David and Goliath

Swing and a miss

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I wouldn't recommend this. I've been a fan of Gladwell's since Blink. While Outliers was over-long, there was plenty of interesting stuff in there. But David & Goliath smacks of contractual obligation. The upshot is that the underdog needs to think a little differently in order to topple Goliath. Well, thanks, Malcolm.

What was most disappointing about Malcolm Gladwell’s story?

I kept waiting for him to take the stories he was telling and explain how perhaps we could apply it to our own lives. He didn't really do this. It was essentially Jackanory, with Malcolm telling a few stories - about civil rights, about the troubles in Northern Ireland - with little point. As a listener, there was a lot of "And?"

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

Gladwell is a very good narrator. As is often the case with authors reading their own work, you can tell he really cares about his work. This certainly elevates it.

Was David and Goliath worth the listening time?

Ultimately, at seven hours, no, David & Goliath wasn't worth the reading time.

Any additional comments?

I'm still a fan of Gladwell and would check out his next work - he's an interesting voice. Let's hope this is just a rare misstep in an otherwise highly interesting and provocative career.

13 of 15 people found this review helpful

Rather too simplistic even for Gladwell

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Gladwell's continued cherry picking of selective 'evidence' in order to demonstrate a point without ever really testing any of the hypotheses he puts forward. The point was well made in the opening chapter when talking about the girls basketball team but went on a steady decline thereafter.'

What could Malcolm Gladwell have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

See above. I know the simplification of popular psychology is his 'style' however too selective and too simple this time.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Malcolm Gladwell?

The narration was fine and where possible or practical I like to listen to an audio book narrated by the author. Gladwell does a fine job in this regard.

Do you think David and Goliath needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No. I think the concept was exhausted in the first chapter.

Any additional comments?

Despite my comments above I enjoyed parts of the text and it passed the time on the walk to the station. That was until the chapter on the troubles in Northern Ireland. This chapter was a biased, poorly researched abomination that presents 'facts' in such a way that anyone reading this chapter who was ignorant of the facts of the troubles would be left with a very different impression of what actually happened during this time.

The following text from another online review makes the point far better than I could, so I have quoted it below."One might imagine, on the basis of Gladwell’s account, that the majority of the casualties of the Troubles were killed by British forces. In fact, around 60 percent of the more than 3,500 people killed between 1969 and 2001 were killed by Republican forces, 30 percent by Ulster loyalists, and 10 percent by British troops. Within this overall figure, British forces and local security services suffered more than 1,100 deaths. If the British were Goliath in this conflict, they suffered a good many wounds in its course.

Gladwell’s account does more than oversimplify. It is a kind of moral cartoon, a rendition of events in which there are no difficulties that cannot be overcome by reasonable men and women of goodwill. He tells us nothing of the lengthy and tortuous path that led to the relative peace that prevails in Northern Ireland today. If only he had been around to have a quiet word with British commanders, Gladwell seems to be suggesting, and share a few academic papers with them, none of the horrors that unfolded need ever have happened."

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Unconvincing

What disappointed you about David and Goliath?

The book seemed to lack evidence or explanation of how people had overcome their problems to make a success of their lives. It was very unhelpful.

What was most disappointing about Malcolm Gladwell’s story?

The anti-British tone of the sections about Northern Ireland. A complex history and community is simplified to be nonsensical extent. Patronizing and simplistic.

What three words best describe Malcolm Gladwell’s performance?

Unscientific. Patronizing. Simplistic.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from David and Goliath?

The beginning, middle and the end.

Any additional comments?

Can I have my money back?

5 of 7 people found this review helpful

it held me

Would you consider the audio edition of David and Goliath to be better than the print version?

I like listening to the short and pithy stories

What was one of the most memorable moments of David and Goliath?

about choosing the right university, I have told my students

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

"I Could Listen To Malcolm All Day Long"

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

It has so many a-ha type moments that will help you see your own advantages (advantages disadvantages) more clearly as well as helping you see them in others.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The struggle of the cancer researcher Dr.Jay Freireich.

Any additional comments?

This book is ideal for Audio, especially as the author is as good an orator as he is a writer. I enjoyed every moment of this verbal salad.

3 of 5 people found this review helpful

Long-winded

I like the first 3 chapters, and then after that it gets boring! I couldn't get the point of each chapter because of the long storyline.

Very insightful.

Would recommend this book to anyone. Gave very good insights for people with seeming disadvantages.

Another great Gladwell book

5 stars. Gladwell at his best. insightful and moving the author takes you on a great journey. 5 stars.

loved every minute

classic Malcolm Glad we'll full of great stories and cutting insights. highly recommended to all

Some valuable life lessons

Where does David and Goliath rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's up there with the rest of the books I have read and also with other Gladwell books that I have read.

What about Malcolm Gladwell’s performance did you like?

His performance adds huge value to the book. So well told.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me connect to many ideas I have heard elsewhere and helped me see them more clearly. I now employ ideas when coaching my clients.