I found the Ted talk more helpful

I have every respect for the investigations Angela Duckworth has performed and I agree with her conclusion that grit matters more than talent. The first part of the book is an outline of the evidence she has gathered to support her theory. I found it more detailed that needed and I may have skipped ahead if I had realised how extensive her presented evidence would be. In part 2 she states that grit can be grown. Sadly the only helpful advice I gleaned was to consider resilience training through cognitive behavioral therapy. She echoes advice from 'feel the fear' and habit forming books like 'the power of habit' and 'the willpower instinct' and 'the practicing mind'. She also calls on Barbera Oakley's investigations on learning and neural plasticity with particular emphasis on deliberate practice and not allowing yourself to give up. Personally I feel Oakley's free online 'learning how to learn' course is more practical and informative. I picked up this audio book looking for practical advice. I did enjoy the book however it's more theory and examples than an outline on how to become gritty. I intend to look into resilience training through cbt and I am very grateful for Angela Duckworth's research, and particularly her TED talk. It has provided a lot of encouragement and reminded me that failure isn't final, it's an opportunity to learn.

69 people found this helpful

Not a lot of practical advice

I did enjoy the book, but is mainly theory followed by examples. There is very little practical or actionable advice.

11 people found this helpful

Excellen t Book

If you could sum up Grit in three words, what would they be?

A very interesting book well read by the original researcher on the subject of grit. I recommend it to everyone. One problem is noted with the audiobook though - many references are made to the accompanying PDF with this audiobook, which however is not present.

10 people found this helpful

Boring

This book was slow, dull and lacking insight. The narration wasn't pleasing to the ear and the style of writing was awkward. Fairly simple points made laboriously. Didn't listen to the end.

8 people found this helpful

Lots of grit needed to listen through the tedium

Would you try another book written by Angela Duckworth or narrated by Angela Duckworth?

Not in the audible format but perhaps in paper/kindle form.

What could Angela Duckworth have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Less personal anecdotes and a more balanced overview of the counterarguments rather than the feel of 'gospel' that is preached here. A wider set of examples too, as predominantly the ones recited were rather academic.

Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Angela Duckworth?

Perhaps a professional narrator. Brilliant academics might not necessarily be brilliant narrators.

You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Yes- There were some fascinating studies that were discussed and well researched. There was plenty of detail and plenty of hours to listen to, which is value for money for the credits. There was certainly a real human element to the stories that would appeal to many readers (just not what I personally was looking for). The issue was the repetition of many key points. If the book was edited somewhat and abridged, it would have made a sharper, more incisive read and carried more weight. There were definitely some takeaways from the book

7 people found this helpful

Essential for parents, teachers, leaders and anyone who wants to understand achievement

This book confounded my expectations. I didn't expect to hear so much about joy and passion. I didn't expect to see so much of myself when the author describes the pitfalls of those who don't develop enough grit at a young age. I did expect to feel a little downhearted at the end; as someone not greatly gritty I worried this would be a terrible few hours of self flagellation.

In the end I felt inspired. This book will help me to better myself and to be better at my job and as an uncle and future father.

5 people found this helpful

Fantastic & inspirational

Revelating book read by a kind voice, feels like talking to an inspirational friend! Highly recommended for those who have not yet found their calling or for those in need of motivation to keep going. Fantastic!

5 people found this helpful

Beautifully read, wonderfully written

A really practical and useful model, impressively well research and beautifully presented. A real find and a seminal work.

3 people found this helpful

Great!

Goes into much more detail than any talks, interviews or articles you might have read. Includes specific, actionable advice. Littered with anecdotes, research references and examples. Definitely a recommended read for anyone with an interest in the effects of perseverance and passion, and how to grow these for ourselves and others.

2 people found this helpful

Exceptional book - highly recommend

This book is well written with refreshingly new ideas. It is devoid of the cliches of this genre. It provides reasoned and often evidenced based arguments for what it professes. There are few who would not both enjoy and benefit from this book.

2 people found this helpful