The newest Gladwell edition is a collection of 19 of his New Yorker essays, which he’s handpicked for this book. What the Dog Saw is conveniently organized into three sections. Part One explores what Gladwell calls Minor Geniuses, people like Ron Popeil the inventor and marketer of the Showtime rotisserie oven. Part Two looks at Theories, Predictions and Diagnoses including a profile on homelessness and various programs that address it. Part Three explores the ways that we categorize and label people. This section contains some of the most interesting essays. “How do we know whether someone is bad, or smart, or capable of doing something really well?” he ponders. These essays look at how young teachers are evaluated by their mentor peers, or job interviewers form instant impressions, and what indicators the FBI look for when profiling criminals.
I enjoy having a book such as What the Dog Saw on my bed stand or in the family room. Sometimes you just need a provocative short story or essay to satisfy your reading urge. Gladwell has amassed a great collection. His essays remind me of Oliver Sach’s books where he explores the curious and odd aspects of the human brain. I walk away from reading Gladwell or Sachs with something interesting to think about, and the satisfaction of having read a really fine piece of writing. And besides who else writes about the fine art of pitching the Chop-o-Matic?
I would suggest keeping What the Dog Saw on your Christmas short list…either for you, or to give to someone else. ~Wendee