Book Review, by Therese Padilla

Linda Gorchels has released the third edition of "The Product Manager's Handbook." The first chapter is revelatory of the significant changes between this edition and the previous version. I was cheering from my seat as I read the opening chapter and the comparison of product managers to superheros with blue capes. The parallel between the caped superhero and a product manager is remarkable. Both have amazing abilities and powers beyond that of mere mortal managers, both come from humble origins, both stand up for truth and justice (or some form of competitive justice), both are considered a menace to authority, and both do battle with their company's archenemies.

The Product Managers Handbook is the holy grail for these archetypes. Often considered to be the unsung hero of an organization, product manager leap tall buildings (and development teams) in a single bound. Product manager's have to be both strategic and tactical. In today's global markets, there is increased product complexity. Couple this with intense global competition and you can see that an empowered product manager can mean the difference between product success and failure. The companies that know this have built infrastructures around the product management discipline. In The Product Manager's Handbook, the blueprint is clear. Filled with case studies, examples, charts and interviews (including one with yours truly) this handbook is nothing short of inspiring. I believe this book will energize product managers around the globe.

This book is not short on content. At 408 pages, it is over 100 pages longer than the second edition. The book also comes with a companion CD of templates and worksheets designed for the busy product manager.

Now for those of you concerned that book opens with a male superhero, ala Superman, you needn't worry. We all know Lara Croft would make a much better product manager than Clark Kent.