Compelled by curiosity, sociological journalist-turned writer Malcolm Gladwell perceives the world in a very unique way. This Anglo/Jamaican/Canadian writer and his three best-selling novels The Tipping Point, Blink, and Outliers will keep you contemplating their innovative concepts for days.
Gladwell’s first work, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Make a Big Difference, illuminates his theory on epidemics. He analyzes the simple things that must happen in order for the ordinary to become the extraordinary. He explains that every major trend from Blue’s Clues to crime in New York City has a “tipping point,” which in his words is “that magic moment when an idea, trend or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire.” Also spotlighting fads such as Hush Puppies and Sesame Street, the book instills an intriguing concept in your mind.
His next work, Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, explores the idea of split second decisions and discusses the psychology behind our brain’s instantaneous choices. Why are some people brilliant with on-the-spot judgments while others are completely inept? Is it DNA, or could it be something else? Read the book to find out.
In his third book, Outliers: The Story of Success, Gladwell investigates unusual patterns in statistics. He proposes a theory that achievement in life is more centralized on luck rather than skill. What led Bill Gates to become one of the wealthiest men in history? Why are the majority of Canadian hockey players born in January and February? The answer to these questions, along with so much more can be located within its pages.
Evidence of his journalistic background, Gladwell’s work has definitive clarity and concision which sets the tone for a relaxing read. In all three of his books, his theories are presented in an entertaining manner with countless amusing examples. A perfect read for all the thinkers out there, the Gladwellian vision in these three passionately written books is clever, logical, and very convincing.
T.J. Gillespie • Oct 21, 2011 at 8:47 am
One of my favorite things about Gladwell is how he is able to write convincingly about such a wide range of topics, from the high to the low, from science and technology to overweight NBA stars.
I would recommend the incisive and entertaining Q and A session that Gladwell did with ESPN’s famous Sports Guy, Bill Simmons.
It can be found here:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/060302
Gladwell talks about learning about sports by reading Sports Illustrated in a Canadian library, NFL draft picks, and why some people work hard and others don’t.
Thanks for the article.
Kyle Berger • Oct 20, 2011 at 10:00 pm
I absolutely love reading Malcolm Gladwell’s stuff, and I’m not a big book-reader. I read Outliers on a 4-hour flight this summer without putting it down. All of his books touch on high-level concepts, but are certainly approachable for high school-aged readers, as well.
I’d also recommend “What the Dog Saw,” which is a compilation of some of his works from New Yorker magazine across a variety of topics.
E McKee • Oct 20, 2011 at 10:46 am
“Glad” to know there is another fan of Gladwell…his books are easy to read, and fascinating. Blink has some cogent information about dating…read and find out what social scientists have learned from speed dating studies! Nicely written article, Jillian!