The Tipping Point
Book Review
I read Talking to Strangers (my review here) a few years ago, and I slightly underestimated it originally. It kept cropping up in my conversations and my thinking after I read it. The Tipping Point feels very similar to Talking to Strangers - although, thankfully, it doesn't have the same level explicit situations. The premise is creatively but relentlessly pursued through all kinds of seemingly disconnected situations and then supported by detailed analysis.
The premise is fascinating, and I like how it gets me to think more critically of the dynamics of the situations as well as some of the new information it gave me about shows like Sesame Street et. al. I suspect the core tenants of this book will "stick" in my thinking for a while.
My criticism of this book is simple. Even with Gladwell's detailed and compelling analysis, the complexity of situations will often elude even these metrics. Malcolm doesn't claim his analysis is the end all, and he acknowledges what "we don't know." But I surmise that many will be tempted to make his analysis more determinative that it should be. This type of analysis can serve as a step of progress in some (but not all) situations, and it should be used with reservation.
I am nuts about books. I read on all kinds of topics. I attempt to review each book I read for the sake of my own enrichment as well as conversation starters with others.
You never know what you will find in an attic! Usually there is a hodgepodge of things buried under dust.
Most of what is included here are notes to myself. The majority of folks will not find interest in these posts.