I believe that the biggest problem with Malcolm Gladwell's writing is that one may be left with the impression that it's journalism. To understand why he does not provide critical analysis of the topics he writes on, this quote from last week's NY Times Sunday Book Review is enlightening:
I also like to steer clear of writing about people whom I do not personally like. My rule is that if I interview someone, they should never read what I have to say about them and regret having given me the interview.[1]
I also like to steer clear of writing about people whom I do not personally like. My rule is that if I interview someone, they should never read what I have to say about them and regret having given me the interview.[1]
[1] http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/06/books/review/malcolm-gladw...