Knack

Debuting authors Au-Yeung and Jeans present a detailed and compassionate biography of Zappos founder Tony Hsieh in their book “Wonder Boy: Tony Hsieh, Zappos, and the Myth of Happiness in Silicon Valley,” tracing his journey from a Silicon Valley genius to his tragic demise in 2020. Born to Taiwanese immigrant parents in Northern California, Hsieh exhibited an early knack for money-making, including launching his own newspaper during middle school. The narrative delves into Hsieh’s establishment of Zappos in 1999, his relocation to Las Vegas, and the subsequent sale to Amazon. Amid these milestones, the authors sensitively explore his deepening struggles with addiction and mental illness. The empathetic portrayal, enriched by extensive research and an engaging storytelling style, keeps readers captivated throughout this gripping account.
–The New York Times Book Review