The Tipping Point

How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

By: Malcolm Gladwell

Narrated by: Malcolm Gladwell

Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

From the bestselling author of The Bomber Mafia: discover Malcolm Gladwell's breakthrough debut and explore the science behind viral trends in business, marketing, and human behavior.

The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire. Just as a single sick person can start an epidemic of the flu, so too can a small but precisely targeted push cause a fashion trend, the popularity of a new product, or a drop in the crime rate. This widely acclaimed bestseller, in which Malcolm Gladwell explores and brilliantly illuminates the tipping point phenomenon, is already changing the way people throughout the world think about selling products and disseminating ideas.

“A wonderful page-turner about a fascinating idea that should affect the way every thinking person looks at the world.” —Michael Lewis

©2007 Malcolm Gladwell (P)2007 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"History takes on a whole new perspective as he describes events of early America that specifically follow his theories of 'selling the public on an idea' and 'social epidemics.' Feedback from market mavericks further substantiates Gladwell's viewpoints." (AudioFile)

"Gladwell, a New Yorker staff writer, offers an incisive and piquant theory of social dynamics that is bound to provoke a paradigm shift in our understanding of mass behavioral change." (Booklist)

"Hip and hopeful, The Tipping Point is like the idea it describes: concise, elegant, but packed with social power. A book for anyone who cares about how society works and how we can make it better." (George Stephanopoulos)

Remarkable

This is a phenomenal book. I have always admired Gladwell's writing style, and this is no exception. He also reads the book well, putting in interesting inflection and making sure that his point is understood. Worth a listen!

interesting, follows description well

I enjoy this type of book, being narrative and yet scientific/research based at the same time. It is informative, all about what makes anything epidemic, from fashion to crime. I like the examples he gives throughout the book. And I really like that the author is the narrator. I had read another of his books, Blink, and liked it also.

A Whole New Way of Looking at the World Around Me

Gladwell does an incredible job reading his own work. His passion for the topic and his extensive knowledge came through in his narration, proving to have a very "sticky" quality for me. An excellent read for anyone, but particularly for those looking to impact an audience either with a message, a product or a service.

Gets you thinking

I was very impressed with the various ideas discussed in this book. Thought provoking and I like that the author also narrated.

Interesting enough to get you thinking

But don't expect any answers or recommendations. Lots of nice examples of what the book is about and creates some structures. Suggested read for Marketers especially.

very good

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

yes well spent because it affect everyone

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Tipping Point?

what level are you? what kind of leader are we?

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

yes

Could you see The Tipping Point being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

movie?yes !

An In-Depth Analysis of Tipping Points in Humanity

The storyline was a very detailed, analytical, and thoughtful account of major epidemics and tipping points that have ever been created since Paul Revere, who famously alerted the Lexington Minutemen about the approach of the British in 1775. It was more information than I was seeking, but I'm very glad I listened to it. I feel as though I have a broader view of what it takes to create a tipping point in my own life. The audio portion was not delivered enthusiastically. At some points I almost found myself a bit bored or tired from listening. The storyline, however, made up for that. It's a great overall book!

Excellent on multiple levels.

This was easy listening (the audio version) with content that related to multiple industries. The facts were interesting and accurate. I would recommend this because of the great approach to providing informative business information while keeping me engaged and entertained.

Can't get enough of Gladwell

Would you consider the audio edition of The Tipping Point to be better than the print version?

I enjoy the audio books when I can't read. Primarily when I'm commuting to work or doing long cardio excersises. I get more out of my day due to audiobooks.

Selective data with a push for limits on freedom

What did you like best about The Tipping Point? What did you like least?

The story behind "Sesame Street" and "Blue's Clues" was interesting. The stories about the suicide rates in Micronesia and smoking & children were presented with limited data and advocacy for restricting freedom. Mr. Gladwell's presentation of the data regarding the suicides in Micronesia is simplistic and very surface level with no real concern or dive into other stressors for the spike in teenagers taking their own lives. Mr. Gladwell pins most of the blame on fantastical and magical reasons for kids killing themselves; more than likely this does not really explain the increase. As for the smoking section, he casually passes over the addictive quality of smoking and spends most of his time discussing one study of mice and how they theorize their genetic make up is the primary reason for if and how much nicotine they ingest. And to conclude that section, he subtlety advocates for telling private businesses (tobacco in this case) how much nicotine should be placed in their products to mitigate any potential for kids to become addicted to the product. All this based on one study with mice.

Would you recommend The Tipping Point to your friends? Why or why not?

No. I know this book came out some time ago and it was wildly successful. I really didn't see how this book became so popular. My guess would be it's popularity among those with limited experience in the psychology and behavioral health fields. The data presented are limited and should be scrutinized closely if you choose to read this book.

What three words best describe Malcolm Gladwell’s performance?

Love his voice.

Who do you think would benefit most from listening to The Tipping Point?

Those who would like to improve their critical thinking skills.

Any additional comments?

I was extremely disappointed as I've heard and seen Malcolm Gladwell speak in other venues. He's brilliant and engaging. I was just disappointed when I finally got around to this book.