Monday, April 5, 2010

Book Review: Outliers


I read "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell and have just been slow to write the book review.
This was such a fascinating read, especially as it relates to what we are doing here in South Africa. The subtitle of the book is, "The Story of Success." That's what it really is about, studying what makes people successful. What is so interesting is that success is a lot less about WHO people are and a lot more about WHERE they are from. He makes the most compelling arguments for the whole thing. The chapters that have meant the most to us are the ones about the 10,000 hour rule and the one on cultural legacies. I could bore you for hours on how I think cultural legacies, left from Apartheid, are affecting soccer in South Africa. I really do think there are massive links.
All in all, Gladwell writes a research book with tons of science in a very compelling way. I would REALLY encourage this one! I have continued to talk about it since I read it. Check it out!!
Overall Grade: A+

Casey

2 comments:

Allison said...

I thought this was a great book, too. :-) Makes me wonder what I have spent 10,000 doing...reading and writing maybe? I think I'm a successful reader! hehe

Kerry said...

Casey- I'm reading this book (albeit really slowly...since Christmas) right now! :) I love the 10K rule too - and the hockey players being born in Jan/feb/mar - so interesting. He's a great researcher. You've inspired me to get back into it - thanks! miss you!