How would you move mount Fuji?
I purchased this book after a couple of bloggers recommended it (apologies, I don't remember who) on Saturday and almost finished reading it today. This is the first non-technical book I've read in quite a long time, and I actually forgot how pleasing it is to read a book where you're not in a constant concentration mode (save for some of the puzzles).
I've always been intrigued by stories of the early Microsoft, Bill Gates, and the culture that surrounds them; Pirates of Silicon Valley is one of my favorite movies. The book is actually more than I expected as it discusses the "puzzle interview" origins, the origins of IQ tests and its imposed value in companies, and some Bill Gatesisms that I found humorous.
The author talks about preparing for these "puzzle interviews", but I really don't think this is the point of the book; certainly isn't why I bought it. Preparing for them rather negates the purpose, and I'd quite honestly rather be ignorant about the specific type of questions asked. I work better when I feel those who ask me questions know that my response is not contrived. Then again, it's certainly easier to derive an answer to these puzzles when you're not on the Microsoft campus under the observation of the interviewer.
I think those who finish reading a book like this will fall into two categories: those who really want to work for Microsoft, and those who don't... at all. I definitely fall into the former category.