Book review: David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits and the Art of Battling Giants – Malcolm Gladwell (2013)

Malcolm Gladwell’s new book, David and Goliath, is set for release next month and is already on the reading list of many. Following the tone of his other books, The Tipping Point, Outliers and What the Dog Saw, Malcolm sets out to change the way we think of the world around us.

This time, Malcolm takes a fascinating look at underdogs and unexpected achievers. He challenges the way we look at disadvantages and advantages and the way we misunderstand the meaning of them and how we perceive challenges. The book doesn’t follow the expected course and examines what sets achievers apart from others.

The book draws upon psychology, history, science, business and politics when analysing and assessing, making it a unique and interesting read. The text begins with the story of David and Goliath and from there progresses into a wide variety of subjects. Malcolm examines the minds of cancer researches and civil rights leaders, looks at the psychology of murder, examines the troubles in Northern Ireland and analyses the dynamics of different classrooms.

David and Goliath is likely to be eagerly anticipated by readers of Malcolm’s other books and offers a compelling investigation into what can arise from adversity.