Product ReviewsOutliers : The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell (2011, Trade Paperback)

Outliers: The Story of Success

This is a fabulous book. People who are outliers make a difference. While talent hits the target no one else can hit, outliers hit the target that no one else can see.

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More sizzle than steak

For a supposed scientific out-of-box thinker, I’m surprised at Gladwell for more than one mischaracterization. First he posits Joseph’s success as strictly based on self-determination and individual effort, which begs the question, “Have you critically read Genesis?” Two, he takes observations of a bona fide genius on the corporate, self-serving Harvard culture and dismisses it as a function of defensive thinking based on poverty and lack of self-confidence. Perhaps this was published prior to the Harvard grade inflation scandal? He states a desire to show that social milieu affects success, just to meander his way toward implying that wealthy kids grow up socially privileged because they’re sheltered and supported like little orchids.

I’m starting to think there’s merit to critics who say that Gladwell’s insights have more to do with preconceptions masking as wisdom than real observations. Read full review...

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Bought it for my daughter's English class reading, but I'm enjoying it too!

I like that while outlining and discussing the main points of the book, they use real-world examples often times with groups or people that many of have will have heard of -- like sports teams, or tech moguls like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. It allows readers to grasp the content in a more concrete way.Read full review...

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Meritocracy is a fallacy

This book enlightens us about the myth of land of opportunities and hard work.
These myths survive because a lot of people heard of self made millionaires. They’re usually the ones that perpetuate the illusion of hard work, good ideas produce $ucce$$. Without proper opportunities, like being in the right place at the right time and knowing someone who can propel you in the right direction, just by one’s own merit doesn’t take you very far.Read full review...

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Great Buy

I needed this book for my AP Language class. I received it before the expected date and despite of being used it feels like it's brand new. It's a very good option for a way lower price than you'll get in any bookstore.Read full review...

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A great, interesting look on life.

Great book! So interesting. Gladwell has a writing style that is very easy to relate to and makes for a very fun and light read. I highly recommend this book.

No signature

The book is advertised as signed, yet there is no author signature.

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Outliers helped me see and understand the genius of America.

Einstein observed things everyone else could see as well, but he understood more than most. I think history acknowledges that. Malcolm Gladwell has a similar talent for looking at events and understanding them. But, his ability to help us see the significance of people and events all around us, is his genius. I have purchased 10 copies of this book, giving them to family and friends. This book should be in every middle and high school classroom in this country.Read full review...

Disappointing.

Disappointing Because the content was flimsy and too often boring. The writer is very good, but the contest was beneath his standard of writing.

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Appropriate

Great book

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