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Outliers: The Story of Success Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Malcolm Gladwell (Narrator, Author), Hachette Audio (Publisher)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 38,140 ratings
Editors' pick Best Nonfiction
See all formats and editions

From the best-selling author of The Bomber Mafia, learn what sets high achievers apart - from Bill Gates to the Beatles - in this seminal work from "a singular talent" (New York Times Book Review).

In this stunning audiobook, Malcolm Gladwell takes us on an intellectual journey through the world of "outliers" - the best and the brightest, the most famous, and the most successful. He asks the question: What makes high-achievers different?

His answer is that we pay too much attention to what successful people are like, and too little attention to where they are from: That is, their culture, their family, their generation, and the idiosyncratic experiences of their upbringing. Along the way he explains the secrets of software billionaires, what it takes to be a great soccer player, why Asians are good at math, and what made the Beatles the greatest rock band.

Brilliant and entertaining, Outliers is a landmark work that will simultaneously delight and illuminate.

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  1. Listening Length
    7 hours and 18 minutes
  2. Author
    Malcolm Gladwell
  3. Narrator
    Malcolm Gladwell
  4. Audible release date
    November 18, 2008
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Hachette Audio
  7. ASIN
    B001LNK9C4
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 7 hours and 18 minutes
Author Malcolm Gladwell
Narrator Malcolm Gladwell
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date November 18, 2008
Publisher Hachette Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B001LNK9C4
Best Sellers Rank #837 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#2 in Anthropology (Audible Books & Originals)
#11 in Social Psychology
#21 in Popular Social Psychology & Interactions

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
38,140 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and thought-provoking. They find the writing style insightful and masterfully combining research and anecdotes in this examination of the factors. The book provides valuable educational insights about success and practical intelligence. Readers describe the pacing as fast and straightforward. They appreciate the quality of the book and consider it a good value for money.

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ReadabilityThought provokingEducational valuePacingSturdinessValue for moneyAccuracyBoredom
2,446 customers mention "Readability"2,394 positive52 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They appreciate the clear writing style that keeps them interested. The book introduces interesting ideas in a fun way. Readers also mention that each chapter is well-structured and builds on the previous one.

"...Brilliant and entertaining, Outliers is a landmark work that not only delights but also enlightens readers about the intricate web of influences..." Read more

"...I think that is a mistake. This is simply a fine book, a very thoughtful and easy read...." Read more

"...Another powerful theme in the book is the arbitrary nature of opportunity...." Read more

"...us with accurate scientific information, but also making it enjoyable and easier for most people to pick up...." Read more

2,031 customers mention "Thought provoking"2,023 positive8 negative

Customers find the book insightful and interesting. They say it blends research and anecdotes in examining the factors of success. The book opens their eyes to aspects of success they had previously not considered. Readers appreciate the well-researched and enjoyable reading experience.

"...Brilliant and entertaining, Outliers is a landmark work that not only delights but also enlightens readers about the intricate web of influences..." Read more

"...It offers some interesting perspectives about what makes some people more successful than others, with particular emphasis on those who far exceed..." Read more

"...is less about innate talent and more about opportunity, cultural legacy, and sheer luck—all meticulously explored through fascinating case studies..." Read more

"...Not only providing us with accurate scientific information, but also making it enjoyable and easier for most people to pick up...." Read more

719 customers mention "Educational value"659 positive60 negative

Customers find the book informative. It explains the anatomy of achievement and explores education. They appreciate Gladwell's emphasis on practical intelligence and hard work. The information is useful for parents and anyone with ambition to achieve more.

"...the paths of software billionaires, the training regimes that cultivate great soccer players, the reasons behind the mathematical prowess often..." Read more

"...Makes school meaningful. Incentives, rewards, fun and discipline is the formula. A terrific book." Read more

"In Outliers: The Story of Success, Malcolm Gladwell dissects the anatomy of achievement, revealing a narrative that transcends the conventional myth..." Read more

"...scientific information, but also making it enjoyable and easier for most people to pick up...." Read more

169 customers mention "Pacing"144 positive25 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pacing. They find it engaging and a quick read. The writing style is straightforward and the 10,000-hour practice rule is highlighted.

"...'s written in a manner that keeps the reader interested and moving through it quickly...." Read more

"...He makes a compelling case about luck, timing--and the extraordinary power of the 10,000-hour rule and how it contributed to the success of Bill..." Read more

"Came in a very good and timely manner. Was very insightful" Read more

"...spoil it, but it will make you want to start grinding and getting your 10,000 hours in...." Read more

109 customers mention "Sturdiness"86 positive23 negative

Customers appreciate the book's sturdiness. They say it arrived in good condition, with the quality being satisfactory. The examples are well-rounded and of successful people.

