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Outliers: The Story of Success Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Malcolm Gladwell (Narrator, Author), Hachette Audio (Publisher)
4.6 out of 5 stars 38,265 ratings
Editors' pick Best Nonfiction

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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Previous slide of product details
  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
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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 #1,024 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#2 in Anthropology (Audible Books & Originals)
#11 in Popular Social Psychology & Interactions
#12 in Social Psychology

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
38,265 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book highly readable and thought-provoking, with one review noting how it masterfully combines research and anecdote. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its educational value, particularly for its insights on education and the importance of hard work. Additionally, customers appreciate its sturdy condition and consider it worth the price. However, the book's accuracy receives mixed reviews, with some praising its clever data while others find it unscientifically presented.

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2,499 customers mention "Readability"2,431 positive68 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, praising its engaging writing style and ability to keep readers interested.

"...An interesting book." 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

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

2,032 customers mention "Thought provoking"2,024 positive8 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking, with interesting insights and stories that make them ponder about the world around them.

"...brings background stories for the outliers upbringing creating a compelling thesis that makes us questioning our assumptions on this matter...." 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

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

720 customers mention "Educational value"660 positive60 negative

Customers find the book educational, praising it as a great work of popular psychology that explains the anatomy of achievement and the importance of practical intelligence.

"...It brings background stories for the outliers upbringing creating a compelling thesis that makes us questioning our assumptions on this matter...." 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

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

109 customers mention "Sturdiness"86 positive23 negative

Customers are satisfied with the physical condition of the book, noting that it arrives in great shape and is practically brand new.

"...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

"...Anyway, I thought this is a fresh, smart and entertaining look at assumptions that society have accepted for a long time...." Read more

64 customers mention "Value for money"61 positive3 negative

Customers find the book worth its price and consider it a good buy from Amazon.

"...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

43 customers mention "Connection"40 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the book's connections, with one noting its remarkable job of connecting ideas and another highlighting how it shows unexpected correlations.

"...drew what I thought were pretty obvious conclusions: clear, blunt communication in times of peril is good, having a hard work ethic is good, and..." Read more

"Malcom Gladwell’s Outliers is a fascinating book. It synthesizes the coincidental pathways that lead to greatness rather than common place, and does..." Read more

"Very well written, easy to read and follow analyses of factors that contribute to success (or failure when missed), applied to examples in sports,..." Read more

"...overall picture so you don’t get confused and to understand the correlation to the bigger picture...." Read more

125 customers mention "Accuracy"62 positive63 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's accuracy, with some praising its clever data and information, while others find it unscientific and unsubstianted.

"...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 repetitive, with one customer describing it as a waste of time.

"...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

Content is Great. It was nit like New Book though
3 out of 5 stars
Content is Great. It was nit like New Book though
The item was listed as Like New. I have had Like new orders before and they actually are flawless but this one the cover is dirty and folded. The book content is not part of this review just the look of it cause I wanted it as a gift and I have a rule to always buy or gift used books
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Joao Pedro Martins
    5.0 out of 5 stars An interesting perspective
    Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Gladwell gives us an interesting perspective on how did the most successful people were made. Giving us another perspective different from the conventional idea that these people are born special.
    It brings background stories for the outliers upbringing creating a compelling thesis that makes us questioning our assumptions on this matter.
    An interesting book.
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  • 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.
    36 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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  • 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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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Laury007
    5.0 out of 5 stars Me encanta este libro nivel de inglés B2.2
    Reviewed in Spain on February 10, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Me encanta y me llamo mucho la atención el tema, muy bien escrito. Edición bolsillo perfecta.
    Lo leí cuando iba a examinarme de B2.2 examen Cambridge y perfecto, me costó partes pero así aprendí más expresiones y vocabulario y lo mejor la idea, el tema. Me gustó mucho
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  • Shalaka Deshan
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Brilliant book, which bundle the art of living with greatness.
    Reviewed in the United Arab Emirates on August 18, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This amazing books gives some hints "Why you should challenge odds. How you should raise childs".

    "10000 hours, self-discipline, environment and the luck and time "
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  • Haaris
    5.0 out of 5 stars Rethinking Success Beyond Talent and Hard Work
    Reviewed in India on April 13, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    As someone new to this genre, Outliers was a fascinating read. Malcolm Gladwell breaks down the myth of individual success and shows how hidden factors like privilege, timing, and sheer luck often play a bigger role than talent alone.

    It was eye-opening to see how even the most admired people benefited from circumstances beyond their control—be it their birth date, cultural background, or early opportunities. Gladwell doesn’t ignore hard work, but he puts it in a much broader context.

    A thought-provoking and refreshing take on what truly drives success.
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  • Theresa
    5.0 out of 5 stars war interessant und aufschlussreich zu lesen
    Reviewed in Germany on April 23, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    das buch hat mein leben jetzt nicht maßgeblich verändert, aber es war sehr interessant zu lesen. das buch ist in verschiedene aspekte des "mythos erfolg" gegliedert und der autor beschreibt dann ein oder mehrere fallbeispiele dazu, die sich dann auch immer wieder aufgreifen. das können z.b. biographien von bekannten persönlichkeiten oder bestimmte bereiche wie z.b. sport sein. es werden auch recht viele studien und quellen zitiert, für mich immer ein großes plus wenn nicht alles nur auf der persönlichen meinung des autors beruht.

    die deutsche version des buches heißt glaube ich
    "Überflieger: Warum manche Menschen erfolgreich sind - und andere nicht".

    ich fand das buch aber recht einfach auf englisch zu lesen. die sprache ist für den inhalt des buches angemessen (also nicht jugend oder sogar kinderbuch level), aber eben auch nicht unnötig kompliziert sodass man alles 3x lesen oder jede menge wörter nachschauen muss. wenn es einfach beschreiben werden kann, beschreibt der autor es idr auch einfach. er steigt auch immer sehr langsam in die kapitel ein, sodass man gut und leicht verständlich in den jeweiligen teilaspekt rein kommt und macht keine riesen gedankensprünge.
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  • Kenda
    4.0 out of 5 stars الكتاب صغير حجمه
    Reviewed in Saudi Arabia on September 14, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    احب الكتب المتوسطه ماتناسبني القراءة بكتاب صغير خصوصا بلغة اخرى - النسخة سليمة لكن الحجم صغير
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