There are times in life when you are left to wonder: Does anyone think like me? Does anyone view this matter differently? If you find yourself yearning for someone to present a distinct way of thinking, then What the Dog Saw book review will be the perfect source of solace!
What the Dog Saw Summary: Introducing the Book:
Malcolm Gladwell is a best-selling Canadian-American author and journalist for the New Yorker magazine. He has written several best-selling books, such as The Tipping Point, Blink, Outliers, and Misfits. For any avid reader who has read even a couple of his works, this book should not be a hard sell. Of course, where his other books around a single theory, What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures stands out.
What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures is a collection of essays written by him for The New Yorker magazine. Moreover, the book covers a wide range of subjects some quite general and others more nuanced. What makes it a must-read is that each essay is in fact about something usual around you—yet is extraordinary.
From dog training and ketchup to criminology and job interviews, the chapters at first glance seem to discuss the mundane. Then, you dive in. You discover that Gladwell’s power of observation brings light the less-thought about aspects of everyday things. Moreover, these are the things everyone experiences, yet few talk about.
If you enjoy storytelling in the form of essays, this book will be perfect for you. And, if you’re new to the writing structure, or to Malcolm Gladwell’s work, this a good place to start!
The Tales from What the Dog Saw and Other Stories:
Weird as it may seem, it can be very hard to really put yourself in other people’s shoes. For instance, it seems easier to imagine the life of a doctor. From the shows you have seen to the medical visits, you may think you have got the gist of it. And then you read Gladwell’s essays, and realize that that those people are so much more.
What the Dog Saw will dive in the lives of people around you and present angles you never imagined. The title, which at first confuses, then along the book becomes the ‘Oh!’ factor. The morals in each essay reflect the title: to never take anything at face value. To see the world from another stand point…even if it happens to be that of a dog!
The author’s talent for observation is great in What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures. He views and discusses every corner, every crevice of a subject. You will go through stocks and investment theory, first impressions and job interviews. Explore the role of hair dye in feminism and culture, and other settings that you have read about before. Only, you have never read like this!
Breaking Down the ‘Science’ in Gladwell’s Subjects:
Malcolm Gladwell organizes What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures into three distinct sections. The first section looks at obsessives and minor geniuses. The second section is about common thought errors. The last part delves into how well we can predict people’s potential.
Gladwell often adds facets of science in his work. Whether he is discussing investment tips, medical practices, or homelessness, he adds theories and examines studies. He introduces various scientists—people who are heroes and yet strange to us.
While using science in articles is not a new concept, done properly is a rare talent for any author. What sets Gladwell apart is his deep study of scientific ideas to support each story he writes. He has a talent for selecting unconventional perspectives. Thus, he can present history and people in ways that test the usual thinking.
To help readers get these fresh outlooks, Gladwell employs various methods in What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures. One of the key methods is the clear and bright account of scientific ideas. Science of the subject itself and science of people. The author does not merely mention names and professions but involves amazing individuals without making them the focus.
Rather than just giving a quote, Gladwell exploress the persona of each person and complex aspects of situations. This extra unique context makes his stories more relatable, which can be essential for helping readers grasp the story.
Linking Unrelated Subjects to Provoke Thought:
What the Dog Saw and Other Stories takes history and life problems—the two hard-to-digest aspects, and turns these into something colorful and compelling. The subjects in the book mostly revolve around human nature, psychology, or science.
To write this book, Gladwell engaged with experts in these fields, acquired their insights, and broke these down for ‘the common man’. The purpose: ensuring we grasp his view, which is the brilliant view. The deep dive in subjects requires focus, but it is rewarding. Here is a basic overview of how the flow of the book works:
- Gladwell compares unrelated subjects—or so it may seem.
- He leads you through pages with one theme, then shifts to another.
- Then, he brings them together in a surprising way.
- On the other hand, he starts with a personal story and then takes a step back.
- The second part is the background of a company or the normal approach to a problem.
‘The Picture Problem’ in What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures is an example of how he tackles subjects. The story is one about mammograms and their role in saving save lives. For this Gladwell researched with various experts, including Dr. Gilbert Welch, an expert in medical outcomes from Dartmouth Medical School.
He draws a strange parallel between a picture for a mammogram and an image studying an image for air warfare. Through his talk with Mark Goldstein, a sensory psychophysicist, we uncover the profession of ‘sensory psychology’. Plus, we now know how the basics are relevant to breast exams and the right use of air power alike!
