I like Gladwell's focus on adversity - and the strength it creates in those who suffer difficulties. I definitely sense that in my own life and life story. Some tough things have been thrown my way yet I feel optimistic and strengthened by those experiences. Gladwell is a talented writer and if you've read his other work you will probably like this, too.

I mentioned in my review of "The moon is down" that I was looking forward to "David and Goliath." Steinbeck's book is about a town occupied by the Nazis and their attempts to fend off the occupation by withdrawing human affection and relationship from their captors. In Gladwell's book he visits a French town that used non-violence to deter the Germans and they were pretty much left alone. The French didn't have an army, but they did have the strength of their conscience that they were able to use to their advantage.