Taking Time Out to Read Malcolm Gladwell’s “Outliers” at Starbucks

Friday night I finally did something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I went to Starbucks, bought my iced tea and then sat down there and read. Usually I just drop in, get my iced teas to go, and take off on my errands or return to the office to work or go home for time with my family. But this time I stayed, drank my black tea – no water – no sweetener, and read my book Ian, Courtney, and Cai Anne (Grandpa’s little Texas pepper) sent me for Christmas. (Thanks, Guys)

I loved sitting there at a table by myself, yellow highlighter in hand, and Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers: The Story of Success in front of me. Sometimes I just love being where other people are, even if I’m not visiting with them. Obviously this is not a unique condition or Starbucks would never have put in so many tables and chairs plus wireless Internet connectivity. Community doesn’t always have to involve people actively. Sometimes just sharing the experience of a place or having people around is enough.

Dorothy taught me that. She said that she used to sit with her grandmother and watch TV together, not visiting, not chatting, not doing anything but only sharing her presence. That seems to be important to her mother too now that she has Alzheimer’s. She wants company, even if you aren’t talking about anything.

So last night, I wanted company and a great book — but not conversation — and I wanted no TV distracting me as I dug into my third Malcolm Gladwell book. As usual, it’s fascinating reading. He cites new research that shows there is more to success than the brilliant person and hard work. Still, it does take hard work, very hard work, persistent hard work.

NOTE: If you are interested in ordering this book, please go to my Resources tab to find a link to Amazon for either the book or the audio book.