Outliers: The Story of Success

Version: Unabridged
Author: Malcolm Gladwell
Narrator: Malcolm Gladwell
Genres: Science & Technology, Psychology
Publisher: Hachette Book Group USA
Published In: November 2008
# of Units: 7 CDs
Length: 8 hours
Ratings:
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Overview

An investigation into the roots of success is conducted by the author of the bestselling "The Tipping Point" and "Blink."

In this stunning new audiobook, Malcolm Gladwell takes us on an intellectual journey through the world of "outliers"--the best and the brightest, the most famous and the most successful. He asks the question: what makes high-achievers different? His answer is that we pay too much attention to what successful people are like, and too little attention to where they are from: that is, their culture, their family, their generation, and the idiosyncratic experiences of their upbringing. Along the way he explains the secrets of software billionaires, what it takes to be a great soccer player, why Asians are good at math, and what made the Beatles the greatest rock band.
Brilliant and entertaining, OUTLIERS is a landmark work that will simultaneously delight and illuminate.

Selected Reviews

Interesting parts

by Listening @ 80 MPH
  • Book Rating: 3/5

outliers

by Anonymous
  • Book Rating: 2/5

More...

Read All 22

Reviews (22)

Interesting parts

Written by Listening @ 80 MPH on March 16th, 2012

  • Book Rating: 3/5

Some parts of this were interesting enough to rate a 4, the balance was a 3 for me. The writer is also the reader I believe, and does a good job.

outliers

Written by Anonymous from Fort Worth, TX on February 1st, 2012

  • Book Rating: 2/5

The author presents the hypothesis that successful people are born with a silver spoon. He then disproves the hypothesis and concludes that by hard work, and by making the most of the opportunities, a common person can be successful. Rather common sense, isn't it? That's how I felt at the end.

Outliers - definitely recommend

Written by Anonymous on August 24th, 2011

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Very Interesting. I liked the personal note Gladwell wrote at the end about himself.

Gladwell's Thesis

Written by clashboxer on March 17th, 2011

  • Book Rating: 5/5

After reading Blink, and Tipping Point, I think this book best represents Gladwell's take on society that runs through all of his books. All three books are about how things we think are big are really small. I found Outliers the most interesting, and I also see it as having the largest societal impact--at least in how I personally participate in society.

Best yet!

Written by chezann on March 16th, 2011

  • Book Rating: 5/5

I've read Blink, The Tipping Point, and What the Dog Saw, but this is by far the best.

Awesome book

Written by Anonymous on January 28th, 2011

  • Book Rating: 5/5

i loved this book so much that I gave it to everyone I know for Christmas. It is full of fascinating facts. There were a couple of sections that dragged on a bit but overall it was great. He talks about so many different topics that there should be something for everyone's interest areas. I highly recommend.

Outstanding Book

Written by Mike Moore from Port Orange, FL on January 19th, 2011

  • Book Rating: 5/5

This is an OUTSTANDING book. Honestly one of the best that I have ever read (or listened to in this case). It really makes you think. It should be required reading for every manager/supervisor level person and higher.

Enjoyed very much

Written by Anonymous from Martinez, CA on December 10th, 2010

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Kept my attention. Very interesting. The author is an easy to listen to narrator.

Outliers

Written by Pam on August 17th, 2010

  • Book Rating: 3/5

I gave it 3 stars because it probably deserves some stars! I just couldn't get into it. It is probably a book that many people would find interesting, but I want to be entertained on my drive home and I guess I just don't care why people are successful! But I understood the point the author was making and he's absolutely right. It's just that I don't care! Sorry!

Outliers

Written by Anonymous on January 17th, 2010

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Simply a wonderful book. I am listening to it twice. It's just as good the second time through.

Selected Reviews

Interesting parts

by Listening @ 80 MPH
  • Book Rating: 3/5

outliers

by Anonymous
  • Book Rating: 2/5

More...

Read All 22

Author Details

Author Details

Gladwell, Malcolm

Malcolm Gladwell is a staff writer for The New Yorker. He was formerly a business and science reporter at the Washington Post.