Rated 5 out of
5
by
Rissa from
Reaffirming and even more informative
I highly enjoyed reading this fascinating book. Malcolm Gladwell basically reaffirmed everything I learned in my sociology classes in university, and expanded my horizon even further. The book is split into two parts, “Part One: Opportunity” and “Part Two: Legacy.” My favourite chapters were “The Matthew Effect,” “Rice Paddies and Math Tests”, and “A Jamaican Story.” What I took from this book was that there is no such thing as self-made success – there is much more going on behind the scenes to help successful people succeed. I think everyone should read it.
Date published: 2017-10-15
Rated 4 out of
5
by
jaxon from
a great lesson
a great lesson to those who hope to coast on talent alone
Date published: 2017-09-27
Rated 5 out of
5
by
J_ipad from
Great read
Insightful exploration of the mechanics of success
Date published: 2017-09-15
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Amarevita from
Must read. Eye opener.
Its a great read and a whole new book/concept. Great style of writing. Great examples. Helps you understand what makes mpeople successful.
Date published: 2017-09-02
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Paul from
Great read
Another interesting, well-written book from Malcolm Gladwell.
Date published: 2017-08-23
Rated 1 out of
5
by
hkgan from
meh.
Gladwell presents an intriguing question, but he offers no control cases, except for the case of Mr. Langan. As a scientist, and someone who looks at statistics daily, I am underwhelmed by assigning validity to a phenomenon without having a control group against which to compare the results. Gladwell fails at this, and I feel he is making conclusions based on personal emotional attachment to his family's history. This book is less a complete concept and more a hypothesis with an incomplete examination of his thesis. This was more about an indictment of the haves, and an excuse for the have-nots to assign their locus of control to external forces, than it was an exploration of what makes the successful truly successful.
Date published: 2017-08-07
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Miaa from
Interesting read
Not normally my flavor of reading, but I was strongly recommended this title by my boyfriend. He's quite the interesting individual with a keen sense for thought processes that I have never witnessed in another individual. Titles like this give a whole new perspective on how to look at the world through social and cultural stereotypes, stigmas, and characteristics.
Date published: 2017-07-19
Rated 5 out of
5
by
PCStalder from
Entertaining, and informational
Gladwell provides an entertaining trek deep into the psyche of success. Written as if it is a series of consecutive articles, the appeal of this story is found in diversity of sources drawn on. Flying from the frozen rinks of the prairies to tragic accidents in South East Asia, Gladwell reveals the core of 'success' across seemingly unrelated fields.
In all of this, however, one cannot distill a definition of success used throughout; rather surprising for a book graced with a subtitle such as this. Is success found in providing a universal benefit, or selfish pursuit?
This is a captivating read that you can sail through thanks to Gladwell's conversational style. Recommended for all those interested in the phenomenon of success, whatever that word means to you.
Date published: 2017-07-13
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Christine from
Eye Opening!
I listened to the audiobook version and thoroughly enjoyed it! So interesting and eye opening. I told people in my circle random facts from the book for weeks afterwards! Parts of it definitely stuck with me!
Date published: 2017-06-22
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Grace from
A read on good common sense
Once you start reading it is impossible to stop. Reinforces everything that we might have noticed but couldn't quite prove. Inspiring and motivating.
Date published: 2017-05-20
Rated 4 out of
5
by
PersonBlahblah from
Interesting perspective
Expected a book about geniuses, but it looks like Gladwell makes a great case for success being nurtured.
Date published: 2017-05-12
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Sandra from
Thought provoking
Interesting take on what brings about success.
Date published: 2017-04-23
Rated 4 out of
5
by
TutorGrrl from
Great read
Interesting perspectives on what creates success. Quite enjoyed this book.
Date published: 2017-04-12
Rated 4 out of
5
by
TutorGrrl from
Great read!
Interesting perspectives on what creates success. Quite enjoyed this book.
Date published: 2017-04-12
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Alexis from
Thought-provoking and fascinating read.
Thought-provoking and fascinating read.
Date published: 2017-04-03
Rated 4 out of
5
by
tanya from
Great Read
Many books from Gladwell aren't ground breaking but are nonetheless interesting because of the social concepts and principles that he discusses. There's a great deal of marketing notions involved but if you haven't studied in marketing or sociology, these perceptions aren't "natural."
