Malcolm Gladwell (all 4 of his books)

One Sentence Summary:
Malcolm Gladwell wants you to have a better life and tells you how this can be accomplished. 


10/10 (motivational - great for times when you need to figure out what to do next)

10/10 High School at least one (The Tipping Point would be my choice)

Review:
I have read everything (there are only 4 books) by Malcolm Gladwell and I come away from every book with new ideas and new motivation to be a better person. (See under each image for a more in-depth review of that book) 

This is my favorite by Gladwell because in it he theorizes on why some ideas stick and are expanded upon while others fade away, it is not just a matter of right place right time he argues, it is about the way people see the world and the way they react to the smallest of stimuli.

This is my second favorite of Gladwell's works. In it he explains what it takes to be truly successful. Using famous people as his examples he traces where their success came from and projects the paths that we can take to make ourselves the most successful people we can be. This is where the magic number of 10,000 hours comes from, 10,000 hours of time dedicated to any one thing makes you an expert, so decide what you want to be great at and start your 10,000 hours now.

This is a collection of articles/stories that is well worth reading. I recommend this book if you are looking for a book that is easy to read and might change your life, or if you are looking for a gift for someone who has everything. 

Blink is about how our split second decisions should be relied on more... I disagree. I think this is the weakest of all of Gladwell's work.


Notable Quotes:

“Practice isn't the thing you do once you're good. It's the thing you do that makes you good.” - Outliers

“Emotion is contagious.” - The Tipping Point

“Insight is not a lightbulb that goes off inside our heads. It is a flickering candle that can easily be snuffed out.” - Blink

"Achievement is talent plus preparation” - Outliers

watch his Ted Talk

If you enjoyed this you should read:

A Short History of Nearly Everything - Bill Bryson
Freakonomics - Levitt & Dubner
Predictably Irrational - Dan Ariely