Bounce: Mozart, Federer, Picasso, Beckham, and the Science of Success by Matthew SyedMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and interesting book on the subject of nature vs. nurture. The author examines the now well known "ten thousand hours of practice" rule of expertise, using both anecdotes and research, and shows that it seems to apply even to so-called prodigies. He also examines the psychological aspects of performance and how it applies to both success and "choking".
There may not be, as critics have pointed out, anything totally knew or revelatory here. But it is well presented and easy to read, and a somewhat compelling introduction to the area. The final two chapters, dealing with doping and racial issues, seem a little out of place. But they do not overly detract from the overall message.
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