Book Review: "The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference" by Malcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell, who hails from Elmira, Ontario, just like I do, penned this one back in 2002. A staff writer at the New Yorker during the day, this is Gladwell's first book (his second is called "Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking".)

This one really didn't blow my hair back to be completely honest. Really, it is marketing and economics for people who have never thought about marketing and economics. Gladwell attempts to explain why certain things "take off" and others don't, and he comes to some basic conclusions about how personality types, communications and timeframes have to come together in particular and unique ways. As practical examples, he examines a number of phenomena ranging from syphilis in Baltimore to the comeback of Hush Puppy sneakers to the development of Sesame Street. Essentially, "The Tipping Point" is a light, breezy examination of how details matter, but with not nearly as much substance as what the popular press would have you believe. (Perhaps that is more a commentary on the intellectual depth of your average journo than anything else.)

I would recommend this read if you find it for less than $20 and if you are planning a long trip such as a plane ride or are spending some time on the beach and want a distraction. Other than that, don't bother. You'd be better off with "Freakonomics" or "The Rebel Sell" instead.

Overrated and ultimately unsatisfying.

Overall rating: 5/10