Written by Amy Chua, Jed Rubenfeld
Format: MP3 Written by: Amy Chua, Jed Rubenfeld
Narrated by: Jonathan Todd Ross
Length: 7 hrs and 8 mins Format: Unabridged Release Date:02-04-14
Publisher's Summary It may be taboo to say, but some groups in America do better than others. Mormons have recently risen to astonishing business success. Cubans in Miami climbed from poverty to prosperity in a generation. Nigerians earn doctorates at stunningly high rates. Indian and Chinese Americans have much higher incomes than other Americans; Jews may have the highest of all. Why do some groups rise? Drawing on groundbreaking original research and startling statistics, The Triple Package uncovers the secret to their success. A superiority complex, insecurity, impulse control - these are the elements of the Triple Package, the rare and potent cultural constellation that drives disproportionate group success. The Triple Package is open to anyone. America itself was once a triple-package culture. It's been losing that edge for a long time now. Even as headlines proclaim the death of upward mobility in America, the truth is that the old-fashioned American Dream is very much alive - but some groups have a cultural edge, which enables them to take advantage of opportunity far more than others.
•Americans are taught that everyone is equal, that no group is superior to another. But remarkably, all of America’s most successful groups believe (even if they don’t say so aloud) that they’re exceptional, chosen, superior in some way.
•Americans are taught that self-esteem - feeling good about yourself - is the key to a successful life. But in all of America’s most successful groups, people tend to feel insecure, inadequate, that they have to prove themselves.
•America today spreads a message of immediate gratification, living for the moment. But all of America’s most successful groups cultivate heightened discipline and impulse control. But the triple package has a dark underside too. Each of its elements carries distinctive pathologies; when taken to an extreme, they can have truly toxic effects. Should people strive for the triple package? Should America? Ultimately, the authors conclude that the triple package is a ladder that should be climbed and then kicked away, drawing on its power but breaking free from its constraints.
What the Critics Say "This comprehensive, lucid sociological study balances its findings with a probing look at the downsides of the triple package - the burden of carrying a family’s expectations, and deep insecurities that come at a psychological price." (Publishers Weekly) "On a highly touchy subject, the authors tread carefully, backing their assertions with copious notes. Though coolly and cogently argued, this book is bound to be the spark for many potentially heated discussions." (Kirkus Reviews)
"Triple Thumbs Up!!" This book is a must listen for anyone who wants insights into what makes some people and cultures successful. It is intended to be provacative and politically iccorrect which is why I appreciated and enjoyed it. Amy Chua and Jeb Rubenfiled backup most every idea with hard statistics which support each conclusion they present and they do it in an entertaining manner. Some of the successful cultures presented werent suprising such as Jews and chinese-americans but i wasnt expecting to hear about the success of Cuban-Americans and Nigerians. My only criticism would be in the narration. I feel the subject matter could have landed better with a bit more sharper stronger voice. The narration is a little soft in my opinion.
"Absolutely Fascinating!" Would you consider the audio edition of The Triple Package to be better than the print version? sure What other book might you compare The Triple Package to and why? This is not a great comparison, but, I consider my experience listening to this book similar to the experience I had with Samuel Huntington's 'Clash of Civilizations.' What does Jonathan Todd Ross bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book? Very clear narration that fit the tone of the book. If you could give The Triple Package a new subtitle, what would it be? Comically speaking: "why you wish you were Jewish or Mormon.'
On a more serious note: "The American Dream of upward mobility is alive and well." Any additional comments? This book was sincerely thought provoking. If you are a millennial like myself I highly suggest listening to this book. This book was refreshingly honest about cultural qualities in a way that was not pandering to stereo type yet openly addressed observable qualities of various cultural groups in America.
"Speculative ending" Mostly, I found this book worthwhile reading, and I'm glad I read (listened to) it. Well researched points made throughout, until the end, whereat the authors speculated and came to conclusions with no research foundation. So, in a jarring way, the last chapter didn't mesh well with the rest of the book.