I'll start by explaining that I started reading this book solely because I "needed" a book which I could use to represent the state of Maine in my 50 States Challenge.

It was a fun yet surreal read for a number of reasons:

1. It's technically a business book - but written 25 years ago reflecting the business of the time.
2. Because of the above, there was no reference to the internet (since it did not yet exist) and the discussion of typewriters, address-o-matic machines (which I still think sounds fake), and other business practices of the time were a hilarious stroll down memory lane
3. When was the last time you heard anyone say that Montgomery Ward was the best in the industry or listened to the purchasing habits of West Germany?

Since the business benefit of this book is practically nil, I will still recommend it as an insightful "historical business" book which not only lays out the mindset of L.L. Bean in starting his business (yes, L.L. Bean was a real person (who passed away in the 60's) and provides a fun description of life in Maine and its characters, etc. ( )