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twrafferty's review against another edition
5.0
A thoughtful and thought-provoking collection of essays on a range of topics including how The Dog Whisperer uses a balletic grace to let dogs know that he is the pack leader, and why the received wisdom about Enron is wrong.
cagebox's review against another edition
4.0
I've been reading so much Malcolm Gladwell it's all starting to blend together. It's all interesting stuff but his style and material is very similar in each book. In this one I specifically remember his talk on how hard it is to predict teacher success and the article on why Heinz dominates ketchup but mustard has many popular varieties. This wasn't my favorite of Gladwell's because it seemed less centered in focus than some of his other works.
ccdova's review against another edition
5.0
Another thought-provoking read from Malcolm Gladwell. In this compilation of essays, he explores a variety of topics, including the rise of infomercial pitchmen and why Heinz continues to dominate the ketchup market. Perfect book for anyone with a wide range of interests!
epadams's review against another edition
3.0
Not finished because it is an express read and I really did have to read it quickly. But Gladwell is a compelling writer, and I LOVE this type of journalism. So I may have to get it again to read all the pieces.
jay_the_hippie's review against another edition
4.0
I so enjoy how Malcolm Gladwell clarifies words and thoughts that are kinda fuzzily related in my head (until I see what he says and suddenly realize how important the nuances the separate the two really are). For instance, if you are panicking in a stressful situation, the best thing to do is the exact opposite of what you should do if you are choking in that same situation. I like how he explores the mistakes that communities and people are doing, such as banning pit bulls, or profiling terrorists. His discussion of how people act differently in different settings (and there is often little correlation between the two) matches well with my experience (two people who knew me from different situations. schoolmate: "You mean, Jay, the quiet shy guy who never says much?" Outside of school: "No, Jay, very loud and outgoing. Always talking."), but I do think he has missed one nuance of that analysis, and that is that the people you are with are more important than the actual setting. He may be thinking that when he says "setting," but usually he spells out everything in a clear manner, so that there is nearly no vagueness hiding in any dark corner or skulking under the bed.
If you are familiar with his longer works, this one is nice because it's like getting a whole new dozen or more books by him, only somewhat more condensed.
I will continue to read everything he writes.
If you are familiar with his longer works, this one is nice because it's like getting a whole new dozen or more books by him, only somewhat more condensed.
I will continue to read everything he writes.
jzkannel's review against another edition
3.0
Not quite as engaging at the other books of his that I've read, which I have really loved. A lot of getting really into the weeds of some topics I really don't care about (like how to advertise hair dye). Still had some interesting content. Wasn't really organized, just a lot of different articles. Shoutout to the reference to Carleton College towards the end. Definitely not the book I'd recommend to someone if I tried to get them into Malcolm Gladwell.
marsgaldi's review against another edition
4.0
A book for Gladwell’s fan. A lot of great stories that you’re not sure if it’s true or not, but they very convincing and entertaining.
sweemeng's review against another edition
4.0
A collection of cool story from the author. Pretty good read
chrisannee's review against another edition
3.0
Not his best. But not bad either. I thought that some were too technical and others a bit far-fetched.
But his chapters on Homelessness, "the Pill," Hiring Interviews and Generalizations were, in my humble opinion, spot on!
He should write another book. It has definitely been a while.
But his chapters on Homelessness, "the Pill," Hiring Interviews and Generalizations were, in my humble opinion, spot on!
He should write another book. It has definitely been a while.