This book fits my definition of a ‘classic’ worth reading; short, to the point, relevant, and with a dark sense of irony.

I actually listened to the audiobook version of this, purchased from Audible, and it is read by Malcolm Gladwell himself. It was the first audiobook that I have listened too.

A few points…

• Gladwell is a great reader to listen to, he adds the right amount of enthusiasm to his speech without being over the top. I couldn’t always clearly discern when he was reading the dialogue of people speaking in his text.
• Listening to an audiobook requires alot more engagement than I had expected. I listened to it whilst walking or on the bus, but am not sure I would have got as much out of it as if I had just been sitting in a chair with my eyes closed (but then I may have fallen asleep if too relaxed!)
• I had hoped that the iPod/Audible integration would result in better navigation of audiobooks, perhaps by providing a table of contents and navigation in this fashion.

Whoa. It took a long time to finish and I now need to go back through the end-of-chapter summaries to review the key concepts. It has shone a bright light onto the many aspects of capital markets and the behaviour (frequently irrational) of many of its participants. As an introductory text for understanding capital markets I recommend Valdez’s Introduction to Global Financial Markets first, if that whet’s your appetite then Trading and Exchanges is next.

I think this is a book that definitely needs to be more widely read. It has encouraged me to do what I can to remove the inequities between the developed and developing world.

This is a good book, although long. In between the somewhat verbose prose there are many invaluable insights. Eric Evan’s has also defined language and patterns for a domain of software development that sorely needs one. If it was half as long it would be brilliant.

Bill Bryson is one of the best writers I have ever read. His dry wit has an ability to make me laugh that is equalled only by the late, great Douglas Adams.