The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
Title: The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
Author: Malcolm Gladwell
Release date: February 2000
Publisher: Back Bay Books
Pages: 304
Genre: Nonfiction, pop sociology
Source: Library
In Malcolm Gladwell’s first foray into pop sociology, he investigates how some ideas, products, and messages become epidemics while the vast majority do not. He worked through many examples of different social phenomena to determine what makes one epidemic “tip” to mass popularity while another does not.
I’ve read and loved Gladwell’s Blink and Outliers, and I’d simply been putting off reading this one because I was waiting for my library to have it on audio so that Gladwell could read it to me. 
(I love his voice, for some weird reason.)
I can’t put my finger on what exactly I like about Gladwell’s books, but whatever it is, The Tipping Point definitely had it too. I really just find what he has to say so fascinating. I don’t even care if it’s true, honestly, it’s just fun to think about. I mean, yes, it’s nonfiction, it certainly should be true, but what I mean is that I’m not concerned so much with sources and facts when I read one of his books. They are just so entertaining that I find myself so interested and not really worrying about the science or facts behind his analyses.
Anyway, this is kind of a silly review because all I have to say is that I am a Malcolm Gladwell fangirl and I don’t know how else to put it. If you are a fan of pop sociology/ pop science type of books, definitely give one of his books a try. Starting with The Tipping Point.
Great review! My sister has read Tidwell’s books and recommended them to be, but I haven’t gotten around to reading them yet. Sounds like I definitely should!
You definitely should. He is made of awesome.
I’ve read this one but not yet got to Blink and the others. Like you, I really enjoyed all the interesting facts and how he puts them together, without worrying if they were true or not. When I started sharing some of the book w/my husband he immediately started refuting Gladwell’s claims, but still that didn’t spoil it for me.
I am glad to hear I’m not the only one! I’d recommend going with Outliers next, as I think that was my favorite of the three books.
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I’m a fangirl too!! I love Gladwell’s books. I can’t wait for the next one (I hope there’s a next one!)
Yay another fangirl! I definitely hope there’s another book coming soon – he recently published What the Dog Saw, but as I understand it, that is just a collection of previously written essays and not really new material. I will still read it though!
I’ve listened to What the Dog Saw and really enjoyed it too!
Ooh I would love What the Dog Saw on audio. Does Gladwell narrate that one himself too?
This is the only of Gladwell’s books I have read, but I breezed through it and still talk about it years later. Glad you enjoyed it!
I hope you get a chance to read the others, Priscilla! They are just as excellent.
I’ve not read any Gladwell yet because I worry that they will be boring. Sounds like it’s a silly worry!
Not boring a bit. I don’t know that his books are everyone’s cup of tea, but they are definitely not boring!
I liked the Tipping Point, but I haven’t picked up any more of Gladwell’s books yet. I think it was in that book where he talked about how Sesame Street and/or Blues Clues became such hits, how the details are so carefully planned to maximize the appeal, which I thought was quite interesting.
Yep, he did talk about Sesame Street and Blues Clues, and I found that part fascinating (just like the rest of the book, lol).
I have Blink in the someday pile and don’t know why I have yet to get to it. I love these kinds of books and I really liked your admitting to be a fangirl! I am really digging pop-whatever nonfic these days! I wonder; can this ‘category/genre’ be searched?
I haven’t read any of his books yet. I think I will start with this one. Great review. Thanks!