"...The quality of the actual physical book was great and it has no tears, wasn’t written in, and nothing to note that was bad about it. Great buy!" Read more

"...The examples are strong, well rounded and of very successful people..." Read more

"...locate at independent bookstores so I was able to find it used in good condition by this seller...." Read more

"The book is in perfect condition other than the cover was almost ripped off the front" Read more

64 customers mention "Value for money"61 positive3 negative

Customers find the book offers good value for money. They say it's worth the price, comes in better condition than expected, and is a good buy from Amazon. Readers appreciate that the book provides useful information without excessive words or numbers at the end.

"...THAT is the real value of his books. And he has a damnably engaging style of writing...." Read more

"...It's definitely worth the Kindle price I paid. I am now a fan of this author." Read more

"...with regard to every aspect- cat appeal, construction and durability, cost and the fact it does not take up a lot of space...." Read more

"...role over these outliers and how that came about was well worth the price of the book." Read more

125 customers mention "Accuracy"62 positive63 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's accuracy. Some find the data interesting and backed up with numbers and statistics. Others feel the author's conclusions are based on less scientific analyses, incomplete evidence, and inaccurate statistics. The book is supported by few credible sources and has incomplete and downright inaccurate statistics.

"...With his signature blend of storytelling and data analysis, Gladwell argues that success is less about innate talent and more about opportunity,..." Read more

"...Negative -- excessively so. Human deaths are treated like numbers, lives categorized as "success" or "failure" as if no shade of gray existed...." Read more

"...Finally, the book tackles an exceptional population...." Read more

"...In the end, this is a worthy book, a little over-argued but valid in its effort to emphasize the role that history and culture make in creating..." Read more

139 customers mention "Boredom"12 positive127 negative

Customers find the book unengaging and lacking rigor. They feel it lacks genuine progression of thought and fails to persuade them. The argument is not compelling, and the book views success as predetermined. Overall, customers feel the book is a waste of time and seem dull at first.

"...These events marked the beginning of a long scholastic career of underachievement, contempt of authority, and befuddled administrators who weren't..." Read more

"...It was hard to get interested or invested in these stories because (a.) I knew these people were going to die, and (b.) there wasn't even the..." Read more

"...One vignette in this book is not a success story, the one told in the chapter "The Trouble with Geniuses, Part 2."..." Read more

"...is quite adept at anecdotal story telling and is much less adept at statistical analysis...." Read more

Loving this book so far!
5 out of 5 stars
Loving this book so far!
I’m currently in the middle of this book, and I had to post a review already! I’m absolutely loving it. This book is so unique, from the beginning up to where I am now. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll just say—go get this book! It offers fascinating perspectives and ideas that I would have never thought of, which is why I love reading books like this.10/10—highly recommend!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Joseph
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another terrific book from Gladwell
    Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2008
    Verified Purchase
    "Outliers", like other Gladwell books, is very enjoyable. It offers some interesting perspectives about what makes some people more successful than others, with particular emphasis on those who far exceed expectations. Many of the book's criticisms focus on what the book is not. I think that is a mistake. This is simply a fine book, a very thoughtful and easy read. The book goes into how one's ethnic roots and specific opportunities set the stage for dramatic success, then working hard takes over. For example:

    1. An ancestral emphasis on community involvement can lead to health results which beat the odds.

    2. The date of one's birth can affect athletic and academic success, as the oldest in a group of youth, will lead to the 'Matthew Effect', better coaching/teaching, more games/practice, etc. There is an accumulative advantage. On a list of the wealthiest people of all-time, besides opportunity showing up with so many from America, among that group, being born around 1835 and around 1955 stand out, to take advantage of when railroads and Wall Street emerged and when computer time-sharing emerged, respectively.

    3. The 10,000 hour rule. Gladwell thinks about 10,000 hours of concentrating at a skill is necessary to excel at something.

    4. Whether it is height in basketball or IQ, just being tall enough or intelligent enough is all that really matters, same with colleges as long as they are good enough. Practical intelligence, knowledge and savvy are what really counts and family background is the key to having those. Parents should be involved with their children, with lots of negotiating and expectations of child talk-back, necessary to cause a child to develop a sense of entitlement, maybe not the most moral approach, but extreme success madates that.

    5. Jewish immigrants had advantage of occupational skills, like in the garment industry - enterpreneurial skills versus other immigrants like peasant farmers. Work was more meaningful. Their offspring saw this, plus NYC public schools were probably the best in the world at the time.

    6. Harlan, Kentucky is an example of herdsmen settlers, with a culture of honor from Scotch-Irish ancestors, influenced descendants, Gladwell saying that crime in the South more influenced more by personal than economic reasons. Certain 'insult' words have bigger effect.

    7. Plane crashes are more from human errors in teamwork and communication. Cultural respect for authority a big factor; can keep a subordinate from directing a superior in an emergency. Plus, 'mitigated speech' can be a problem. Can be remedied by training in 'Aviation English'.

    8. Asians being better in Math, likely related to ancestral tradition of rice paddies, which are complicated and require hard work throughout the year. Western farming is more mechanical with usually an off-season with little work. Here again, more meaningful and hard work. Plus, Asians learn to count faster because of language differences for numbers.

