Outliers: The Story of Success

Trent Reads 2010 selected the book Outliers: The Story of Success, written by Malcolm Gladwell. I read the book in February 2009 and was intrigued by many of Gladwell's stories. In fact, I still share segments of the book with friends today and at an attempt to encourage them to read it.

If you have not read the book yet, you still have a couple of weeks until Introductory Seminar Week. Borrow a copy from your friend or visit the library and take some time to delve into this very thought-provoking and engaging read.

Check out information about the Trent Reads program and why it selected Outliers as the Trent Reads book here.

For a well-written and comprehensive review of Outliers, read this November 2008 New York Times article. Below is a paragraph from the article:

"Gladwell’s latest book, “Outliers,” is a passionate argument for taking the second version of the story more seriously than we now do. “It is not the brightest who succeed,” Gladwell writes. “Nor is success simply the sum of the decisions and efforts we make on our own behalf. It is, rather, a gift. Outliers are those who have been given opportunities — and who have had the strength and presence of mind to seize them.”

"The Trent Reads program was inaugurated in the summer of 2008. Incoming first-year students read Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden and attended seminar sessions during ISW to talk about the book with each other and a faculty member who facilitated discussion. Later in September, Joseph Boyden came to Trent to meet many of the students and faculty who read and enjoyed his book. The Trent Reads program was inaugurated in the summer of 2008. Incoming first-year students read Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden and attended seminar sessions during ISW to talk about the book with each other and a faculty member who facilitated discussion. Later in September, Joseph Boyden came to Trent to meet many of the students and faculty who read and enjoyed his book. "