Blink

I thought I should keep track of some of the books I have found over the summer. It is the best time in my opinion to read- responsibilities decrease, lounging pool-side increases and I crave something that doesn't footnote every line. Funny then that I should choose Blink. This is a Malcolm Gladwell book- same author as The Tipping Point, Outliers, and What the Dog Saw. Two of those three books have been described to me- and I turned quickly away from them. But then I read Blink- and I may have to revise my opinion on this popular thinker. While it is definitely trying to teach you something, he writes in an easy-to-read style and uses fantastic examples to draw you in further. I guess I better stop gushing and start explaining this book a bit. Okay, how long does it take you to blink? about a second or so. How many decisions to you make about your surroundings in those quick seconds? Lots- at least that is what dear Malcolm sets out to prove. So I can't really re-create all of what he has to say- but he touches on common sense aspects, on easy to understand examples and even some ways to test yourself. Basically we have a subconscious decision-making process that helps us to quickly make split-second decisions long before our conscious minds catch up and figure things out. I can't help but be drawn towards this kind of psychology-based explanation for some of the most basic things that occur everyday. I feel like I may not solely base my ideas on science- but when what I feel is a good explanation for things comes to my attention I am inclined to explore it. One of the most interesting parts of this book deals with facial muscle movements and the emotions that are universally portrayed. We aren't talking smile & frown- more like small variations of one particular muscle portraying multiple different feelings. Okay that is just a snippet. You will have to read it for yourself. But to give you an even better idea, read what one review on Amazon has to say. I can't pretend I could write it as well as this- so let me do a little referencing of my own.

"As he displays again in this entertaining and illuminating look at how we make snap judgments—about people's intentions, the authenticity of a work of art, even military strategy—he can parse for general readers the intricacies of fascinating but little-known fields like professional food tasting (why does Coke taste different from Pepsi?). Gladwell's conclusion, after studying how people make instant decisions in a wide range of fields from psychology to police work, is that we can make better instant judgments by training our mind and senses to focus on the most relevant facts—and that less input (as long as it's the right input) is better than more. "

( http://www.amazon.ca/Blink-Power-Thinking-Without/dp/0316172324 )

I hope this sparks your interest- and next time I will need to tell you all about my pre-summer reads that I cannot shut up about- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (and sequels)! And once I finish my current read I will share because so far I adore it :) So start your reading lists my dears!