Brooks blends facts and stories together in a though-provoking selection of essays. While the author mostly talks about software projects, the lessons and frustrations apply to anyone who has had the dubious pleasure of leading a team. The book challenges readers to think about the sense and non-sense of generally held maxims, and strives to re-introduce some common-sense to project management. A prime example of this, is the saying: “hiring nine women will not get you a baby in one month”.