    9. K.I.P.P. Academy in the Bronx, charter middle school, is successful because it has long school days and short summer vacations, with students who commit to work hard. Studies have shown schools generally do well when they are in session, the problem are kids losing ground without good parental involvement during summer vacation. So, it is possible to make up for poor childhood family situations. Makes school meaningful. Incentives, rewards, fun and discipline is the formula.

    A terrific book.
    32 people found this helpful
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  • MommaLayne
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unlocking Success
    Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    In Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell embarks on a thought-provoking exploration of the factors that contribute to extraordinary success. Through captivating stories and insightful analysis, he challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding high achievers by emphasizing the significance of their backgrounds—cultures, families, generations, and unique experiences—rather than solely focusing on individual traits.

    Gladwell delves into a variety of intriguing case studies, revealing how circumstances and opportunities shape success. He examines the paths of software billionaires, the training regimes that cultivate great soccer players, the reasons behind the mathematical prowess often attributed to Asian students, and the factors that propelled The Beatles to rock band royalty.

    Brilliant and entertaining, Outliers is a landmark work that not only delights but also enlightens readers about the intricate web of influences that foster exceptional achievement. This book encourages us to reconsider our understanding of success and the vast array of elements that contribute to becoming an outlier in any field.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Ky
    4.0 out of 5 stars There is more to success than just hardwork
    Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    In Outliers: The Story of Success, Malcolm Gladwell dissects the anatomy of achievement, revealing a narrative that transcends the conventional myth of individual genius. With his signature blend of storytelling and data analysis, Gladwell argues that success is less about innate talent and more about opportunity, cultural legacy, and sheer luck—all meticulously explored through fascinating case studies and compelling evidence.

    At the heart of Outliers is the provocative idea that success is not solely the result of personal effort but the culmination of circumstances. Gladwell introduces the “10,000-Hour Rule,” positing that mastery in any field requires a staggering investment of deliberate practice. Through the stories of The Beatles and Bill Gates, he shows how access to unique opportunities—like time on stage or early exposure to programming—combined with relentless practice, laid the foundation for their extraordinary success. While the concept has sparked debates and nuanced discussions, Gladwell’s emphasis on the interplay between effort and opportunity is undeniably persuasive.

    What makes Outliers especially engaging is its exploration of how cultural context shapes success. Gladwell highlights the role of family, community, and historical timing in forging high achievers. For instance, the impact of the Korean Air crash investigations, where cultural attitudes toward authority played a role, showcases how deeply ingrained behaviors can influence outcomes. Similarly, he examines how rice farming traditions shaped the work ethic and mathematical prowess of certain Asian cultures, offering an insightful lens into how heritage can shape modern success.

    Another powerful theme in the book is the arbitrary nature of opportunity. Gladwell sheds light on the “Matthew Effect” (success begets success), using examples like Canadian hockey players born in the early months of the year who benefit from age cut-offs in youth leagues. Such examples force readers to confront the systemic biases embedded in education, sports, and work structures—biases that often determine who gets a head start and who does not.

    Despite its strengths, Outliers does face some criticisms. Gladwell’s narrative-driven approach, while compelling, sometimes oversimplifies complex phenomena. His tendency to cherry-pick anecdotes to fit his thesis leaves some readers yearning for a deeper dive into counterexamples or opposing theories. Yet, the book’s real value lies in sparking a conversation about how we define and cultivate success.

    In the end, Outliers challenges us to rethink the “self-made” myth, urging us to consider the external forces that elevate some while marginalizing others. It’s a book that doesn’t just aim to inform but also provokes self-reflection. Are we creating systems that recognize and nurture hidden talent? Are we acknowledging the invisible advantages some enjoy?

    Gladwell’s Outliers is more than a book about success; it’s a mirror reflecting society’s hidden structures and biases. It’s thought-provoking, unsettling, and inspiring—a must-read for anyone curious about what truly lies behind the stories of extraordinary achievement.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • bobby
    5.0 out of 5 stars Buy This Book
    Reviewed in Canada on January 17, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Well written book with deep insights. This book helped me in my career advancement.
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  • Laura
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesante, abre tu mente
    Reviewed in Mexico on November 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Increible libro, para entender cómo es que unos tienen éxito y otros no. Los factores y muchas historias al respecto.
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  • Renata P.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Entrega ótima. Produto perfeito.
    Reviewed in Brazil on November 5, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Entrega ótima e produto perfeito.
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  • Domenico
    5.0 out of 5 stars Consigliato
    Reviewed in Italy on February 13, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Libro scritto benissimo e molto scorrevole. Ti fa sentire più intelligente leggendolo.
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  • alexandre bohas
    5.0 out of 5 stars Très satisfaisant
    Reviewed in France on January 29, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Article conforme à annoncé, bon état et arrivée de celui-ci avant la date prévu. Super !
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