of [Rework] as an Elements of Style for building profitable businesses in a web-savvy world.

Each chapter is 2-5 pages long and delivers their tactics and principles fat-free, without fluff. Just like their business models."

Book Synopsis

"Rework" by Jason Fried is a refreshingly unconventional business book that challenges the traditional notions of work, productivity, and success. Packed with insightful advice and practical tips, it provides a guide to help entrepreneurs and professionals rethink their approach to work and achieve more with less.

Fried and his co-author David Heinemeier Hansson, the founders of tech company Basecamp, present a collection of short, punchy chapters that dissect common business myths and offer alternative strategies for achieving success. They encourage readers to question established norms, think critically, and embrace simplicity.

The book emphasizes the importance of focusing on what truly matters and avoiding unnecessary complexity. It advocates for quick decision-making, highlighting the benefits of taking action instead of getting stuck in endless planning. Fried and Hansson argue that speed and efficiency are key to staying ahead in the fast-paced business world.

They challenge the notion of "workaholism" and advocate for a healthy work-life balance. They argue that productivity is not measured by the number of hours worked but by the quality of output. They propose ways to manage interruptions effectively, eliminate distractions, and create a work environment that promotes productivity.

"Rework" also encourages the idea of saying "no" to unnecessary commitments and projects. It encourages readers to focus on their core strengths and interests, and to avoid spreading themselves too thin. The authors stress the importance of embracing constraints and making the most out of limited resources.

Throughout the book, Fried and Hansson emphasize the value of simplicity, directness, and authenticity in business communication. They provide tips on effective writing, meeting management, and teamwork. They challenge the notion of consensus-driven decision-making and instead advocate for a more decentralized and autonomous approach.

"Rework" is a thought-provoking and practical guide that challenges established norms and provides actionable advice for success in the business world. It encourages readers to rethink their approach to work, embrace simplicity, and focus on what truly matters.

Explore More Books

See All
Traction
High Growth Handbook
Spain in Our Hearts
Trick Mirror
Models. Behaving. Badly.
Technofeudalism
Tap Dancing to Work
Bad Blood
Viral Loop
Happy Money
Livewired
Capitalism Without Capital
The Line Becomes a River
The Right Stuff
Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids
The Little Book of Investing Like the Pros
The Wisdom of Life
Subliminal
A Bright Future
A Year with Rumi
The Company
Adultery
Trailblazer
A Guide To The Good Life
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Connectography
Spiritual Enlightenment, the Damnedest Thing
The Courage To Be Disliked
Masters of the Word
The Robber Barons
Six Not-So-Easy Pieces
The Score Takes Care of Itself
Leadership the Outward Bound Way
It's Garry Shandling's Book
Crash Proof 2.0
Fleishman Is In Trouble
Modernity Without Restraint
Mapping the Mind
Cry, The Beloved Country
The Road to Serfdom
Talent Is Overrated
Steve Jobs
The Tao of Charlie Munger
Crime and Punishment
Planta Sapiens
In Defense of Food
The TB12 Method
How Nature Works
Transmetropolitan
An Autobiography of Anthony Trollope
Creation
Happiness
The Splendid and the Vile
Nietzsche: Beyond Good and Evil
Thinking In Bets
Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits
The Big Picture
The Alliance
Zero to One
Against The Gods
The Biggest Con
The Fear Book
Autobiography of a Yogi
One Up on Wall Street
The Boys in the Boat
Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Food and Nutrition
Civilian Warriors
ANSI Common Lisp
Motherless Brooklyn
Dominion
For the Love of the Land
Sperm Wars
Genius
The Medici Effect
Hiroshima
Black Edge
The Curse of the Mogul
The Hockey Stick Illusion
The Weather Makers
Cashing in on the American Dream
Nixon Agonistes
A Whole New Mind
A Life Decoded
What Has Government Done To Our Money?
Clocks and Culture
The Kelly Capital Growth Investment Criterion
Relentless
The Hunt for Red October
Thus Spoke the Plant
Secret Sauce
Hatching Twitter
The World For Sale
Revolution
The Path To Power
Longitude
Modern Man in Search of a Soul
A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety
Economics in One Lesson
Why We Believe in God(s)