January 2017 Host:  Stephanie

Outliers The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

Summary

In this book Gladwell suggests that success depends more on culture, income level, tenacity, and time of a child’s birth rather than innate ability and IQ.  Success also comes from hidden advantages and extraordinary opportunities, there is no such thing as a self-made man.  Imagine if Bill Gates and Steve Jobs were born ten years later, they both would have not been exposed to computers in high school and would have been well into another career.  American students spend 180 days in school per year while Asian students spend 280 days in school per year, thus affecting academic and other achievements.  Outliers also touches upon other bits of trivia such as why most pro hockey players are born in January, how a pilot’s culture can affect their crash record, why the descendants of Jewish immigrant garment workers became the most powerful lawyers in New York, why Asian kids master math quicker than American kids, how the Beatles became one of the best rock bands ever, and why it takes 10,000 hours of practice to rise above your peers.  Possibility comes from the particular opportunities that our place in history presents us with.  This is a fascinating and engaging read and highly recommended.

Menu:  Brunch

Fruit, Mimosas, Cinnamon Rolls

Both Sausage and Bacon Egg Casserole