Outliers

The Story of Success

By: Malcolm Gladwell

Narrated by: Malcolm Gladwell

From the best-selling author of The Bomber Mafia, learn what sets high achievers apart - from Bill Gates to the Beatles - in this seminal work from "a singular talent" (New York Times Book Review).

In this stunning audiobook, Malcolm Gladwell takes us on an intellectual journey through the world of "outliers" - the best and the brightest, the most famous, and the most successful. He asks the question: What makes high-achievers different?

His answer is that we pay too much attention to what successful people are like, and too little attention to where they are from: That is, their culture, their family, their generation, and the idiosyncratic experiences of their upbringing. Along the way he explains the secrets of software billionaires, what it takes to be a great soccer player, why Asians are good at math, and what made the Beatles the greatest rock band.

Brilliant and entertaining, Outliers is a landmark work that will simultaneously delight and illuminate.

©2008 Malcom Gladwell (P)2008 Hachette Audio

Not as revelatory as you'd think

It takes lots of actual practice to master something. It also takes opportunities that are not in our control. So basically, Gladwell is trying to prove Calvinism (hard work + predestination). Pinpointing the web of circumstances that leads to success is something that we obsess over as a culture and Gladwell provides a very interesting analysis of how this works. But I do not feel like I heard any revelations here that I did not learn from my father when he encouraged me to get internships as an undergraduate.

Good book but information not overly surprising

I liked this book because it gave a different view on success that underplayed the role of genetics. It won't tell you the secret to success but a running theme was hard work and practice practice practice is what makes you an expert and thus, successful according to today's standards. There were also some interesting points about parenting and about the American school system which I'll have to keep in mind if I have kids sometime down the road...

The only negative comments I have is that it was a bit repetitive within each chapter and even from chapter to chapter the message was the same. Also, some of the studies he mentions and assumptions he makes from the studies are a bit questionable but I kept an open mind and I think his conclusions were for the most part acceptable.

All in all, I recommend this book, perhaps in the abridged format though.

outliers

truly one of the best audio books of the year
do get it and you won't be disappointed
for me as a teacher the stories were inspiring and invaluable

Great food for thought

This is one of the usual very well put-together Malcolm Gladwell books. By being read by the author, you get the full impact of the points he is trying to make. I found this to be another excellent book that has given me much to ponder and reflect upon. I highly recommend it.

I'm not worthy of reviewing such a brilliant book

I will try.
My reaction to Gladwells work is much the same as my feelings toward Michael Moore when he became
known. I want to say
"Thank you, thank you for existing"

Outliers is fascinating, immpeccably researched and accessible. Gladwell consistantly chooses research in areas that most of us think we know about, assuming our conventional wisdom must be
based on something factual. The reality being, much of it is nothing more than long term societal brainwashing. When Gladwell reveals the big picture, which he does in a style as captivating as any novel; I'm left thinking
"these topics affect us on an intimate level why was this not done before?"
I suppose the answer is obvious. Sometimes we like our minds to stay comfortable.

No pretense, no elitism, no shock value, it's not necessary. Brilliantly researched and narrated work that stands on it's own.

Malcolm you rock!

Simple Yet Complex

This was my 1st Malcolm Gladwell AudioBook, I also read along w/ a copy of the book. The examples used are golden in how they intertwine lessons about culture, environment, & oppurtunities given. This is a must read for any (young or old) entrepreneur or someone wanting to understand how someone comes to bestow the chances at success. Thank you Malcolm Gladwell!

Very thought provoking.

This book caused me to re-evaluate my perceptions of success and how it is achieved. It is a great listen for parents of young children since parents can have a major influence on many of the contributing factors of success that are mentioned in this book. Enjoyable on many levels.

Fascinating

This was so interesting and also well-written and well-read--he could have gone on with many more examples and I would have just kept listening! Particularly interesting to me was the information on intelligence and highly intelligent people. I love the idea that a certain IQ is "smart enough" and beyond does not predict increased success. I do know at least one person who is Mensa-certifed who was never able to hold a job or attain any level of success. Also, it is nice to know that good, old-fashioned hard work accounts for most of success that people achieve.

Captivating!

Really enjoyed! Well written - The author has done an excellent job in sharing his perspective on how the rich got richer and the famous became more famous... being in the right place at the right time..... Malcolm has a wonderful voice that fits the story perfectly. The last half addresses the importance of communications and the problems and conflicts we get into due to our socialism, heritages and ethnicity. Can't wait to read his other books!

Stories Stick

this stories stuck with me and I I'm able to share them with others. learned a lot about those who became outstanding and the lessons seem applicable.