Reading A new memoir retraces Bill Gates' road to Microsoft

Bill Gates' memoir, _Source Code: My Beginnings_, marks a significant exploration of his early life and the factors that led to his success as a tech entrepreneur. The book begins with his affluent upbringing in Seattle, where he was surrounded by supportive parents who instilled in him a sense of ambition and intellect. Gates shares anecdotes about his mother, Mary, whose expectations often conflicted with his desire for independence and creativity in technology. His time at Lakeside School, where he first encountered computer programming, is a pivotal point in his narrative. Gates candidly discusses his neurodiversity, shedding light on the familial challenges it created, and how a psychologist advised his parents to let him pursue his passions.

The memoir is not just a personal history; it challenges the rags-to-riches trope commonly associated with successful figures. Gates' reflections provide a well-rounded view of his formative years, setting the tone for future volumes that will address his career and the controversies surrounding his public persona. This first installment offers readers a compelling insight into the making of a tech giant and the complexities of his upbringing.