Book Review: David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants

I will admit right now that Malcolm Gladwell is my favourite contemporary author.  So this book review may be a little bit biased. Although, I have grown  in not taking everything that Gladwell preaches at face value and being a little more critical when I read his work (or listen to his talks).

David and Goliath - Malcolm Gladwell
David and Goliath – Malcolm Gladwell

Gladwell’s latest battle is now of biblical proportions. Many people believe that David’s win over Goliath was one where the underdog beat the favourite. However, citing numerous studies, Gladwell, puts this “urban myth” to sleep. Thus starts the latest book by Gladwell.

The rest of the book sees Gladwell attack our notions of:

  • how to choose the best college,
  • the history of civil unrest in Northern Ireland,
  • how the success of the civil rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King was influenced,
  • how traumatic childhoods can actually be a good thing, and much more.

Later this week, I’m heading over to the University of Toronto to listen to Malcolm Gladwell talk about his latest book. And hopefully so much more!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziGD7vQOwl8&w=420&h=315]

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