If you liked Outliers, you'll also enjoy his book Tipping Point
Date published: 2017-03-31
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Kelly from
Ironically mediocre
For a book dedicated to recounting and explaining the stories of people who have achieved massive success in life, its absolute mediocrity is both ironic and more than a little unfortunate. Sure, the tales Gladwell describes are fascinating and diverse, ranging from childhood geniuses to Korean air pilots to billionaire software tycoons, and I’m sure you could score some points on a date or at a cocktail party by sharing them. However, the theories that Gladwell proposes to explain these remarkable examples of success range from perplexingly obvious to eye-rollingly far-fetched. You mean to say that success results from a combination of hard work, opportunity, and good luck?? Wow, how utterly revolutionary! You think Asian kids are good at math solely because their ancestors worked in rice paddies? Um, I’m going to need some hard evidence. And that is exactly where Gladwell’s polished little postulations begin to collapse. In addition to not quite fully grasping the critical distinction between correlation and causation, he invariably utilizes cherry-picked anecdotal evidence and sloppy statistical analyses to support his claims. Wow, the limited and biased “data” he provides perfectly align with his arguments every time--what a coincidence! Likewise, other logical fallacies—false cause, appeal to authority, Texas sharpshooter, etc., etc.--abound in his writing. Overall, a quick and engaging read, but nothing special. Gladwell should have taken a leaf from his own book if he had been aiming for success—or, on second thought, maybe not.
Date published: 2017-03-06
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Natalie from
Gladwell has a great narrative voice!
I've read a couple of Gladwell's books and listened to his podcast, and I just love the way he simply explains concepts and challenges the way we see the world. His narrative voice is excellent and makes for very captivating non-fiction
Date published: 2017-02-19
Rated 3 out of
5
by
pcthphd from
INteresting book
Helps bring perspective on things
Date published: 2017-02-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Elliot from
Thought Provoking
A very good read. From someone who almost exclusively reads fiction, I really enjoyed this.
Date published: 2017-02-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Krista from
Great Read
His books are amazing, they make you think of things in new ways.
Date published: 2017-02-05
Rated 5 out of
5
by
brymac from
Love this
I still think about this book years after reading it, a great perspective of what success and luck are and how they could be related
Date published: 2017-02-04
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Kay891 from
Loved it!
I read this on a recommendation from a friend and coworker as my first introduction to Gladwell. Absolutely fascinating. Whether you agree or not, Gladwell forces you to turn the conversation inward and look at your own life and the world around you in a completely different way. Very easy to read while covering some complex thinking. Definitely recommend!
Date published: 2017-02-01
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Kate from
Decent book
Gladwell definitely has some interesting insights!
Date published: 2017-01-29
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Bookie from
Enjoyable.
I read this book a while ago and can't remember exactly every point from it. Considering I have read all of the Malcom Gladwell books, I would definitely put this one near the top. #plumreview
Date published: 2017-01-29
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Darya from
Mindblowing
I was fascinated by this book. Amazing read of you are looking for self development advises. This book shows what we consider result of hard work and tons of luck in a totally different way. Everything is so much more simple and obvious. I couldn't but the book down. It made me feel a range of emotions starting from surprise to great amusement.
Date published: 2017-01-24
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Mell from
It was okay
Decent book, makes you think about yourself in relation to others and how to excel. However watch out for using this book to inflate your ego!
Date published: 2017-01-20
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Carrie from
Highly recommended
Excellent author with some really interesting observations to share
Date published: 2017-01-20
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Ruba from
Very interesting read
This is a book from which everyone can learn a thing or two. Gladwell discusses the different factors that play into a person's success - hard work and dedication, the demographic into which one is born, genetic talent, and so much more. I learnt so many interesting facts from this book. The one downside which I didn't quite enjoy is the author's redundancy. He used more examples than necessary to make his point. The book could have been a few pages shorter.
Date published: 2017-01-17
Rated 5 out of
5
by
B123 from
Love it!
Great book, can read it over and over. It definitely gets to thinking about your everyday encounters.
Date published: 2017-01-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
meghan_ford from
Favorite book
I've read this book over four times already and love it every time. I'm a psychology student and just about in all of my classes my professors mention this book at least once. It's a great book for everyone to read.
