I really enjoyed this. Despite the 'Psychology' genre it's been pegged as, I'd say it comes under more of a history/sociology heading. Not playing down the importance of hard work and commitment, it successfully shows how much a person's background and circumstances contribute to their achievements.

The first part started to get a little wearisome towards the end, as it felt like Gladwell was hammering the same point home over and over again but the second part really picked up the pace once more. It was fascinating to read how pieces of a person's far-flung history can affect traits widely considered to be inbred rather than learnt (if I ever have children, I am definitely teaching them to count in Cantonese) and he sensitively, yet with forthrightness, approaches the importance of recognising cultural differences within professions. I think the book was well-written and accessible, with good and practical insights in how gaps in ability can be closed.

Enjoyable and mind-broadening.