Clete let me borrow his book because I needed a short break from nutrition books. Not something I would have ever chosen for myself off the bookshelf, but it actually turned out to be super interesting and insightful into the American culture.
Gladwell's main purpose of the book is to explain how small things can make a big difference in starting epidemics. Not simply epidemics in the medical term, but epidemics in general. One of his main examples are Hush Puppies - he explains how they went from being a fashion faux pas to being one of the hippest accessories any fashionista could own. It all started with a small group of hipsters in New York. What is interesting is he does not only use fashion trends as examples; he goes all over the board explaining everything from Paul Revere's Ride, Sesame Street, Blue's Clues, adolescent smoking, and even suicide.
His main argument is that you need three personalities to make an epidemic successful. Those being a Connector, a Maven, and a Salesman. A Connector is someone who is connected to everyone and knows everyone, and people know him/her. A Maven is someone who is an expert. This person will literally write to consumer magazines and correct them. Finally a Salesman convinces and puts on the finishing touch. It sounds simple at first, but Gladwell takes it to the next level and backs up his arguments with real-life examples. It is astounding to read about how the smallest factors either made or broke a trend.
Overall a great and easy read that is very thought provoking. My only complaint is that he is a bit redundant at parts and it makes it hard to keep reading. Just roll your eyes and finish it because it is worth it!
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