Hatching Twitter: A True Story of Money, Power, Friendship, and Betrayal by Nick Bilton

Nick Bilton's "Hatching Twitter: A True Story of Money, Power, Friendship, and Betrayal" is an incredible read, a bold and honest account of one of the most influential and successful digital media companies of this era.

Bilton chronicles the fascinating path that Twitter took from its inception in 2006 to becoming a major global force in just a few short years. It is a fun and informative narrative that dives deep into the true events and people that made Twitter what it is today, diving into contentious issues not always discussed in public.

The story begins with the original four founding members of Twitter: Evan Williams, Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone and Noah Glass. Fresh off the success of their podcasting website Odeo, the group decided to reinvent their business with a service where people could send out very short messages. This was a radical concept and one that received a great deal of scepticism from Silicon Valley. However, they managed to find an enthusiastic supporter in one investor, Fred Wilson, who recognised that the potential of the platform and invested heavily in the venture.

The book goes into great detail about the relationships between the four founders, along with a number of other key players that helped shape the company over time. From the efforts of the team to secure more funding and venture backing, to the eventual success of the platform, marketing and more, each event is explored and discussed.

Bilton dives into a number of contentious issues, including lawsuits, drunken nights out and of course, the eventual departure of Jack Dorsey as CEO of Twitter. This part of the book is particularly gripping, as we learn of how complicated and nerve-wracking the situation was for all involved.

Overall, "Hatching Twitter" is an eye-opening look at the digital technology industry. It is full of drama and emotion and the perfect read for anyone interested in the incredible story that is Twitter. Bilton's narrative style is devouring, and he showcases the various conversations and events that shaped the decisions that were taken that ultimately led to Twitter's success.

This book takes readers on a thrilling ride that is unrivalled by many others in its genre. Whether you are an avid tech fan or just a casual reader, "Hatching Twitter" is a must-read and one that will keep you hooked from start to finish.