can you elaborate - also what business books are you talking about?
They all say in some form or other: find where the people with the problems hang out, learn how they express their issues with the problems, fix the problems, explain to them in their own style and wording how your thing solves their problems, customers
At least that's how I remember it, pinches of salt all round on the exact learnings please!
FWIW, apart from his books, he also does a lot to encourage and promote other founders. He seems like a decent guy.
Lean Startup is the faster read but if I recall correctly Steve Blank was Ries' mentor/inspiration.