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Outliers  By  cover art

Outliers

By: Malcolm Gladwell
Narrated by: Malcolm Gladwell
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Publisher's summary

From the best-selling author of The Bomber Mafia, learn what sets high achievers apart - from Bill Gates to the Beatles - in this seminal work from "a singular talent" (New York Times Book Review).

In this stunning 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.

©2008 Malcom Gladwell (P)2008 Hachette Audio

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What listeners say about Outliers

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    36,454
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  • 4 Stars
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Good but not great

Tipping Point and Blink were a much better read then this latest effort from Gladwell. Still, I enjoy his incredible research!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

It's all about hard work and mindset!

This book would be a great book for every person to read- it tackles the issue of entitlement and idealization- giving agency to every person and providing those who have both benefited and suffered from a system of entitlement an encouragement to continue to work hard and persevere.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Eye opening, an excellent book!

This book really brings out the meaning in some very interestimg statistics that you really wouldn't think we're related.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A new perspective on success

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This was an eye opening perspective on the factors that influence success.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Outliers?

The factors that influence a person's success in education.

What does Malcolm Gladwell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I live in Los Angeles and spend many hours in my car; I love having audio books to listen to. Mr. Gladwell added a very personal dimension when he discussed the story of his family.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Not really a personal memoir, but..

On a scale of 0-10, 0 being a personal memoir, 10 being a universally accepted theory.
I would say a 7.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

surprising underlying information on success

very interesting findings brought in a way that evokes the quest-ions in the reader wonder-fully.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding!

I never looked at success in this way. I'll never look at it the same again!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Great informational storyteller

I was concerned a book like this would end up reading like a textbook...dry and a snoozer. But, Malcolm weaves may stories of the "average" individuals who become the worlds best in a variety of fields...weaving the common thread and showing how we actually prevent more from becoming that same world changing level of skill.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A nice dose of anti-individualism

Malcolm Gladwell Texas on a journey deep into the roots of successful people to show us that we are more like them then we may have ever imagined. he also provides evidence to suggest that communities cultural legacies are as important as individual contributions in the story of a successful person.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Interesting Facts

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

I always find it interesting and much more enjoyable when the author is also the narrator. Malcolm's narration of his work is excellent.

Which scene was your favorite?

The concept of once gifted, always gifted, is an interesting one. It actually explains a lot about my life and where I am. I am definitely not an Outlier.

Any additional comments?

I will most certainly listen to this book again and would recommend it to anyone - particularly those who still have yet to have children.

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