Book review - "David and Goliath" by Malcom Gladwell

This is one of the five books written by Malcom Gladwell.

I have read two others namely: "the outliers" and "the tipping point".

I mostly like Gladwell's writing because he infuses "historical stories" with wit and insightful observations to built his story.

I picked the book at the Book Point in Nakumatt Galleria (Langata/Karen/Rongai Junction) this month on a Saturday morning.

The book is on underdogs, misfits and the art of battling giants and is therefore categorized as a self help book.

In my opinion, the central question is "How can a truly disadvantaged person ever win and overcome a more empowered opponent or situation?"

The book advocates for use of unconventional means when faced by an opponent more preparedand endowed   than you. Remember David and Goliath!

Malcolm also introduces the aspect of the "inverted-U curve" to explain aspects of our lives. For example

1. When does it stop to make sense to force your child or even yourselves to join a very very good school as opposed to joining a good school. Does it really matter? Is the bottom student of a very very good school better than the average student of a very good school?

2. When does punishment and force stop to have an effect crime? Do longer and more harsher sentences deter crime?

These two are just few examples given in the book.

Besides the Maths and graphs, the book makes an ease reading for the casual reader.

But it would require critical review of the ascertains and claims made and also detailed review of the data used to support the hypothesis.

But this is classic Malcom writing and I would recommend the book.