The Tipping Point evolved from an explanation of word-of-mouth into a study on epidemic theory on social trends. Like Gladwell’s other book, Blink, the chapters are layed out as a series of personal anecdotes and sociological or psychological experiments which support the chapter’s hypothesis. Highlights include the fall and rise of Hush Puppies and the rise, fall of Airwalks (no relation), development of Sesame Street and Blue’s Clues, and the innovative corporate architecture of the Gore Corporation. It’s not quite as entertaining a read as Blink, but being structured around the concepts of connectors, mavens, and salesmen, the thesis of the book is much more apparent.

Gladwell’s blog