The Tipping Point

Most business related books can be classified as how-to's. How to start and run a business is a popular topic. Very few business books teach principles with clarity. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell teaches business principles with clarity. The sub-title of the books explains the book very well "How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference".

The books is full of examples, which come from many different sources. Regardless of whether the example come from a business, social, or political source, they all have something to teach a business student. One event, person, or set of circumstances can tip something toward success or failure. If one can understand how something tips, then perhaps you can apply the right ideas to your own business.

Gladwell's book is not a how-to business book. The reader is left to analyze their own business and discover their own tipping point. This may frustrate business readers who are searching for the magic formula that leads to success. His book makes you think, which is more revolutionary than the traditional business book. There are no lists to check off, no step-by-step instructions. Instead he instructs you to find Mavens and Connectors and teaches the reader The Law of the Few and Stickiness.

I haven't read his other book, Blink, but I will add it to my reading wish list. His book is incredibly easy to read. There were a few ideas that I disagreed with, but overall the book changed how I think about business. Gladwell could be considered a macro-economist, but I am not sure that classification fits well. He is a genius, though, and we will definitely hear from him again.

Book Rating: 5 Stars

The Persian Pickle Club

On the surface, The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas seems like a simple story. The story is built around a group of women who have formed a quilting club called the Persian Pickle. Set during depression era Kansas, you would think the story would be about survival and making do. Instead the author takes you down a path filled with heartache that makes you wonder how far friendship can or should go.

Not all is as it seems in Harveyville, Kansas. There is the mysterious disappearance of one of the quilter's husband. Another quilter receives regular visits from the married town doctor. The newest member of the group is Rita, a fledgling junior reporter. Most of her stories are pretty mundane until she gets the opportunity to write about the reappearance of the once missing husband's body. Her investigation leads to some uncomfortable situations among the group. The quilters band together to protect each other and the life they have created.

The author does make you think about friendship. How far does it go and what does it mean? I don't think I could have made the same decision as the women of The Persian Pickle. But it did make me think. The book was a bit deeper than I expected and might make a good Book Club book.

Book Rating: 4 stars