Date published: 2017-01-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Kate from
Best Malcolm Gladwell book
You cannot go wrong reading any of Malcolm Gladwell's books, but I find I often find myself thinking back to some of the ideas and concepts he discussed in this book. Very interesting read, full of research and examples that will stay with you long after you finish.
Date published: 2017-01-05
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Andrew from
Great Book!
One of my favorites! Great insight into the power of practice
Date published: 2017-01-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Biggercounty from
Great read!
Have read this a few times since it was published. It's a fun, engaging read, and the quick stories are applicable to the "average" reader.
Date published: 2016-12-27
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Kelly_Enright from
Interesting
This book definitely provides an interesting take on a hot topic. It will make you look at things differently. It will make you think and you will come away having learned a great deal. If you're looking for light reading, this isn't the book. It is also very well written, which does make reading it easier. Would recommend to anyone who likes to learn
Date published: 2016-12-12
Rated 5 out of
5
by
nppn from
educational
definitely teaches you something, may or may not find them useful but doesn't hurt to know. you can treat this book like a non-fictional book, interesting. the theories are well supported with examples.
Date published: 2016-12-08
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Cristina from
Outliers
Very interesting read that makes you think. Well written, definitely going to be reading this again.
Date published: 2016-12-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Paul from
Wonderful book
I read this over a year ago. Think I'll read it again soon.
Date published: 2016-12-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Beata from
My favorite Malcolm Gladwell book
I enjoyed the different anecdotes, the easy languages, and examples. Gladwell's research was phenomenal and interesting.
Date published: 2016-11-28
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Danielle from
A great read!
I just finished reading all of Gladwell's books - Tipping point, Blink, David and Goliath, and Outliers- and this was another amazing read. If you are a fan of Gladwell this book will definitely intrigue you. A great mix between psychology and business.
Date published: 2016-11-23
Rated 5 out of
5
by
JAKesq from
Great finish to trio
Reading Gladwell's three books in a row -- Tipping Point, Blink, and Outliers -- is a great way to look at the massive and seemingly hidden forces at play in our lives. Well worth reading together. #plumreview
Date published: 2016-11-19
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Kenzie from
Interesting and very readable!
This is one of my favourite non-fiction books. Malcolm Gladwell shares his research in a very readable way with fun anecdotes. I have read other similar books where the authors seemed to add unnecessary fancy language to make the book sound intellectual but in my opinion made them boring. This was definitely not the case for Outliers!
Date published: 2016-11-09
Rated 3 out of
5
by
emanley19 from
Correlation does not equal causation
Parts of this book really grabbed me, like the hockey player anecdotes right off the bat and the school system analysis near the end. However other parts had me mindlessly reading through to move on. Overall it was easy to follow how opportunities and cultural histories shaped how some people were able to be successful over others. At the same time, that point was also shoved down your throat on repeat and you were reminded at the end of many anecdotes about all the past anecdotes mentioned thus far. Worth the read for a new perspective on success and some fun facts to bring up at parties to sound smart!
Date published: 2016-11-07
Rated 5 out of
5
by
BelieverOfMalcolm from
The Best
Outliers is not a textbook of success, which would help you to invest in the right company that will become the next "google". Rather, Outliers is a series of lectures on the factors that one may overlook when pursuing her/his passion tiredlessly.
I was delighted to read a quarter of the book in one go, while other times I had to put down the book between paragraph from the excitment. Outliers addresses some questions in my life: Why would a friend of mine never hand a decent job, even if he had a phd? Why would some regions in a country have better economy (or offer better opportunity) than the other regions do?
This is just my two cents. On contrary, if I didn't want to achieve more than I was given for, Outlier might just be as good as a well-writen TV show to me.
Date published: 2015-12-12
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Slam from
Couldn't put it down.
Fantastically written and not at all what I was expecting. A very eye-opening book.
Date published: 2015-10-03
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Juan Hernandez from
Interesting observations.
Enjoyed the book. Brought up many interesting observations and conclusions. Made me examine if his assertions actually made sense in my upbringing. It did. It also helped me understand some of my own practices in the upbringing of my four children, especially in presenting them with different opportunities.
Date published: 2015-02-26
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Tim from
Contemporary philosophy
As good chance to reread what may become classical thought on contemporary issues. Where do we belong? are we outliers too?
