Type of bind: Hardcover
Label: Farrar, Straus And Giroux
Manufacturer: Farrar, Straus And Giroux
Page Count: 488
Printing Date: 2005
Publishing house: Farrar, Straus And Giroux
Sale Popularity Level: 742194
Studio: Farrar, Straus And Giroux
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Rated by buyers 
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Over a thousand reviews posted for a single book are bound to reflect a variety of opinions. But few books can elicit the repetitive and inconsistent nods present here. Most of these reviews fall into two groups: the very first classifies this book as well-written and highly informative; the second classifies it as too verbose and oversimplified. I have to say, both groups are right.
They are right because I found myself reflecting both sentiments as I read the book.
The very first four chapters of the book recount the rise of globalization and the forces behind it. This accounts for about the very first third of the book's pages, and I found its packaging of the complex forces behind globalization to be highly informative and easy to understand.
The remaining two thirds of the book attempts to use the very first third to put the world's actors into context. More specifically, it attempts to describe how globalization is affecting individuals, the companies they work in, and the countries they live in. Then it outlines what the author sees as necessary changes for keeping them all competitive. It was in this part where the author's simplified approach to globalization undermined his purpose. Recognizing this effect, the author likely felt he needed to buttress his proposals with more support. Unfortunately, his effort to do so droned on without adding much substance. Here is where the book's packaging fell apart.
And hence, this is why the reviewers here feel the way they do. For those who liked the author's proposed solutions, the momentum of the very first part of the book likely carried them through to the end. For those who didn't, their enthusiasm likely waned and they quickly lost interest.
Which will you be? I don't know. Take the time to read the very first four chapters, but don't feel guilty if you set the book aside long before you reach the end.
Rated by buyers 
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Now that the US is going through a terrible recession, we are going to regret that we outsourced all our production to other countries just to save a buck (NOT out of the kindness of our hearts to help India or China), leaving an anemic service industry that isn't going to be enough when the dollar weakens and imports become expensive.
Then we will have to start making our own stuff, and by then we will be starting out from scratch, and it will take years to recover.
Thanks a lot, globalization.
Rated by buyers -
Whether you are a newly college grad, a cashier from Wal-Mart or you just got laid off by CitiGroup, take some time and read this book. It will give you a brand new perspective of how companies run their business today; it will probably make you realized how incompetent you actually are in a flat world. But at least you will finally be able to have a intellectual talk with your friends while you are in a bar.
In "The World Is Flat", Friedman talks about how he realized that the world is actually flat on a trip to Bangalore, India. From the fall of Berlin Wall to the raise of search engine and personal digital devices, Friedman explains how each major events and inventions from the nineties to the twenty-first century contributed to the flattening of the world. Friedman also talks about how government, companies, and individuals should deal with this flat world. The last part of the book, Friedman examines the impact of globalization on cultures and countries, ending the book with a strong emphasis on imagination as the key to survive in this new world.
Be prepared, "The World Is Flat" might come as a shock to many readers. Friedman is revealing a side of business we, as ordinary shoppers, have never seen or even imagined before. Freidman makes many great points in this book, and for every points, he also backs it up with real life examples. The most interesting examples I find is how UPS is actually running the backroom operation for many big companies, repairing computers for Toshiba and fulfilling shoe orders for Nike. The structure of the book is very clear and understandable; it follows the path of cause, effect, and response. While reading the book, my suggestion is always take some time to reflect what Friedman says with your own experience; this will make the book a lot more interesting and enjoyable. After all, it is 600+ pages long.
Friedman makes a lot of good points in this book; but bewares, some of his points are very subjective. When reading a book, never take the author's points or opinions as given; think them over in your own mind, reflect them to your own experience. Writers are not always right. When Friedman talks about one point, and you come up with a counterfactual, you just doubled the learning and acquired a broader perspective. Also, Friedman often provides excessive examples in this book. He often goes on and on about one thing and the whole reading experience could be jeopardized. Sometimes one example is enough, why tell us three more. If you understand what he's talking about, skip to the subsequent topic, or else you will never be able finish the book.
In conclusion, "The World Is Flat" is a great book to read, especially at this time. With the current speed of technological breakthrough, people need to be on their toes and always be prepared for the unimaginable. A flat world means more people are competing with you, but it also means more opportunity to thrive. Whoever can adapt the fastest gets ahead.
Rated by buyers 
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I found the very first section (263 pages) difficult to plow through - I come from a software / engineering background and found the techie speak in the very first section dry. Understandably this book was written for a broad audience, and this section was a prerequisite for the remainder of the book as it brings the reader up to speed on globalization and the events that have contributed to today's flattened world. Once through the very first section the text picks up it's pace, and reads like a novel as Friedman's prose weaves experiences, concerns, research, and philosophy together.
Globalization effects everyone and everyone should read this fantastic book.
Rated by buyers -
My father recommended this book to me and although it is so long that when people saw me reading it asked me if it was the Bible, it is the most important book that I've read in at least the last three years.
Friedman displays unbelievable foresight, simplicity and understanding of the complex world that we live in and gives his best effort to inform anyone who is smart enough to realize how important it is to be prepared for the technological revolution that is currently underway.
I find myself citing this book at least a few times per week and couldn't stress enough how important it is, especially for people under 30 to read an understand everything contained within it.
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