David and Goliath

Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants

By: Malcolm Gladwell

Narrated by: Malcolm Gladwell

Length: 7 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Winner, Nonfiction, 2014

Explore the power of the underdog in Malcolm Gladwell's dazzling examination of success, motivation, and the role of adversity in shaping our lives, from the best-selling author of The Bomber Mafia.

Three thousand years ago on a battlefield in ancient Palestine, a shepherd boy felled a mighty warrior with nothing more than a stone and a sling, and ever since then the names of David and Goliath have stood for battles between underdogs and giants. David's victory was improbable and miraculous. He shouldn't have won.

Or should he have?

In David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwellchallenges how we think about obstacles and disadvantages, offering a new interpretation of what it means to be discriminated against, or cope with a disability, or lose a parent, or attend a mediocre school, or suffer from any number of other apparent setbacks.

Gladwell begins with the real story of what happened between the giant and the shepherd boy those many years ago. From there, David and Goliath examines Northern Ireland's Troubles, the minds of cancer researchers and civil rights leaders, murder and the high costs of revenge, and the dynamics of successful and unsuccessful classrooms - all to demonstrate how much of what is beautiful and important in the world arises from what looks like suffering and adversity.

In the tradition of Gladwell's previous best-sellers - The Tipping Point, Blink, Outliers, and What the Dog Saw - David and Goliath draws upon history, psychology, and powerful storytelling to reshape the way we think of the world around us.

©2013 Malcolm Gladwell (P)2013 Hachette Audio

Another new perspective on life

Malcom Gladwell makes me a smarter person. With every book there is a new explanation of what is commonly understood as a universal fact - - that he convincingly explains is just plain wrong. With this book, I've learned that being "disadvantaged" may be my strategic advantage. Very cool.

As a narrator, Gladwell comes well armed with research and facts, but delivers it in such a cool and calm low-key way, that as he's explaining how silly you've been for believing what seems like common sense, it's not one bit insulting.

Be prepared to revel in being "the underdog" and in discovering that giants really aren't that scary.

One of Gladwell's Best!!

Would you listen to David and Goliath again? Why?

I would. David and Goliath was extremely informative and as usual with Gladwell's books creates a different way to think of the world that has practical applications with everyday life.

What other book might you compare David and Goliath to and why?

Outliers

Which character – as performed by Malcolm Gladwell – was your favorite?

I loved the story about why going to an Ivy League school may be bad for you or your child.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. I could not put it down

Any additional comments?

It is a book that will deliver.

I like his other books better.

A good book splendidly read by the author. The theme is catching. Most chapters start off with a misdirection, and I'm thinking the author's thesis is wrong. For example, small class sizes do make a difference, I think. The author presents data that seems to contradict that assertion, but really doesn't. The author at the last moment will say maybe not and will show you why it's probably not true. He does that multiple times. Most of his original assertions I didn't like but by the end I did.

Another thing, he writes the stories such that I wished I was born poor, or at least had dyslexia because he makes those seem so desirable. That of corse is silly.

Look, the book is an easy listen and is fun but is not as good as his other books. I don't really recommend this one, but I was disappointed.

Love it.

This the 4th time I have listened to this book and I learn something new each time. Well worth the time.

M. Gladwell is excellent on teaching via stories

If you could sum up David and Goliath in three words, what would they be?

Bibical, exemplary, inclusive

What other book might you compare David and Goliath to and why?

Outlier. Real life references interestingly shared.

Have you listened to any of Malcolm Gladwell’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my 2nd audiobook and 3rd of Malcolm Gladwell's. They're top-notch writings and books.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I learned so much more about Goliath and heard more about David. It's meaningful to be able to experience a book that covers so many people individually described and related to in various aspects of their lives and times in history, and bring it into relation with the most powerful book in History: the Bible.

Any additional comments?

I want to listen to the audiobook again before my 30 days expire; I hope too many things don't come into play before that happens.

Entertaining and thought provoking

If you could sum up David and Goliath in three words, what would they be?

Question your assumptions.

What other book might you compare David and Goliath to and why?

Tipping Point/Freakonomics

What does Malcolm Gladwell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Articulates and adds tone to the words that only the author would

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Admittedly, I enjoy all of Mr. Gladwell's writings - I don't always agree with his argument, I appreciate the logical presentation and always food for thought

Any additional comments?

Great audiobook and very enjoyable material.My one complaint (as always) is the pricing of audiobooks vs the hard copy - one would think the digital version would be less expensive. . .

Disadvantage Recast in a Different Context

Would you listen to David and Goliath again? Why?

Yes. The examples, case studies and concepts are powerful reminders of how shifting our perspective (or paradigm) can make us see the forces affecting an outcome in an entirely different way. Life is about perspective and what we see depends on where we are standing.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Malcolm Gladwell does a wonderful job narrating his own books. He brought to life the words of the people whose stories he told.

Which scene was your favorite?

He brought a very important subtext to the bombing of London during World War II that I had not previously heard.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Life through the lens of disadvantage as a strength.

Any additional comments?

A very important book in seeing beyond the obvious to the unseen and unconsidered factors that shape people and outcomes.

The first half of the book was was amazing but..

It was my first Gladwell's book. I would rate it higher but it grows a little tedious in the end. The initial topics that are covered are some of the best I have heard, especially the one about the students who feel like a small fish in a big pond. The second part feels a bit desperate from the initial narrative. Nonetheless a clear and fresh perspective.

watch for trailing voice

struggled to hear his trailing voice while in the car. otherwise great a thought provoking book.

Another great book by Gladwell!

Very interesting concept and well delivered. I loved it.

I also enjoyed Blink and Outliers.




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