SANJITA SRINATH

In today’s world, where success seems to be at the forefront of everyone’s mind, the quest for knowledge on how to achieve it is never-ending. Malcolm Gladwell’s book “Outliers” is a prime example of this quest. Reading it for my AP Lang class, I was struck by how the book delved into the reasons behind success and debunked the myth of the “self-made” individual.

As a reader, I was immediately drawn into the book by the prologue, which provided a vivid picture of Gladwell’s thought process and transported me to the idyllic town of Roseto, Pennsylvania. The chapter on the birth dates of National Hockey League players was by far the most compelling. Gladwell analyzes the data and discovers that a majority of players are born in the first few months of the year, leading him to explore why this is the case.

Throughout the book, Gladwell’s writing is witty and engaging, drawing the reader in with tantalizing hooks and dropping them off at the end of a chapter with deeper realizations. The use of real-world examples, such as the Beatles and the lawyer chapter, adds credibility to Gladwell’s arguments.

While some chapters may have felt like a drag or confusing on the first read, the book as a whole was an enjoyable and enlightening experience. It was fascinating to learn about the hidden factors that contribute to success, such as culture, family background, and opportunities. The book’s message of the importance of recognizing the role that these factors play in success resonates with readers, as it challenges the common belief in the myth of the “self-made” individual.

As we continue to search for ways to achieve success, books like “Outliers” provide a valuable perspective on the factors that contribute to it. It’s an engaging and thought-provoking read that challenges traditional notions of success and provides insight into the hidden factors that contribute to it. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in the pursuit of success. Overall, I would rate this book a solid 9.5/10 for its engaging read and touch of humor while incorporating real facts and examples.