Book Review: Blink by Malcom Gladwell

What its about
This nonfiction is structured as a series of anecdotes. Each anecdote is about how some snap decisions are magically and inexplicably right and how we rely on them to make the right decisions. For instance, he tells the story of a psychologist that can tell if a married couple will still be together in 15 years from a first impression. He also highlights an anecdote about how a few police officers incorrectly profiled a black man and shot him dead within 5 seconds of meeting him. His point is oblique. The book is entertaining because it frames multiple entertaining stories for us, but it is weak for the same reason. If he really knew what he was saying, he would have told us what he meant opposed to circling his idea with 200 pages of examples. He probably would have only needed one conclusion rather than the three disguised as concluding chapters and an afterward.

Why it inspires
The author has a heart of gold, and his optimism shines through. He is telling us that our instincts are powerful and we should find out how to harness them. The anecdotes are simple examples of amazing people that have been able to use their instinct and powers of first impression like magic tricks, and also amazing people who are overconfident in their abilities to mind read. I didn't like how he told the story, but I liked what he meant. He is telling us to trust ourselves.

Who should read it.

• People who are fans of Malcom Gladwell. He is really creating a genre. 
• People who are fans of the New Yorker
• People who are fascinated with amazing people. There is a bit of hero worship with the people in the anecdotes in this book.
• People who think that there is something more than hard core facts and rational when it comes to decision making -- this book will re-enforce your beliefs
• Those left-brain people who discount thier feelings when making decisions -- this book will challenge your beliefs

Are you interested in reading this book? Buy it online here.