The Airbnb Story

How Three Ordinary Guys Disrupted an Industry, Made Billions…and Created Plenty of Controversy

By: Leigh Gallagher

Narrated by: Christine Marshall

This is the remarkable behind-the-scenes story of the creation and growth of Airbnb, the online lodging platform that has become, in under a decade, the largest provider of accommodations in the world. At first just the wacky idea of cofounders Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, and Nathan Blecharczyk, Airbnb has disrupted the $500 billion hotel industry, and its $30 billion valuation is now larger than that of Hilton and close to that of Marriott. Airbnb is beloved by the millions of members in its "host" community and the travelers they shelter every night. And yet, even as the company has blazed such an unexpected path, this is the first book solely dedicated to the phenomenon of Airbnb.

Fortune editor Leigh Gallagher explores the success of Airbnb along with the more controversial side of its story. Regulators want to curb its rapid expansion; hotel industry leaders wrestle with the disruption it has caused them; and residents and customers alike struggle with the unintended consequences of opening up private homes for public consumption. This is also the first in-depth study of Airbnb's leader, Brian Chesky, the quirky and curious young CEO, as he steers the company into new markets and increasingly uncharted waters.

©2017 1002 Productions, Inc. Reproduced by special arrangement with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

This book does what it needs

This book tells you the story of Airbnb a wonderful marketplace business that took off with smarts, hard work and luck.

As an Airbnb Host, Loved it!

What made the experience of listening to The Airbnb Story the most enjoyable?

I am a happy Airbnb host and loved the insights into its creation.

What did you like best about this story?

Seeing the bravery and chutzpah of the founders as they pursued their dream.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Nope, but enjoyed it overall!

Just OK

Some parts were interesting, but overall the last 1/3 was boring. Not the most in depth story I ever read.

Somewhat interesting; juvenile writing

At first I was put off by the narrator until I realized she was reading it exactly as it was written - like a 9th grade book report with no trust in the reader. I’m glad I didn’t pay for this one. Also, by now, eight years out of date. My recommendation is to pass on this one and get something more current (and perhaps better written).

Great book. Bad narrator

This was a great book....really good, but I think the lady that narrated it is new. Because the first half of the book was painful listening to her. But she broke out of her trying to sound good and then just started reading it.....I know you're supposed to rate the book. But who reads it and how is just as important for an audio book.

8 hour long IPO advertissing

Was The Airbnb Story worth the listening time?

Absolutely not.

Any additional comments?

Nothing new. Absolutely insincere. IPO advertising book. Short version of book: AirBNB is friendly and disruptive, hotel lobby is eval, founders are genius, everybody loves Airbnb, nothing bad should happen.
I don't hate the company, no bad feelings about it. But the book has nothing interesting.
If you'd love to read really engaging story about tech in travel company, read "Truck full of money" about Kayak's founder Paul English

Great story / bad narrator

It took me a few tries before finally getting into this because, as other reviewers noted, it’s a bit unbearable to listen to this narrator. Her voice is very airy and has high-pitched inflections at the end of every sentence. Also lacks experience in subject matter, one cringy moment was her pronunciation of “EBITDA” as “E-B-I-T-D-A” rather than “ee-bit-da”, as it’s known generally in accounting/finance. I feel like something like this should have been caught by the editors.

The story itself of course is very interesting for those who like learning about the world of startups and technology.

Great insight into the company.

I enjoyed the story but I especially enjoyed how it went into the controversy of the company.

Brilliant and insightful

One of the best audio books I've heard in a long time!
It was an inspiring tale of the resilient and witty development of the behemoth Airbnb is today, with a great performance by the reader.
Very entertaining!

Inspiring story but narrated like a children’s story

Fascinating but hands down the worse narration I have ever heard. It was read like a children’s book and I struggled through every word. Terrible decision to pair the narrator with this book. Just my opinion but if you have Misophonia like I do, I suggest you listen to the sample before you purchase the book.