This book disappointed me. I foolishly picked it up because I heard much praise for "Snow" (which I have not read) and what the back cover said seemed interesting. I cannot say anything about "Snow" but this book was a waste of time.

The story revolves around a young Turkish man, Osman, who abandons his studies after he discovers a book. He sets out on a quest to find the metaphysical truths mentioned. Large portions of the book then move toward Osman's musings as a run-a... (show more)

This book disappointed me. I foolishly picked it up because I heard much praise for "Snow" (which I have not read) and what the back cover said seemed interesting. I cannot say anything about "Snow" but this book was a waste of time.

The story revolves around a young Turkish man, Osman, who abandons his studies after he discovers a book. He sets out on a quest to find the metaphysical truths mentioned. Large portions of the book then move toward Osman's musings as a run-a-way, but in no easily identifiable sequence. If it seems there is no plot, that's because there isn't one. Supporters of Orhan Pamuk's "The New Life" say that there is no plot because it is a post-modern novel that the reader must give his or her own meaning to, but really, I could not see any direction with this.

I don't think this book should have been the 300 pages it was printed on either; engrossing and thought-provoking books need not be long. I don't think I will be buying new books by this author anytime soon. (show less)

The author of Blink, Malcolm Gladwell, has had a profound impact on people around the world by drawing attention to topics that many have experienced but few have articulated. This influence is mostly a result of his other works, (The Tipping Point; Outliers).

In Blink, the author presents the thesis that the first two seconds of observation can be the most insightful. To that end he provides numerous anecdotal evidences. As is the case with all his works, Gladwell has a very easy to read... (show more)

The author of Blink, Malcolm Gladwell, has had a profound impact on people around the world by drawing attention to topics that many have experienced but few have articulated. This influence is mostly a result of his other works, (The Tipping Point; Outliers).

In Blink, the author presents the thesis that the first two seconds of observation can be the most insightful. To that end he provides numerous anecdotal evidences. As is the case with all his works, Gladwell has a very easy to read style; it can easily be read on a flight.

However, in my opinion Gladwell does not match his previous excellence with Blink. It is not that the topic is not interesting. It just seems that he relies far too much on anecdotes. While stories can be interesting, they should be a supporting element rather than what such a sweeping work is based on. Gladwell also really does not put much weight on how important years of training are to achieving 'blink' insight. He does say that 'prejudice' can block perceptions but does not really quantify his results. It maybe there are other factors involved, but such possibilities are not entertained.

The book seemed to run out of steam rather quickly and after 75 pages I was just waiting for it to finish. In the end I felt the idea was innovative, but the work did not quite live up to its billing. I think reading 'Blink' along with Nasim Nicholas Taleb's 'The Black Swan' would round out the experience much better despite the two works taking diametrically opposing views on a number of core issues. (show less)