The Art of Scenario Setting in What the Dog Saw:
The part about What the Dog Saw and Other Stories that can be complex for some readers are ‘essays’. For those who prefer a constant story—a flow from start to finish—the book can be quite a test.
However, Malcolm Gladwell’s style is unique. It really does not matter that the fifteen-plus stories that make up the book are unrelated. Of course, there is the fact that each requires you to explore many situations with a new outlook.
Take an example: the beginning of one of the stories, Dangerous Minds, from What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures:
On November 16, 1940, workers at the Consolidated Edison building on West Sixty-fourth Street in Manhattan found a homemade pipe bomb on a windowsill. Attached was a note: “Con Edison crooks, this is for you.” In September of 1941, a second bomb was found, on Nineteenth Street, just a few blocks from Con Edison’s headquarters, near Union Square. It had been left in the street, wrapped in a sock.
Gladwell introduces each story like setting the stage or scene for a play or movie. The writing gives you a sense of the theme and piques your curiosity. The author’s talent for setting scenarios makes each essay an adventure. You will want to move on to the next one, and then another, and then another.
A Profound Adventure: What the Dog Saw Key Takeaways:
At times, the book feels less like a work of non-fiction and more like you are in a social experiment. All parts showcase Gladwell’s skills. The detail in research, the hard-hitting lessons yet the simple discussions, and the variety of subjects all are impressive.
The best part is that you get to have your very own take on the book. That said, some common insights from What the Dog Saw include:
- The author remains thorough in his exploration of the subject throughout the book. Yet he
keeps the reader hooked. You reach the same level of curiosity as his. - The book is a way to widen your mindset and be a better fellow human. After all, as Gladwell
himself emphasizes: you need to step into a person’s mindset to grasp their thoughts and
actions. - The book is classified as a self-care read. And you will feel your confidence and self-esteem
growing with each essay. While helping people know others, the author helps you realize your
potential and be happy with your worth. - An example of the brilliant craft of storytelling is shown in What the Dog Saw and Other
Adventures.
An example of the brilliant craft of storytelling is shown in What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures. The power of small actions, decision-making, and success stories—that’s ‘What the Dog Saw and Other Stories’ in a nutshell. This book is a great treasure for anyone who is unsure and feels like they are on the edge of things.
The Writing in What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures:
Before wrapping opinions on What the Dog Saw, it is vital to delve a bit into Malcolm Gladwell’s work. This book shares his classic style of writing, describing objects and events well while still keeping things brief. The author adds a history lesson or two (or five!) in each part to expand one’s facts.
Take ‘The Ketchup Conundrum’ is an example from What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures. You can read this story within the book or at the original post in The New Yorker in 2004. It’s nothing sort of a masterpiece, really charming and thought-provoking at the same time.
While learning about the famous names in condiments, you grow your gen knowledge. Plus, you ponder over your own taste (and wonder if it is truly as complex as you think it is!). And, of course, get a new outlook on marketing and the human thought process. about website
Long-form journalism is the specialty of Gladwell—yet even the less avid reader will find themselves drawn after just the first section. The author uses his words well, with barely any tedious notions, and each new part offers something fresh and interesting. In short, Malcolm Gladwell’s writing attracts and leaves you thinking long after you’ve closed the book. For those who have read Outliers, the link will be obvious and writing will be a nice welcome.
Final Thoughts:
What the Dog Saw and Other Stories is book that will provoke thought at each turn. The stories written by Gladwell will linger in your mind long after you turn the last page. The insights you gain will spark curiosity and inspire you to explore more works by this astute researcher and writer. Gladwell’s thoughts are inspired by a wonder about how others think. The book shows this with his desire to uncover tales of often less talked about heroes. The people who are not your typical celebs and not shown often on the media.
This book offers a rich variety of topics, covering childhood and feminism, criminology and psychology, war and politics—and the list goes on. The brilliant part in each subject is Gladwell’s skill of bringing disjointed (or as it may seem) things together. You can enjoy the essays in any order you prefer, or follow the given order in What the Dog Saw. Next time when you find yourself thinking ‘Why do other people not think the way I think’, here is a chance for you to read something that makes you content. It’s amazing how Gladwell blends in various communities, capturing their essence and sharing it with readers in a clear manner, all while his book also presents broader lessons.