We usually think of success as being the product of simple hard work—but is it? In Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell challenges this idea, showing that success depends on a lot more than hard work alone. In the course of the book, you’ll learn the surprising secrets of success for people all over the spectrum. You’ll find out, for instance, what the key ingredient that sets Canadian pro hockey players apart from their fellows is (hint: it’s not talent); how to predict the birth year and ethnicity of nearly all top New York lawyers (you’ll even be able to predict their parents’ or grandparents’ professions!); why Asians are good at math; and why some countries have dramatically higher rates of airplane crashes than others. With language that is clear and easy to follow, Gladwell presents dozens of fascinating case studies to back up his points. Not only did I enjoy the interesting information presented in this book, but I was inspired, too! Gladwell helps to unravel the popular cultural notion that success comes from a magical “it” factor that you either have or don’t; Outliers is sure to be an inspiring eye-opener to anyone who has ever felt like they lack talent!

Content Analysis:

There is little profanity in the book; however, one of the studies that the author cites involved participants being insulted with a moderate derogatory epithet, and that word is used a few times in the discussion of the study.

There are a few references to violence, mostly very mild (a pilot slaps a co-pilot, etc.), but there is one moderate instance—a story is told about a slave owner who inflicted severe punishments on his slaves if they tried to run away, and the punishments are briefly described.

There is reference to slave owners taking their slaves as concubines and having children with them.

Mature Subject Matter:

There are a few mature themes, all dealing with difficult living situations (poverty, neglect, slavery, etc.). Although this book is a clean, easy read, it subject matter would probably appeal most to adults.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

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