The book suggests that Shimano is only good at copying others ideas & not inventing new ones. Shimano was a fishing & golf club manufacturer that also makes bike parts. Shimano's success was mainly due to their cheep asian labor. Shimano has it's place on lesser bikes.
These statements may be true on some small level they are however not an accurate portrayal of the company & it's achievements. I can't say they painted Shimano in any positive way.