I found this book a fascinating, thought provoking read. Having heard some of the discussions about it, where Gladwell's conclusions on the effects of being the underdog were challenged because he draws them from anecdotal evidence, I was prepared to be sceptical. Whilst he does use a number of individual case studies to investigate the effects of disadvantage in childhood, he doesn't use them to demonstrate a rule rather to suggest a causal link which is worthy of investigation. As an ex-teacher I was very interested in the examination of the effects of class size on results and of the, ‘big fish, small pond’ syndrome. Comments from students I have taught who refused the chance to move up to a higher set because they preferred the good feeling which came from being one of the brightest, bore out Gladwell’s conclusions. I particularly liked the second half of the book where he analyses the methods which the civil rights movement used to make the most powerful use of their position of disadvantage. His analysis challenges the accepted rhetoric of resistance and creates the context for a similar look at the contrasting British military use of force in Northern Ireland. Finally, although challenging in its ideas and inferences, Gladwell is an accessible writer with a straightforward, engaging style which makes it easy to connect with the thoughts. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and discussing his research with friends.

An inspirational book about not giving up or think the bigger person is going to win. I like that Mr. Gladwell talks about ways in which ordinary people won against all odds by thinking outside the box. The one that stands out is a Man who help a girls basketball team make it to the national championship by thinking outside the box and playing a different type of basketball, it was nice that the underdog did so well. Its nice when status quo gets its comeuppance. I also like the study about how class size does matter but not on how small it is, but by getting the right amount students in the classroom, because if you have the right amount of students in a classroom there will be enough students to have discussion with different opinions and no one feel singled out, which goes against what standards says. This my second listen of this book and the audiobook still inspires me to think we can win against the giants.

A very useful and original look at the thought process and its ramifications. It's powerful provoking stuff. It's clear and understandable, even for an old duff like me. Would recommend to all ages as a useful reminder of the simple idiom. Don't stop thinking!!

This is another thought provoking read from Malcolm Gladwell. In David and Goliath he takes a story that is well known and uses it as an introduction to the world of underdogs and how things traditionally seen as advantages or disadvantages can be viewed in alternative lights. For example Goliath's armour would usually be seen as an advantage in his battle with David however in this particular case it was part of his downfall. Each chapter in the book focuses on a different individual and their story, more often than not taking things that before reading this you would have assumed to be true and demonstrating through both the individual's story and additional evidence that this is not always the case e.g. more prestigious universities aren't always better. Gladwell carries you through each chapter in such a way that by the time you get to the end you will struggle to remember why your thoughts ever disagreed with what he presents. This book not only shows how people with what are commonly perceived as disadvantages may not be as hard done by as you first thought but also shows the reverse of how those with everything going for them can be tripped up by this. One thing this book is not is a sob story for either side. Rather it reinforces the age old saying of "don't judge a book by it's cover" and makes you really think about how advantages can become disadvantages and vice versa.

This book is an enlightening read about advantages and disadvantages: how underdogs can come out on top by using what skills they have which are in fact advantages over perceived giants. Malcolm Gladwell looks at our attitude to prestigious schools and universities as well as perceived ideas about class size. He explores how authorities and governments can get things so right and so wrong: some things come as no surprise but other observations and conclusions do. Malcolm looks at revolutionary studies into leukaemia treatment in the 1950s and 1960s that faced so much condemnation. He also explores Civil Rights movement in the USA and how the giant can play right into the underdog’s hands. There is also a part on dyslexia and how advantageous it has been to some individuals. This was such a fantastic read.