Date published: 2014-11-02
Rated 5 out of
5
by
The from
Outliers
Ignite the outlier in you...a must read
Date published: 2014-10-25
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Pilisa from
Excellent book!
Gladwell discusses not only very successful people, but what circumstances and opportunities allowed them to reach that level of success. The climate and culture surrounding us helps to determine our levels of success more than almost any other factor.
Date published: 2014-07-02
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Juank from
Outliers
"No one who can rise before dawn three hundred sixty days a year fails to make his family rich.”
Date published: 2014-05-15
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Larry from
Outliers
Excellent reading. Addresses the key question of what it takes to be successful. A lot more than just brains. Brains, experience, history, culture, the world around you and a little bit of luck.
Date published: 2014-04-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Larry from
Outliers
Another winner by Gladwell. Brilliant, insightful and though provoking. Another Gladwell classic worth reading and re-reading.
Date published: 2014-02-17
Rated 4 out of
5
by
rachel s from
Outliers
This is an excellent book and has a lot of insight into phenomena that I had never considered before. I would, however, take many of the conclusions made here with a grain of salt, and if you are interested in this kind of thing, I would do further research into the studies Gladwell quotes from. I'm not saying he's wrong about his theories, but they are just theories and they are presented as fact. Nevertheless, this is a fascinating read and I highly recommend it, particularly for teachers.
Date published: 2014-02-15
Rated 5 out of
5
by
remcdonald from
Outliers
Great read from a brilliant author well worth the money I payed for it. Malcolm gladwell's other books are definitely worth checking out too
Date published: 2014-02-10
Rated 5 out of
5
by
remcdonald from
Outliers
A thought provoking take on other influencers that make you realize there is more to success than just raw talent or intellect. You won't look at successful people in quite the same way again. It might even affect how you do things in your life in the future.
Date published: 2014-02-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
remcdonald from
Outliers
Very thought provoking as usual. Gladwell doesn't disappoint. Perfect for a light afternoon of quiet time.
Date published: 2014-02-08
Rated 5 out of
5
by
dennis from
Outliers
Interesting and very enlightening. Everyone who works with, for, or around other people should read this book.
Date published: 2014-02-08
Rated 5 out of
5
by
ljohnston from
Outliers
Great read about some incredible individuals.
Date published: 2014-02-04
Rated 5 out of
5
by
ljohnston from
Outliers
I really enjoyed this book, it is well written and very engaging. It is thought provoking and inspiring. Seeks to explain why some people excel to such a great level and many of the un seen but significant things that contribute to it.
Date published: 2014-02-03
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Brad from
Great and interesting read
I found this book to be very insightful. You don't realize some of these facts and Gladwell brings them forth in ways that are interesting and its a great eye opener. I recommend it.
Date published: 2014-01-27
Rated 5 out of
5
by
sarah m from
Great and interesting read
A brilliant book filled with intriguing true stories of outliers. It made this sociology student look at success in a whole new way. Definitely a must read!
Date published: 2014-01-27
Rated 5 out of
5
by
sarah m from
Great and interesting read
Outliers is a fantastic book, giving you insights on the reason why successful people are successful. From famous people like Bill Gates, you would learn that their success did not happen just because of coincidence and their innovation but also the fact that they were born in the right time.
Date published: 2014-01-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Candyapple from
Great and interesting read
This book is an absolute MUST read! I have recommended it to all my friends. I know it was not meant as such - but I think it is a great parenting book. Outliers are not made in a day - you have to find your child's passion early on and support them therein.
Date published: 2014-01-23
Rated 1 out of
5
by
MAW17 from
don't bother
well written, but poorly researched - no women worthy of mention so thumbs down from this reviewer.
Date published: 2013-12-19
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Mary from
Edge of my seat
Fascinating concepts. I couldn't put the book down.
Date published: 2013-09-17
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Brenden from
Great book!
Very interesting read. Highly recommended!!
Date published: 2013-07-04
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Som from
Interesting Read
Malcolm Gladwell looks at circumstances surrounding the success of some very successful people like Bill Gates and Joe Flom, and concludes that No one has ever succeeded alone. He looks at success again and explains how culture, class and luck collide with hard work in some people's lives and end up giving us success stories like Microsoft, Skadden Arps, etc.
Date published: 2013-04-10
