Microsoft founder's memoir opens gate to his early years

Bill Gates has published books about climate change, epidemiology and technological development, but seldom about himself. His first memoir, in English and Chinese, debuted this month.

The new book, Source Code: My Beginnings, focuses on his early years from his childhood to his decision to leave college and start Microsoft.

"I share what it was like to be a precocious, sometimes difficult kid, the restless middle child of two dedicated and ambitious parents who didn't always know what to make of me. In writing the book, I came to better understand the people that shaped me and the experiences that led to the creation of a world-changing company," says Gates.

The book earned a rating of 9.2 out of 10 on China's popular review site Douban.

"For people like Bill Gates, their success may not be replicable, but we can often find some experiences worth learning from their journey," says book critic Wang Bing in his review.

"If life is likened to seeds, regardless of their genetic differences and diversity, there are always some rules to be found in the process of germination, branching out, and flowering. Although we know that these rules cannot change the seeds, they can help the seeds flourish in a suitable environment," Wang adds.

Following this publication, Gates will write two more memoirs, focusing on his work with Microsoft and philanthropy, respectively.